Skip to main content

Full text of "An historical, topographical, and descriptive view of the county of Northumberland, and of those parts of the county of Durham situated north of the river Tyne, with Berwick Upon Tweed, and brief notices of celebrated places on the Scottish border .."

See other formats 


Google 


This  is  a  digital  copy  of  a  book  that  was  preserved  for  generations  on  library  shelves  before  it  was  carefully  scanned  by  Google  as  part  of  a  project 

to  make  the  world's  books  discoverable  online. 

It  has  survived  long  enough  for  the  copyright  to  expire  and  the  book  to  enter  the  public  domain.  A  public  domain  book  is  one  that  was  never  subject 

to  copyright  or  whose  legal  copyright  term  has  expired.  Whether  a  book  is  in  the  public  domain  may  vary  country  to  country.  Public  domain  books 

are  our  gateways  to  the  past,  representing  a  wealth  of  history,  culture  and  knowledge  that's  often  difficult  to  discover. 

Marks,  notations  and  other  maiginalia  present  in  the  original  volume  will  appear  in  this  file  -  a  reminder  of  this  book's  long  journey  from  the 

publisher  to  a  library  and  finally  to  you. 

Usage  guidelines 

Google  is  proud  to  partner  with  libraries  to  digitize  public  domain  materials  and  make  them  widely  accessible.  Public  domain  books  belong  to  the 
public  and  we  are  merely  their  custodians.  Nevertheless,  this  work  is  expensive,  so  in  order  to  keep  providing  tliis  resource,  we  liave  taken  steps  to 
prevent  abuse  by  commercial  parties,  including  placing  technical  restrictions  on  automated  querying. 
We  also  ask  that  you: 

+  Make  non-commercial  use  of  the  files  We  designed  Google  Book  Search  for  use  by  individuals,  and  we  request  that  you  use  these  files  for 
personal,  non-commercial  purposes. 

+  Refrain  fivm  automated  querying  Do  not  send  automated  queries  of  any  sort  to  Google's  system:  If  you  are  conducting  research  on  machine 
translation,  optical  character  recognition  or  other  areas  where  access  to  a  large  amount  of  text  is  helpful,  please  contact  us.  We  encourage  the 
use  of  public  domain  materials  for  these  purposes  and  may  be  able  to  help. 

+  Maintain  attributionTht  GoogXt  "watermark"  you  see  on  each  file  is  essential  for  in  forming  people  about  this  project  and  helping  them  find 
additional  materials  through  Google  Book  Search.  Please  do  not  remove  it. 

+  Keep  it  legal  Whatever  your  use,  remember  that  you  are  responsible  for  ensuring  that  what  you  are  doing  is  legal.  Do  not  assume  that  just 
because  we  believe  a  book  is  in  the  public  domain  for  users  in  the  United  States,  that  the  work  is  also  in  the  public  domain  for  users  in  other 
countries.  Whether  a  book  is  still  in  copyright  varies  from  country  to  country,  and  we  can't  offer  guidance  on  whether  any  specific  use  of 
any  specific  book  is  allowed.  Please  do  not  assume  that  a  book's  appearance  in  Google  Book  Search  means  it  can  be  used  in  any  manner 
anywhere  in  the  world.  Copyright  infringement  liabili^  can  be  quite  severe. 

About  Google  Book  Search 

Google's  mission  is  to  organize  the  world's  information  and  to  make  it  universally  accessible  and  useful.   Google  Book  Search  helps  readers 
discover  the  world's  books  while  helping  authors  and  publishers  reach  new  audiences.  You  can  search  through  the  full  text  of  this  book  on  the  web 

at|http: //books  .google  .com/I 


DA 

I    *i  ... 


M"^^ 


'/^^^d^'^ 


^  ^t  ^4^^ 


I 


^^p^.^»««iWir-  ^--^ 


HISTORICAL^  TOPOGRAPHICAL,  AND  DESCRIPTIVE 

VIEW 

OF  THE  COUNTY  OF 

NORTHUMBERLAND, 

AND   OF   THOSE 

PARTS  OF  THE  COUNTY  OP  DURHAM 

SITUATED  NORTH  OF  THE  RIVER  TYNE, 

WITH 

BERWICK  UPON  TWEED, 

AND 

BRIEF  NOTICES  OF  CELEBRATED  PLACES  ON  THE  SCOTTISH  BORDER. 

COXPBBHBMOINO  THB  VABIOUB  8UBJB0T8  OF 

NATURAL,   CIVIL,   AND   ECCLESIASTICAL   GEOGRAPHY,   AGEtClTLTURE,   MINES,   HANUFACTITREdy   TRADE, 

COMMERCE,   BUILDINGS,   ANTIQUITIES,   CURIOSITIES,  PltBLIC   INSTITUTIONS, 
POPULATION,   CUSTOMS,    BIOGRAPHY,   LOCAL  HISTORY, 

fte«  &€• 


■   « 


S^nrntr  SHitiott, 

CABBFOIiLT  OOBBBCTaO,  AM*  SBBAVItT  BNIiABOaD  WITB  OUBIOUS,  TALUABLB,  AMD  A0TaaNTIO  HATTKB- 

VOLUME  II. 


BY  E:  MACKENZIE, 


Author  of  the  HUtoty  of  Egypt,  and  Editor  ofHodem  Oeography,  Select  Biography,  Life  of  Napoleon 

Bonaparte,  ^c. 


JJEWCASTLE  UPON  TYNE  ! 

PRINTED   AND   PUBLISHED   BY   MACKENZIE   AND   DENT,    ST.    NICHOLAS*  CHURCH-YARD. 

Sold  alto  by  Sherwood,  Nedy,  and  Jones,  London ;  Charnley,  Bell,  and  Sykes,  Newewtle;  Watson,  Gateshead ;  WlUattSoa  and  Bbfr, 

Morpeth  t  Barker,  Hexham ;  Gann,  Alnwick ;  Reid  and  Wilson,  Berwick ;  Arthur,  Caiitsle  ; 
and  by  most  of  the  principal  Booksellers  in  the  North  of  England. 

18S6. 


;  /. 


* 

I 


AN 


HISTORICAL,  TOPOGRAPHICAL,  AND  DESCRIPI'IVB 


OF  THE 


COUNTY   OF   NORTHUMBERLAND. 


COQUBTDAUB  WAUB.^-NOttVH  DIVISION. 


ILDEHTON   PABISH. 

HIS  parish  k  situated  on  ibe  northern  extremity  of  Coquet* 
dale  W  ard,  having  the  hi^y  cultivated  lands  of  Wooler  and 
Doddington  on  the  north,  the  picturesque  mountains  of  Cheviot 
on  the  west,  the  hilly  districts  of  Ingranr  on  the  south,  aad  the 
extensive  parish  of  Eglingham  on-  the  east  It'  ext^ids  6  miles 
fiom  east  to  west»  and  4^  miles  frcmi  north  to  south ;  and 
een^ains  105  houses,  and  sk^  inhabitants.  There  are  two  day«> 
sehools  »  thift  pailsk;  ene  a*  Bosedoi^  and  the  other  at  Mid- 

dleton;  at  both  of  whidi  aboui  88»  chiUbeft  ave  educated.    The  parisfa  is  intersected^ 

by  the  Litt-BuM, 

lLD£BT<m  village  stands  upen  a  hill,  on  the  west  side  of  the  Coldstream  road.  It 
is  distant  4  miles  soupth-^outh^east  Arom  Wooler,  and  86^  miles  north  by  west  from 
Morpeth.  The  church  is  dedicated  to  St  Michael,  and  the  living  a  discharged  rec^ 
twy  in  the  gift  ^  the  Bufce  of  Northuraberiand.* 

Ilderton  was  a  dependent  manor  of  the  barony  of  Wark,  of  which  it  was  held  br 
the  ancient  firnifly  of  the  Hdertons;  Henry  de  Ilderton,  1  king  Edward  I.  held  thirf 
manor,  and  the  three  Middletons,  by  the  annual  rent  of  SQ*.^of  the  barony  of  Beanly, 
It  was  possessed  by  Sir  Thomas  de  Ilderton,  50  king  Edward  III»  he  being  that  year 
high  sheriff  of  Northumbeiiand»  and  in  the  1  king  Ilfehard  I.  acquiredgreat  honour 
by  his  valour,  at  the  siege. of  Berwick  upon  Tweed ;  by  Sir  Ralph  de  Ilderton,  who 
had  a  commission  against  the  Moors,  1  king  Henry  VIII.  1509 ;  by  Thomas  Ilderton, 

*  In  an  oTd  account  of  patrons  c^  churchoe  in  Noithumborland,  in  the  band-writing  of  Barnes,  bishop  of 
Purbam,  the  laird  of  Ilderton  is  stjlad  patron  of  the  living  of  Ildert«n» 

VOL.  II,  B 


6  COQUETDALE  WARD— N.  D. 

10  queen  Elizabeth,  who  also  held  Rosedon,  and  lands  in  Brunton  and  Shipley ;  by 
John  Ilderton,  in  the  reign  of  king  Charles  I. ;  by  Thomas,  who  died  in  1762,  and 
was  succeeded  by  Charles,  who  di^  shortly  after.  It  is  now  in  the  possession  of  his 
son,  Sanderson  Ilderton,  Esq. 

Between  Ilderton  and  Hedgehope,  one  of  the  highest  of  the  Cheviot  mountains, 
and  near  the  Three-stone  Bum,  is  a  I)ruidic  Temple^  consisting  of  ten  large  mde  and 
unequal  stones,  placed  in  an  oval  form,  from  east  to  west  38  yards  in  diameter,  and 
88  yards  from  north  to  south.  The  stones  are  mostly  thrown  down,  or  sunk  so  far  in 
the  earth,  that  their  original  number  cannot  now  be  exactly  ascertained.  Three  very 
large  ones  which  stood  erect,  and  greatly  out-topped  the  others,  probably  gave  the 
present  name  to  the  bum  near  which  this  monument  stands.*  This  mountainous 
and  picturesque  country,  where  nature  assumes  the  grandest  and  most  sublime  forms, 
seems  to  have  been  the  favourite  seat  of  Druidism.  The  towering  hills  of  Cheviot, 
and  the  recesses  of  the  woods  with  which  their  sides  were  anciently  covered,  were 
alike  favourable  for  the  purposes  of  devotion  and  defence.  Hence  this  part  of  the 
county  is  covered  with  the  forts  of  the  Britons,  and  the  temples  of  their  priests.  But 
this  district  has  never  been  minutely  surveyed  by  the  curious  eye  of  the  antiquary ; 
and,  no  doubt,  a  variety  of  curious  and  interesting  objects  remain  to  reward  me  in- 
dustry of  the  accurate  surveyor. 

RosEDON. — ^This  township  adjoins  the  village  of  Ilderton  on  the  south.  On  Rose* 
don  Edge  is  a  large  square  entrenchment,  which  appears  to  have  been  a  Roman  post, 
and. the  situation  was' weU  calculated  for  observing  the  neighbouring  strong-holds  of  the 

'  *  Draidic  temples  are  of  different  forms :  they  are  sometimes  formed  of  a  single  circle,  and  often  of  double 
and  treble  concentric  circles  of  upright  stones.  In  general^  only  one  or  two  of  those  incloaures  are  found  in 
one  place ;  though  there  are  instances  cf  three,  four,  and  even  more  in  the  same  vicinity.  Stone  pillars  and 
small  cairns  are  sometimes  found  in  the  middle  of  the  area ;  and  at  other  times  the  altar  is  placed  on  the  out- 
side. The  number  of  the  stones  which  form  these  areas  is  different,  and  was  probably  determined  by  some 
established  rules«  expressive  of  the  erudition  of  those  ages.  Twelve  is  the  most  usual  number,  either  in  ho» 
nour  of  the  twelve  superior  deities,  or  to  some  national  custom  of  twelve  persons  of  authority  meeting  there 
in  council ;  or  else  alluding  to  the  twelve  months  of  the  year.  It  is  difficult  to  determine  the  different  uses 
to;  which  these  various  temples  were  appropriated.  Accurate  enquiry  might,  perhaps,  discover,  that  the 
circles  and  ovals  of  erect  stones,  with  stohe  pillars  and  small  cairns  within  them,  are  the  Oratories  of  ancient 
tim^.  They  were  also  used,  occasionally  for  dvil  purposes;  And  the  nobles  stood  or  sat  in  a  circle  upon 
those  stones,  during  the  time  of  council,  law,  or  election,  whilst  the  king,  or  high  chief,  stood  by  the  pillar 
in  the  middle  of  the 'area.  This  custom  of  sitting  on  stones  in  council  was  very  ancient  among  the  more 
eastern  nations ;  for,  in  the  several  sculptures  which  the  fruitful  imagination  of  Homer  bestows  so  liberally 
on  the  shield  of  Achilles,  one  of  them  is  of  the  elders  of  the  community,  met  together  to. decide  a.matter  in 
difference,  sitting  on  stones  properly  adapted  to  receive  them,  and  in  a  sacred  circle :— - 

*'  Ort  rough-hewn  stones,  within  the  sacred  cirque, 
Convok'd,  the  hoary  sages  saf 

This  mode  of  meedng  in  council  was  long  retained  by  the  primitive  inhabitants  of  northern  Europe;  and 
it  was  peculiarly  consistent  with  the  principles  of  Druidism  to  convert  the  temple  of  the  gods  into  a  court  of 
judicature,  and  even  into  a  place  of  execution,  where  the  blood  of  the  offender  was  offered  in  atonement  upon 
the  altar  of  the  offended  gods.    See  the  description  of  Yevering  Bell,  voL  i.  p.  377* 


ILDERTON  PARISH.  7 

Britons.    But  previous  to  its  occupation  by  the  Roman  troops,  it  has  been  a  fortress 
belonging  to  the  )iatives»  as  its  name  clearly  imports. 

RonDAM,  the  seat  of  the  anoient  family  of  the  Roddams,  is  agreeably  situated  a 
little  distance  west  from  the  Coldstream  road,  on  a  bold  eminence,  which,  on  the 
south,  forms  the  banks  of  a  deep  romantic  dell.  The  house  is  a  handsome  modern 
building,  and  commands  a  very  pleasant  prospect  of  the  vale  which  stretches  under  it. 

The  family  of  Roddam  is  believed  to  be  one  of  the  most  primeval  in  the  British 
dominions ;  the  Scottish  Heraldry  most  likely  contahis  their  more  remote  Unea^ge^  as 
upon  an  old  pedigree  of  the  family  is  written  the  following  grant,  in  Saxon  characters : 

^^  I  King  Athelstan  gives  unto  the  Pole  Roddam, 

Prom  me  and  mine,  to  thee  and  thine. 

Before  my  wife  Maude,  my  daughter  Maudlin,  and  my  eldest  son  Henry, 

And  for  a  certen  truth, 

I  bite  this  wax  with  my  gang  tooth, 

Sa  long  as  muir  bears  moss,  and  cnout*  grows  haref 

A  Roddam  of  Roddam  for  ever  mareJ^ 

« 

The  Roddams  had  originally  possessed  a  great  portion  of  the  north  of  Northmn* 
beriand ;  but  the  little  progress  of  improvement,  added  to  the  varying  governments 
and  warring  events  of  former  ages,  caused  their  property  to  be  much  reduced ;  which 
is  laughably  and  satirically  noticed  by  the  laconic  author  of  a  supposed  will  of  a 
northern  clergyman,  written  about  forty  years  ago,  who  laments  that  the  proud  Rod- 
dams  and  Delavels,  who  merrily  dance  in  their  rags^  cannot  sell  their  lineage.  King 
Athelstan's  grant  of  the  only  part  of  the  ancient  inheritance  that  they  now  retain  is 
drcumstantially  and  more  particularly  mentioned  in  Historia  Mc^oris  Britanniae  tarn 
Angliae  quam  Scotiae ;  per  Joannam  Majorem^  nomine  quidem  Scotum  prafessione  au^ 
tern  Theohgnm  e  veterum  monumentU  candnfiata^  giving  certain  and  indubitable 
proofs  of  the  antiquity  of  their  ancestry ;  in  which  the  author,  mentioning  an  irrup- 
tion of  the  Englisn  into  Scotland  in  the  reim  of  king  Richard  II.  says.  That  they 
burnt  the  monastries  of  Melros,  Dryburgh,  Newbottle,  and  Edinburgh,  and  returned 
back  without  damage.  After  their  departure,  Robert  Stewart,  Earl  of  Fife,  second 
son  of  the  king  of  Scotland,  having  with  him  James  Earl  of  Douglas,  and  Archibald 
Earl  of  Galway,  with  thirty  thousand  men,  entered  England  by  Solway  Frith,  and 
finding  the  adjacent  country  rich  and  abundant,  carried  off  very  great  spoil.  While 
he  was  there,  a  most  ancient  charter  was  brought  to  him,  in  which  was  thus  written : 

t  King  Athelstan 

Giffis  heir  to  Paulane 

Odam  and  Roddam 

AIs  gud  and  als  fair 

Als  ever  tha  myn  ware 

And  yair  to  witness  Maid  my  wife. 

The  same  Robert,  then  Duke  of  Albany,  was  chosen  governor  of  Scotland,  during 
the  detention  of  his  nephew,  king  James  I.  in  England.    Whenever  he  heard  long 

*  Or  itiuw/,  a  north  oomitry  term  for  cattle. 


t  COQUETDALE  WARD.— N.  D. 

f 

charters  and  other  similar  writings,  he  used  to  say,  that  in  ancient  times  there  was 
more  probity  and  good  faith,  when  ouif  ancestors  were  not  vet  aooustomed  to  such 
minute  prolixity  in  their  conveyances.  And  this  opinion  he  exemplified  by  these 
letters  patent  of  king  Athelstan,  which  he  was  wont»  to  recite  from  memory  on  such 
occasions.     Such  is  the  substance  of  Major's  curious  narrative  respecting  this  ancient 

E>ant  Although  the  head  quarters  of  the  Scotch  waa  in  Cumberland  or  Westmore* 
nd,  yet  a  detachment  might  have  penetrate  into  Roddam,  and  found  the  writing 
in  question ;  and  as  Major  appears  to  quote  the  lines  only  from  Duke  Robert's  recim 
of  them,  this  will  account  for  their  having  been  somewhat  modernized  and  altered 
from  the  genuine  Saxon  of  king  Athelstan's  original  ffrant.* 

it  is  mentioned  in  Leland*s  Collectanea,  that  **  Gubert  Rodam,  having  fifty-three 

flay ves  with  him,  and  eighty  archers,  fought  with  Reynald  de  GuHon,  capitayne  of 
*arys,  near  Stampes  (now  Etampes,  in  Normandy),  that  had  seven  hundred  men  of 
armes  and  four  hundred  brigantes  with  him.  Gilbert  was  slayen ;  yet  the  English- 
men had  the  victory,  and  Reynald  was  taken  prisoner ;  but  he,  by  the  h^  of  a  false 
Englishman,  was  convayied  or  ever  he  had  payid  his  rannsom." 

The  English  Heraldiy  first  mentions  Eleonora  Roddam,  mairied  to  Robert  Um-. 
franville.  Earl  of  Angus,  81  king  Henry  II.  (1184)— WiDison  de  Roddam — ^Thomas — 
WilKam  de  Roddam,  49  king  Henry  HI. — ^WUUaai  married  the  dauf^^ter  and  hebess 
ef  Thomas  D'Esplee,  king  Edward  II. — ^Sir  John  Roddam,  of  Roddam,  knight,  kurd 
of  Houghton,  in  right  of  nis  wife  EUea,  daughter  and  heiress  of  Joha  Hou^aton,  o£ 
Houffhton,  in  the  county  of  Northumberland,  Esq,  He  was  slain  in  the  Palm-Sun^ 
day  field,  with  the  Earl  of  Northumberiand,  at  the  battie  of  Towt^m,  on  the  19tk  of 
March,  1491 — Joane,  daughter  of  Adam  de  Roddam,  nuufried  Thomas  de  UmfranN 
ville — John,  1  king  Edward  IV. — Johik,  6  kiBtf  Edward  VI.-^^Rob^rt;,.  10  queen 
Elizabeth — John,  in  the  reign  of  king  Charles  I.  &c.  &e.  This  ancient  family  haa 
intermarried  with  the  Greys,  the  Sdibysi,  the  Forat^rs,  the  Swinbumes,  and  the  Losles, 
of  this  couuty.f     William  Roddam^  £sq«  the  pre^wt  proprietor  of  Roddam>  ia 

*  If  the  terrible  confliet  between  the  great  Athehtaa  and  the  Sdoteh  anil  DuNi  took  pbce  al  Bvooinriclge^ 
which  belonged  to  the  warKke  ami  ancient  fiwaUy  of  the  Roddams,  the  vklar  might  hmpe  Btwarded  PettluiA 
by  this  grant  for  his  good  servioea.  The  saggestioii  that  Pauline  denved  his  name  firom  one  of  the  old 
llorthumbrians,  who  was  converted  and  baptiaed  by  Pauliniia,  the  apostle  of  the  northv  seems  Tery  probable. 
Amongst  the  numerous  conjectures  respecting  the  proper  scite  of  Bifunanburch,  where  Athelstan  gained  hia 
decisive  victory,  is  one  which  fixes  it  at  Brinkbum,  because  John  of  Heiham,  under  the  year  1 154,  calls  it 
Brincalmrch^  But  the  above  griiDt,  with  the  traces  of  military  lines,  and  the  adaptation  of  the  gfround  fim 
oflensive  operations  at  Broomrldge,  are  strong  circumstances  in  fiivour  of  the  c^inion  that  fixes  the  acene  of 
action  at  that  place.    See  vol.  i.  pages  46  and  373, 

f  The  most  distinguished  person  of  this  family  in  modem  times,  and*  the  last  of  the  line.  Is  the  late  Robert 
Roddam,  Esq.  Admiral  of  the  White,  &c.  whose  skill,  activity,  and  gallantry,  reflect  t|^e  highest  honour,  not 
only  upon  himself,  but  also  on  the  ancient  fkmily  firom  whom  he  descended.  He  was  the  son  of  Edward 
Roddam,  of  Roddam  and  Little  Houghton^  Esq.  by  Jane,  daughtev  of  Robert  Shelly,  Esq,  bom  at  Ridimond. 
and  a  merchant  of  Newcastle  upon  Tyne.  He  went  to  sea  as  a  midshipman  in  the  Lowestoflfb,  in  the  year 
1735i>6.  He  served  also  as  midshipman  in  the  Russell,  Cumberland,  and  Boyne,  and  was  upon  the  Antigua 
Station  with  Captain  Drummond,  of  the  Lowestoffe,  more  than  five  years.  Sir  Chaloner  Ogle  then  took  hint 
iqto  his  own  ship,  on  his  way  to  Jamaioa,  to  join  Admiral  A^ernon>  wbem  ho  aocompanied  on  the  diflmnt 


ILt)ERTON  PARISH.  9 

heir  in  consequence  of  his  mother  being  a  neice  of  the  late  Edward  CoUingwood,  of 
Byker,  who  married  the  heiress  of  Ro^am  of  Chirton. 

MiDDLETON,  North  and  South,  are  two  townships  that  form  the  north  part  of 
Ildertob  parish.  They  were  anciently  the  estate  of  Kobert  de  Muschampe,  and  a 
member  of  his  lordship  of  Wooler ;  but  his  grandson  Robert  leaving  three  daughters 
only,  it  is  probable  that  the  manor  was  divided  into  North  and  South  Middleton 
about  the  end  of  king  Henry  III.'s  reign ;  for  we  find  th^t  Jo^n,  the  relict  of  Robert 

expeditions  to  Hispaniola,  Carthagena,  the  island  of  Cuba,  Cumberland  harbour,  &c.  &c.  where  he  disphiyeA 
great  valour  and  intrepidity.     In  1741,  he  was  made  third  lieutenant  on  board  the  Superb,  and  though  so 
young  an  officer,  saved  the  ship  twice  on  her  passage  home.     In  the  following  year  he  was  transferred  to  the 
Monmouth,  which,  when  off  Teneriffe,  took  a  Spanish  vessel  richly  laden.     He  was  promoted  to  the  com- 
mand of  his  majesty's  sloop  Viper  in  1746,  when  he  sailed  from  Portsmouth  to  stop  the  sailing  of  a  fleet  at 
Plymouth  during  a  high  south-west  wind,  after  all  the  captains  of  the  fleet  had  declined  the  enterprize.     This 
exhibition  of  boldness,  skill,  and  alacrity,  obtained  him  the  approbation  and  friendship  of  Lord  Anson,  a  lord 
of  the  admiralty.     During  the  same  year.  Admiral  Sir  Peter  Warren  ordered  Captain  Roddam  to  attack  a 
fleet  of  transports,  laden  with  naval  stores,  in  Sidera  Bay,  near  Cape  Ortugal.    The  Vjp^  sailed  in  the  even^ 
ing,  and  was  off  the  first  battery  in  the  morning,  which  was  carried,  though  it  contained  500  m^.     Having 
destroyed  th^  guns,  Roddam  and  his  gallant  party  took  a  privateer  coming  out,  entered  the  bay,  burnt  above 
SO  sail  of  vessels,  and  on  the  third  day  rejoined  his  admiral  with  three  or  four  prizes,  not  being  able  to  man 
more  from  his  little  sloop  of  14  guns  and  90  men  and  boys.     The  town  offered  to  surrender;  but  Captaiii 
Roddam  told  the  inhabitants,  that  it  was  not  his  object  to  aggrandize  himself  and  crew  by  distressing  unt 
armed  and  harmless  individuals.     For  this  exploit  he  was  advanced  to  the  command  of  the  Greyhound  frigate, 
with  the  rank  of  post  captain.     He  was  also  solicited  to  become  representative  in  parliament  for  Portsmouth  ; 
but  this,  and  other  similar  honours,  he  refused.     After  being  for  some  time  stationed  in  Holland  and  at  New 
York,  he  returned  to  England,  and,  in  1753,  was  commissioned  to  the  Bristol  giuird-ship,  of  50  guns,  at  Ply- 
mouth.    In  1755,  he  sailed  to  the  Jamaica  station  in  the  Greenwich  of  50^uns.    While  on  a  cruize  off  His- 
paniola,  he  fell  in  with  a  French  squadron,  consisting  of  five  sail  of  the  line,  two  frigates,  and  an  armed 
store-ship.    All  Captain  Roddam's  manoeuvres  were  fruitle;ss,  and  escape  became  impossible.     He,  howeveic^ 
fought  against  this  overwhelming  force  during  twelve  hours,  hoping  to  take  r£veille  of  64  guns  by  boarding, 
and  then  to  try  to  escape,  she  being  a  fine  sailing  ship.     But  the  Gi*eenwich  became  a^  length  unmanageable  ; 
when,  in  consequence  of  the  opinion  of  his  officers.  Captain  Roddam  ordered  the  colour^  to  be  struck.     He^ 
however,  positively  refrised  to  go  on  board  the  French  man  of  war,  and  demanded  that  hia  opponents  should 
come  on  board  his  ship.    When  the  enemy  mounted  the  deck  of  the  Greenwich,  they  saw,  with  surprise  and 
alarm,  the  men  at  their  quarters,  with  lighted  qiatches,  and  in  the  greatest  order.     "  You  there  see,"  said 
Captain  Roddam,  ''a  garrison  capitulate  to  very  superior  force,  but  ready  to  renew  the  fight  if  the  French 
had  not  done  as  I  required,"    The  French  officers  afterwards  treated  him  in  the  most  unfeeling  manner.    A% 
Hispaniola,  his  brave  crew,  imagining  that  he  had  been  murdered,  overpowered  the  guard,  armed  themselves 
and  sallied  forth.      The  governor  entreated  Captain  Roddam  tp  queU  his  men,  which  he  soon  effected,  and 
was  afterwards  permitted  to  visit  them  daily.     Abpul;  two  months  after,  ^ey  were  all  embarked  for  Jamaica^ 
where  Captain  Roddam  was  tried  by  a  court  martial,  and  acquitted,  with  many  compliments  upon  his  honour 
and  bravery.     Returning  to  England,  the  packet  in  which  he  was  a  passenger,  by  mismanagement  went 
down  on  her  beam  ends ;  ^but  through  Captain  Roddam's  exertions,  the.  vessel  ag^in  righted.     In  1759,  after 
being  exchanged,  he  took  the  command  of  the  Colchester,  and  being  off  Brest,  with  the  Monmouth  and  Moa« 
tague,  chased  three  French  men  of  war  under  the  batteries,  and  run  one  of  them  on  shore.     Being  ordered 
by  Sir  Edward  Hawke  to  Belleisle,  he  carried  the  Colchester  through  the  narrow  rocky  passage  (Le  Ras) 
between  the  Saints  and  the  shore,  and  was  believed  to  be  the  first  English  ship  that  ever  m^de  the  attempt! 

VOL.  II,  Q 


10  COQUETDAL^  WARO—^N.  D. 

de  Qgkf  11  Jlenry  IV.  had  for  her  dowry  an  assignatipQ  of  certain  lands  in  l^orik 
Midmeton,  which  manor  then  belonged  to  John  4^  Farmelawe^  but  was  soon  aft^  Ib 
the  possession  of  Henry  Earl  of  Northumberland,  who  having  forfeited  the  same  to 
the  crown,  the  whole  town  was  granted  to  her  son  Hob^rt,  in  consideration  of  Bome 
special  services  done  to  king  ifiaw^d  IV*  who  advanced  him  to  the  dignity  and  de- 

See  of  a  baron,  by  summons  to  parliament  in  the  first  yem-  of  his  i^ign.  South  Mid-^ 
eton  was  most  of  this  time  in  the  hands  of  the  Northumberl^na  family :  for  we 
find  that^  26  Edward  III.  Henry  Percy  died  seized  of  this  town  or  village,  as  a  mem« 
ber  of  his  manor  of  Alnwick,  and  leaving  it  to  his  son  Henry,  who  died  43  Edward 
III.  his  lady  Joan  surviving  him,  she  had  for  her  dowry  sixty-six  shillings  and  four* 

Having  arrived  at  his  destination^  he  and  Captain  Reynolds  in  the  Firm  received  orders  to  watch  a  convoy 
of  sixteen  frigates,  supposed  to  be  bound  for  Ireland.  Here  Captain  Roddain  proposed  to  attack  and  destroy 
the  convoy  then  lying  in  Rochfort  river ;  but  the  council  of  officers  would  not  run  the  risk.  After  this^  the 
Colchester  being  li^aky,  was  ordered  to  Plymouth,  where  she  arrived  making  five  feet  water  an  hour.  In  this 
condition,  he  was  sent  with  a  convoy  to  join  Sir  Edward  Hawke,  having  taken  a  few  caulkers  on  board* 
The  admiral  ordered  him  to  return  and  refit,  after  which  he  was  directed  to  sail  to  St  Helena,  with  the  fiip- 
pon,  to  bring  home  the  fleet  from  the  East  Indies.  In  their  passage  home,  under  the  command  of  Admiral 
Sir  George  Pocock,  being  near  Scilly  in  a  great  fog.  Captain  Roddam  made  a  signal  to  tack,  which  the  admi<« 
ral  honoured  him  by  repeating,  and  afterwards  thanked  him :  and  when  off  Dover,  in  a  fog  and  a  high  wind, 
after  the  signal  for  lying-to  by  the  admiral.  Captain  Roddam  ventured  to  make  the  signal  for  bearing  away 
to  the  Downs,  for  which  also  the  admiral,  afler  perceiving  the  danger,  thanked  him.  The  Colchester,  being 
unserviceable,  was  paid  off;  and  peace  being  soon  after  proclaimed.  Captain  Roddam  turned  hb  sword  into 
a  ploughshare,  and  commenced  considerable  improvements,  at  Roddam;  an  estate  which  aften^ards,  in  the 
year  1776,  he  became  heir  to  by  the  death  of  his  eldest  brother,  Edward  Roddam,  Esq.  in  whose  life-time  he 
rebuilt  the  present  mansion-house,  retaining  a  strong  attachment  to  the  ancient  possessions  of  his  family.  On 
a  supposition  of  war  breaking  out  with  Spain,  about  the  year  1770,  Captain  Roddam  was  commissioned  for 
the  Lenox  of  74  guns,  at  Portsmouth,  and  continued  to  command  her  three  years  as  a  guard-ship.  At  the 
commencement  of  the  American  war,  he  took  the  command  of  the  Cornwall,  of  74  guns,  at  Chatham,  then 
under  orders  for  the  Mediterranean ;  but,  upon  being  appointed  Rear- Admiral  of  the  White,  on  the  29th  of 
April,  1778,  he  was  succeeded  in  the  command  of  the  Cornwall  by  Captain  Timothy  Edwards,  and  was  ordered 
immediately  to  Chatham  as  commander  in  chief  of  his  majesty's  ships  and  vessels  in  the  river  Medway,  and 
of  the  Buoy  at  the  Nore;  and  on  the  19th  of  March,  1779i  received  th^  rank  of  Vice-Admiral  of  the  Blue, 
and  continuing  in  the  same  command,  was  promoted  to  be  Vice-AdmiBalof  the  White,  on  the  26th  oi  Sep* 
tember,  1780;  a  Vice-Admiral  of  the  Red  on  the  24th  of  September,  1787 ;  and  on  the  20th  of  Aprils  178d» 
he  was  appointed  commander  in  chief  at  Portsmouth,  where  he  continued  three  years,  a  most  active  and  at* 
t^ntive  commander.  By  early  hours  and  regularity  he  carried  every  business  quickly  forward ;  and  the  ex<< 
pectation  of  war,  with  its  hurrying  consequences,  gave  him  in  that  situation  many  opportunities  of  exerting 
his  professional  zeal.  Havii:\g  struck  his  flag  at  Portsmouth  in  the  year  1792,  on  the  1st  of  February,  179S| 
be  w^s  promoted  to  be  Admiral  of  the  Blue;  on  the  12th  of  April,  1794>  Admiral,  of  the  White;  and,  in 
1805,  he  was  made  Admiral  of  the  Red,  and  placed  the  highest  on  the  list  This  distinguished  officer  had 
ever  b^en  the  saUor^s  Jriend,  though  at  the  same  time  their  steady  and  particularly  undismayed  commander; 
and  mutinies  never  existed  under  his  flag.  In  giving  energy  to  the  mandates  of  government,  promoting  sub- 
scriptions for  the  public  good,  and  activity  in  discharging  his  magisterial  duties,  his  e^rtions  were  conspi- 
euous.  To  the  hist  period  of  his  life  he  possessed  a  remarkable  degree  of  health,  spirit,  and  activity.  He 
died  in  April,  1808,  in  the  83d  year  of  his  age.  He  married  Lucy  Mary,  daughter  of  the  Hon.  Admiral  Clin- 
ton, unde  to  the  Earl  of  l^incoln,  April  2^  1749,  She  died  at  New  York  in  America,  December  9,  1750, 
i(ged  twen^-two. 


EGHNGHAM  PARISH,  " 

not  rent  oat  of  ifbis  mmof.    Both  INortb  and  South  Middleton  now  belong  to 
nwiob  Hoq^taL    MiddleUm  Hali  is  the  property  of  the  Earl  of  Tankerville. 

EGLINGHAM  PARISH, 

This  extensive  parish  presents  a  ereat  variety  of  soil  and  sceneiy,  from  the  barren 
moor  to  the  highly  cultivated  and  fertile  valley.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by 
Glendale  Ward,  on  the  east  by  Bambrough  Ward,  on  the  west  by  Ilderton  and  In- 
eram,  and  on  the  south  by  Whittingham  and  Edlinffham.  It  extends  about  9  nulea 
from  north  to  south,  and  its  average  breadth  is  calciiLEited  at  about  4^  miles.  By  the 
l43t  census,  it  contained  361  houses  and  1440  inhabitants.  It  is  divided  into  fourteen 
townships,  and  contains  four  schools ;  one  at  Eglingham,  one  at  West  IHtcbbum^ 
one  at  Old  Bewick,  and  the  other  at  Branton ;  in  aH  of  which  about  170  children  are 
educated*  Margaret  Hindmarsh,  by  will  dated  1704,  bequeathed  the  interest  of  £40 
to  the  poor  of  this  parish. 

Eglingham^  is  a^  small  village  inhabited  by  farmers  and  labour^^  and  stands  on  a 
rising  ground  in  a  moory  country,  about  ei^t  miles  north-west  from  Alnwick.  The 
church  is  dedicated  to  St.  Maurice.  The  living  is  a  vicarage,f  valued  in  the  king's 
books  at  £S3»  8«.  1^.  and  is  in  the  gift  of  the  bishop^  of  Durhwou 

*  The  Rev.  A.  Hedley  thinks  that  the  pref<»  to  this  name  is  the  British  eglys^  a  church,  with  the  Saxon 
term,  hamy  a  dwelling.     This  composition,  EgUngham^  may  therefore  mean  a  village  with  a  church. 

f  The  late  vicar  was  the  Rev.  Hugh  Hodgson,  M.  A,  third  son  of  Mr.  Ralph  Hodgson,  late  of  Bishop- 
Auckland.  He  was  student  of  Lincoln  College,  Oxford,  and  ordained  deacon,  March,  1 76O.  In  December, 
of  the  following  year,  he  was  admitted  in  priest's  orders.  In  October,  I762,  he  was  licensed  to  the  curacy  of 
Easington,  in  the  county  of  Durham;  and  in  February,  1764,  he  was  presented  by  his  kind  patron.  Dr. 
Trevor,  then  bishop  of  Durham,  to  the  vicarage  of  Leek,  near  Thirsk.  In  October,  I768,  he  waa  removed 
to  Woodhom,  in  the  county  of  Northumberland;  and  in  November,  176%  was  collated  to  the  vicarage  of 
Eglingham,  where  he  continued  to  reside  until  being  attacked  by  the  apoplexy,  whilst  cm  a  visit  to  his  sister 
at  Alnwick,  he  there  died,  June  SO,  1810,  in  the  73d  year  of  hb  age.  He  enjoyed  a  healthy  constitution, 
which  he  never  injured  by  any  irregularity ;  and,  during  the  long  period  that  he  resided  at  Eglingham,  he 
was  not  once  prevented,  by  uidispoaition,  from  attending  to  the  duties  of  his  church,  until  his  last  short  ill* 
ness.  In  his  ministry  he  was  vigilant,  unaffected,  and  sincere ;  in  attention  to  the  poor,  constant  and  humane ; 
to  all  he  "iras  easy  and  gentle  in  manners ;  in  behaviour  to  his  neighbours  he  was  kind  and  hospitable ;  in  his 
dealings  with  his  parishioners  extremely  moderate ;  and  so  much  was  he  beloved,  that  in  proof  thereof  he  was 
by  them  presented  with  four  dishes  and  covers,  of  silver,  of  the  value  of  100/.  with  the  following  inscripUon :— » 
*'  Presented  by  the.  Parishioners  of  Eglingham  to  their  worthy  and  muda-esteemed  Vicar,  the  Rev.  Hugh 
Hodgson,  M.  A.  I8O9."  It  is  but  justice  to  them,  and  to  his  memory,  to  assert  as  a  £u:t,  that  he  knew  not 
of  the  intention,  or  of  the  present,  until  the  plate  was  placed  on  his  table ; — a  rare  instance  of  attachment  and 
delicacy  between  parishioners  and  their  vicar.  In  November,  1796,  he  married  Miss  Wilkinson,  sister  of 
Xhomas  Wilkinson,  Esq.  now  of  Bradley,  but  had  no  issue.  A  tablet,  to  perpetuate  the  memory  of  this  good 
man,  a^d  a^  a  memorial  of  true  brotherly  affection,  is  erected  in  the  church  of  Eglin^^m,  where  the  body  ia 
deposited*  It  bears  the  following  inscription : — *'  Near  this  Place  are  deposited  the  Remains  of  the  Rev. 
Hugh  Hodgsoi^  M.  A.  Forty  Years  Vicar  of  Eglingham,  during  which  period  he  lived  in  Harmony  with  his 
Parishioners,  was  highly  respected  by  them  and  all  who  knew  him,  for  his  Diligence  as  a  Minister,  his  Cba^ 
rity  to  the  Poor,  and  Hospitality  to  his  Neighbours :  he  died  the  30th  of  June,  1810,  aged  73." 


12  COQUETiDALE  WARD.~N.  D. 

Eglingham  was  the  seat  and  manor  of  Luke  Ogle,  10  queen  Elizabeth ;  of  Hdnry 
Ogle,  one  of  the  sequestrators  of  the  lands  in  Northumberland  for  the  parliament,  19 
kmg  Charles  I.  also  a  representative  in  parliament,  5  king  Charles  II. ;  of  Henry 
Ogle,  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  6  queen  Anne ;  of  John  Ode,  high  sheriff  of 
Northumberland,  10  king  (Jeorge  II.  He  married  Sarah,  sister  of  Edwam  Bell,  Esq. 
This  family  of  Ogles  were  reputed  the  chiefs  of  the  old  family  of  Ogles  in  the  male 
line.  John  Ogle,  on  this  account,  was  usually  styled  the  count,  ancf  his  widow  the 
countess,  until  her  death  in  1755.  He  was  succeeded  by  Ralph  Ogle,  and  Robert 
Ogle,  Esqrs,  Eglingham  is  now  in  the  possession  of  the  son  of  the  latter,  Ralph 
Ogle,  Esq. 

Near  to  Eglingham  is  a  strong  mineral  spring  ;*  and,  upon  the  property  of  the 
Earl  of  Tankervifle,  about  half  w^  between  the  village  and  Bridget^  the  seat  of  Ge- 
neral Kerr,  is  Keemer  Lkmgh.  The  water,  which  covers  about  five  acres,  is  very" 
black  and  deep.  It  abounds  with  perch  and  pike.  The  latter  attains  a  great  size^ 
Several  have  been  taken  which  weighed  upwaras  of  twelve  pounds. 

West  Lilburn  is  pleasantly  seated  on  a  rising  ground,  at  a  short  distance  east 
from  the  Coldstream  road,  north  of  the  Lill-Burn,  and  on  the  borders  of  the  Ward. 
It  was  anciently  a  town  and  lordship  belonging  to  the  barony  of  Wark,  held  by  Ro- 
bert de  Ros,  and  by  hitn  given  to  his  son,  Robert,  who,  revolting  to  the  Scots,  forfdjted' 
his  estates.    This  lordsbip  wcus  held  for  ages  by  the  ancient  family  of  the  Lilbums,f 

*  In  the  Philosophical  Transactions^  No..  245,  p.  S65y  Dr.  Cay,  of  Newcastle,  says,  that  a  mineral  water 
was  sent  him  by  Mr.  Duncan,  a  skilful,  surgeon  of  Alnwick,  who  desired  hiin.to.  examine  it  The  dpctor  was 
muqh  surprised  to  find,  that  after  he  had  slowly  in  a  glass  evaporated  more  than  one-half  of  this  water,  it 
struck  a  deep. black  with  galls.  At  length,  this  uncommon  water  yielded  him  real  and  genuine  vitriol.  In 
consequence  of  thi^  phenomenon,. Dr.  Cay  visited  this  remarkable  well  at  Eglingham,  where  the  mystery  was 
easily  explained.  **  I  found,"  said  he,  "  our  vitriol  water  to  be  only  an  old  dnft^  made  for  the  draining  of  a 
row  of  old  wrought  coal  pits  a  little  above ;  and  I  informed  myself,  from  some  old  men  that  had  formerly 
wrought  in  these  pits,  that  there  was  plenty  of  the  pyrites  there,  by  them  called  brass  lumps ;  and  that  this 
drift  was  sometin^es  diy,  apd  sometimes  run  with  a  plentiful  streamy  which  is  as  fair  and  full  an  accouut  how 
this  water  comes  to  have  vitriol  in  it  a^  auv  one  need  to  deaire." 

t  The  celebrated  Colonel  John  Lilburn,  or,  as  he  was  familiarly  called,  "  Ftee-bom  John,**  descended* 
from  this  stock..  He  was  bom  in  Sunderland,  where  his  father,  Rich^,  resided  in  the  year  l6lS.  At  an 
early  age,  he  was  sent  to  London,  and  put  apprentice  to  Mr.  Thomas.  Hewsoq,  a  wholesale  clothier.  The 
first  display  of  his  bold  and  intrepid  spirit  was  exhibited  in  a  complaint  which  he  laid  before  the  chamberlain 
of  London,  against  his  master,  for  ill  usage.  He  carrij^d  his  poiht,  obtained  redress,  and  lived  afterwards  in 
harmony  and  friendship  with  his  master.  In.  \6s6,  he  was  introduced  to  Dr.  Bastwick,  and  carried  to  Hol- 
land one  of  the  doctor's  anti-episcopal  writings,  in  order  to  get  it  printed.  In  the  following'  year,  he  was 
accused  before  the  Star  Chamber  of  publishing  and  dispersing  seditious  pamphlets.  He  was  ordered 
to  be  ex*amined,  but  reftised  tp  take  the  oath  usual  in  that  court,  that  he  would  answer  interrogations,  even 
though  they  might  lead  him  to  accuse  himself.  In  thus  refusing  to  become  his  own  accuser,  he  acted  upon  a 
fundamental  principle  of  English  jurisprudence ;  but  such  constitutional  conduct  was  construed  into  a  con- 
tempt of  court,  and  he  was  condemned  to  be  whipped  through  the  streets  from  the  Fleet  to  Westminster,  to 
be  fined  500/.  to  stand  two  hours  in  the  pillory,  and  to.be  imprisoned  for  life.  He  accordingly  received,  in 
his  whipping  at  a  cart's  tail,  from  500  to  1000  strokes  from  a  three-lashed  scourge,  tiie  cords  of  which  had  et 


EGLINGHAM  PARISH,  18 

to  whom  it  probably  gave  name.  It  was  possessed  by  John  Lilbum,  18  king  Edward 
II. ;  by  Sir  John  Lifibum,  who  was  taken  prisoner  by  the  Scots — ^first  wiui  his  bro- 
ther, in  an  engagement  at  the  village  of  Carham,  44  king  Edward  III.  and  afterwards 

least  twenty  knots.  His  shoulders  were  most  dreadfully  lacerated;  and  in  this  situation  he  was  placed  un- 
covered in  the  pillory^  and  his  sufferings  aggravated  by  the  intense  heat  of  a  July  sun.  Yet  amidst  all  this 
lilbam  remained  midaunted  and  unsubdued.  While  he  was  whipped  at  the  cart,  and  stood  upon  the  pillory, 
he  conlintted  to  declaim  against  oppressicHi,  and  to  scatter  pamphlets  among  the  surrounding  populace.  The 
Star  Chamber,  which  was  sitting  at  that  very  time  in  an  adjmning  house,  ordered  him  to  be  gagged.  But 
diongh  both  gagged  and  pilloried,  he  leased  not  to  stamp  with  his  foot  and  gesticulate,  in  order  to  shew  the 
people  that  if  he  had  it  in  his  power  he  would  still  harangue  them.  This  behaviour  gave  fresh  provocation 
to  the  Star  Chamber,  and  they  ordered  ''  that  when  he  was  carried  back  to  prison,  he  should  be  placed  in  so* 
litary  confinement,  with  irons  on  his  hands  and  legs,  in  the  worst  and  most  loathsome  part  of  the  Fleet,  where* 
the  basest  and  most  abandoned  prisoners  were  accustomed  to  be  confined ;  and,  that  no  person,  on  any  ac- 
count, should  e\'er  be  permitted  to -see  him  or  give  him  money."  From  the  want  of  nourishment  and  surgi- 
cal assistance  he  nearly  perished  in  a  violent  fever.  He,  however,  in  some  degree  recovered,  but  continued 
confined  in  a  dark  and  damp  dungeon,  till,  on  the  meeting  of  the  long  parliament  in  1640,  he  was  allowed 
the  liberties  of  the  Fket  When  liberated  by  order  of  parliament,  it  appeared  in  evidence  before  the  House 
of  Lords,  that  the  officers  in  the  Fleet  had  endeavoured  to  starve  him,  and  that  he  was  with  difficulty  saved 
from  assassination.  In  the  same  year  he  and  two  or  three  others  drew  their  swords  upon  Colonel  Lunsford 
and  his  associates,  who  were  menacing  the  people  in  Westminster  Hall.  For  this  proceeding  Lilbum,  by 
special  command  of  the  king,  was  '*  arraigned  for  his  life,"  before  the  House  of  Lords,  but  dismissed.  When 
the  parliament  raised  an  army,  he  entered  as  a  volunteer ;  and  at  the  battle  of  Edge  Hill  acted  as  a  captain 
of  infantry.  At  Brentford  he- distinguished  himself  as  one  of  the  bravest  of  a  gallant  band  of  700  men,  who 
for  the  spaoe  of  five  hours,  in  dose  fight,  withstood  the  whole  royal  army.  Though  taken  prisoners,  yet  their 
protracted  resistance  prevented  the  Parliament* 8  train  of  artillery  from  falling  into  the  hands  of  the  king,  and 
consequently  the  city  of  London.  Lilbum  was  immediately  carried  to  Oxford,  tried  for  high  treason,  and 
found  guilty.  Scorning  to  save  his  life  by  submission,  he  boldly  advocated  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the 
nation  in  open  court  The  execution  of  his  sentence  seems  to  have  been  suspended  in  consequence  of  the 
parliament  threatening  the  lex  taUoms,  or  law  of  retaliation,  should  any  of  their  friends  suffer  death.  By  some 
means  Lilbum  escaped,  and  was  joyfully  received  by  the  patliamentary  army.  *'  From  this  time,"  says  Cla- 
rendon, "  he  was  entertained  by  CromweU  with  great  fiuniliarity."  But  when  he  perceived  that  the  public 
good  was  sacrificed  to  views  of  personal  a^^irandizement,  he,  in  1645,  relinquished  the  sword  and  resumed 
the  pen.  Soon  after  he  was  committed  to  Newgate  for  seditious  practices,  but  dischiffged  without  trial  He 
was  next  summoned  before  the  House  of  Lords,  when  he  boldly  protested  against  their  jurisdiction  over  him  ; 
and  after  being  sent  to  Newgate  by  their  Lordships,  he  incessantly  attacked  in  pamphlets  both  the  adherents 
of  Jthe  king  and  of  Cromwell,  as  both  alike  enemies  to  liberty ;  and  so  popular  were  his  principles,  that  the 
House  of  Commons  deemed  it  prudent  to  order  him  to  be  released  from  prison.  After  the  king's  death  he 
opposed  the  leaders  of  the  army  with  his  usual  intrepidity,  and  maintained  the  right  of  the  people  to  form  a 
constitution  for  themselves.  Cromwell  bdng  alarmed,  committed  Lilbum  to  the  Tower,  and  he  was  tried 
before  a  special  commission  for  high  treason,  at  Guildhall,  in  1649.  On  this  occasion  he  was  refused  ooundl, 
and  put  upon  his  defence  without  preparation ;  yet  he  justified  himself  with  great  ingenuity ;  maintained  that 
Cromwell's  govermnent  was  tyrannical,  usurped,  and  unlawful ;  and  insisted  that  the  jury  were  judges  both 
of  fiict  and  law,  This  last  proposition  was  termed  by  judge  Jermin  "  a  damnable  heresy."  The  jury,  how« 
ever,  acquitted  Lilbum,  amidst  the  joyous  acclamations  of  the  people.  '^  Never,"  says  Hume, ''  did  any  esta^ 
blished  power  receive  so  strong  a  dedaration  of  its  usurpation  and  invalidity ;  and  fWxn  no  institution,  be^ 
sides  that  of  juries,  could  be  expected  this  magnanimous  effort'^  Foiled  in  this  attempt  upon  Uie  life  of  the 
invincible  Lilbum*  the  Pariiament  came  to  the  extraordinary  resolution  of  banishing  him  without  trial  for  aq 

VOL,  II. — (22)  J) 


* 


14  '  COQUETDALE  WABD.-^;  D. 

at  the  battle  of  Otterburn,  IS  kins  Richard  IL ;  by  Sk  Tbomaa  Lttfaunii  a  re^jesen* 
tative  in  parliament  for  Northunibcarland,  IS  king  Hmuy  VI.  It  afterwards  paased 
into  the  possession  of  the  ancieat  fatcdly  of  the  CSenneb  of  Clennd;  of  Fa-cival 

allied  0flfeiH»e  afsUitl;  Sir  Arthur  Hasdrig,  In  obedieiice  ta  tbi«  decrei^  lilbum  embarked  in  l651»  for  dM 
United  Provinces,  and  finally  took  up  bia  residence  at  Amsterdam.  After  th»  diseoltttiQn  of  tbe  Riim|i  Par«i 
Ijament,  be  retiumed  from  banishment,  fer  which  he  was  again  aent  to  tbe  Tower,  and  m  165S»  tried  ai  die 
Old  Bailey  for  his  Ufe.  '^  He  defended  bimflelf,"  confesses  Lord  Clarendon^  '*  with  that  vigour,  and  charmed 
tbe  jury  so  powerfully,  that  against  all  the  diveetion  and  charging  tbe  judge  could  give  them,  after  no  leog 
OQoaultatiQn  between  themselves,  they  retimed  with  the  verdict  of  Aiof  GmiUy;  nor  conld  they  be  peraoadad 
to  ebaage  or  recede  from  their  verdict;,  which  infinitely  eon^ged.  and  perplexed  Cromwell,  who  loc^Ked  upoai 
itasagreaterdefbitthanthelQSBof  a  battle.'*  The  jury  were  doiely  eiaibined  before  the  council  of  state 
respecting  thw  obneiuous  v^^dict*  Tbe  joy  and  triumph  of  the  people  were  exhibifaed  in  variona  waya ;  and 
even  medals  were  struck  tp  eoounemorate  this  victory^  The  government^  enraged  at  this  display  of  popular 
fioelii^,  ordered  Lilbum  to  be  aent  put  of  the  country ;  but  his  brother,  Robert,  beeaming  security  for  hie 
peaceable  deeaeanour,  he  settled  at  £lthani«  in  Kent  Here  helomed  the  Society  ef  Frienda,  preadied  at  their 
meetings  at  Woolwich  and  lA  other  plaeee  tall  his  deadi,  in  16S7,  at  tbe  early  age  of  tfairty-nine.  Hia  wib 
also  possessed  an  undaunted  spirit,  and  was  bis  fiuliifttl  and  affectionate  helpmate  in  all  his  sufferqiga.  An^ 
tbeny  Wood  stilea  Lilbum  ^'a  great  trouble-worid  in  aU  the  vairiety  of  governments ;"  and  others  represent 
him  of  so  fiustious  and  quarrelsome  a  temper,  "  that  if  tbere  were  none  living  but  him,  John  would  be  against 
Lilbum,  and  Lilbum  against  John."  But  it  cannot  be  denied  that,  hia  efibrts  in  tbe  public  cause  were  not 
inere  zealous  than  they  were  pure  and  disinterested.  At  tbe  dene  of  hia  ''  Legal  and  Fundamental  Ltbertiee 
of  the  People  of  England,"  he  subscribee  himself  '^  An  honest  and  tnu»-bred  free  Enghshman,  that  never  in 
hia  life  feared  a  tyrant  or  loved  an  oppressor.'*  Hume  deaignalSfs  him  aa  ''tbe  most  turbulent,  but  most  up- 
right and  courageous  of  human  hind;"  which  is  no  ovcHnary  eulegtum  from  e  writer  that  abhorred  his  pditi-i 
cal  principles,  and  scoffed  at  his  religious  onea.*-iSte/e  TViois,  vol.  io.p.  1S7.  Thmrhm't  St0U  Papers,  No.  3S0. 
lA^m'9  Trial  h^  Varax,  Hwm^9  Hukoif}f,  and  Bio,  Brit, 

C<4oBel  Bobert  Lilbum,  elder  brother  of  John,  inherited  the  finmily  estate  at  Tbickley^Puncbardiini,  in  tbe 
parish,  of  St.  Andrew's^Auckland,  county  of  Dniham.  Thia  property  was  aold  by  his  grand-children,  in 
1717*  to  Mr.  Thomas  Gower.  ''  The  first  of  the  family  whn  setded  at  Sunderland  waa  George  Lilbum  (uttde 
of  John  and  Robert) :  he  was  probably  at  first  an  adventurer  in  the  trade  of  the  place,  and  waa  afterwards 
earried  forward*  together  with  die  increasing  fortunes  of  his  more  active  lepnblican  coosina^  to  a  oonsiderable 
pitch  of  local  influence*  Diqptng  the  wbple  of  the  civil  wars,  be  acted  aa  the  wAf  magistrate  within  the  limito 
of  ^e  boroi^h,  and  in  1664  waa  returned  on«ef  the  knighta  of  the  shm  in  Cremwell's  parliasaent.  He  sat 
constandy  on  all  committees  oi  sequestradan,  and  contrived  in.  virtue  of  his  offiee  to  get  possession  of  a  col- 
liery at  Harvaton,  bel<»]gii^  to  the  lessees  of  Sir  John  Hedworth,  whidi  destred  him  15^  a  day.  He  survived 
the  Resfcosatjonft,  and  dikl  very  aged  in  1677.  Thomas  Lilbum,  bis  eldest  sen,  waa  of  Oflferton^  where  tbe 
family  held  considerable  property,  and  died  in  1665,  being  described  en  his  moniiment  in  tbe  chancel  of 
Houghton  diutfch  as  'one  of  the  peraona  instrumental  in  his  majesty's  haippy  ReatoradcD;'  he  bore  a  mi^or'a 
oomupJBsipn  in  Mqnk's  army :  his  estate  at  Offerton  was  in  tbe  possession  ^  bis  brother  George's  descendants 
in  1737*>  William  Lilburn,  grandson  of  the  elder  George  Lilbttrn  by  a  second  marriage,  sold  some  pvopertp* 
ifi  Sunderland  to-  the  iaxa&y  of  Robinson  as  late  as  1717 ;  bis  descendanta  were  afterwards  in  a  very  reduced 
cundition,  for  one  of  them  waa  confined  about  1742  in  Morpetb  gaol  for  deb%  and  being  permitted  by  his 
cjiediitors  to  go  to  Newcastle  on  bis  parole  for  a  day  to  visit  lus  modier,  who  was  also  a  prisoner  for  the  same 

caua^  he  met  by  the  mad  one •  *  an  attorney,  wbe  reviled  him  most  bitterlj^  and  reproached  him 

with  his  unfortunate  circumstances  in  so  taundnga  manner,  that  Lilbum  drew  his  sword,  and  running  him 
through  the  body,  left  him  deed  on  the  spot :  he  waa  trwd  for  the  fact,  anii  found  guilty  of  mandaugfater 
only,  in  considemtion  of  the  excessive  provocation."-«i^t(}iasi'  DnrAofa,  voL  L  p.  S5ft. 


E6LINGHAM  PARISH.  1« 

Clennel  Esq.  1  king  George  I. ;  of  the  late  Thomas  Cletinel  E^«  on  whose  death  it 
devolved  to  his  nephew,  Henry,  son  of  Henry  ColUnffwood,  of  Comhill,  Esq.  Henry 
CloUingwood,  Esq.  of  LQhum,  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumheiiand  in  the  year  1798. 
At  the  west  end  of  the  village,  enclosra  with  trees,  are  the  ruins  of  the  ancient  tower 
and  mansion  of  the  Lilhums.  The  remains  of  a  chapel  mav  also  he  traced.  At  the 
east  end  stands  LSbum  Tower,  which  is. a  neat  modem  miilding,  and  the  seat  of 
Henry  Collingwood,  Esq.  one  of  the  remaining  branches  of  the  andait  Northumbrian 
family  of  the  ColMngwooids. 

East  Lix.BimK*  lies  about  one  mile  south*east  of  West  Lilbum,  and  belongs  to 
Addison  John  Cresswell  Baker,  Esq.  of  CressweU.  It  consists  of  one  farmhold  and 
twelve  cottages.  The  proprietor,  in  4822,  built  here  one  of  the  most  handscmie  and 
commodious  farm-houses  in  the  county,  and  which  includes  every  acoonunodation  for 
a  shooting-party. 

Old  B£wiCKf  is  a  pleasant  village  overhanging  the  eastern  bank  of  the  Till,  in  a 
fine  open  situation,  with  a  most  extensive  and  delightful  prospect  It  stands  about 
11  mue  to  the  south-east  from  East  Lilbum,  and  is  the  proj^rty  of  W.  S.  Ifouete, 
Esq.  The  chapel,  which  is  ifow  entirely  in  mins,  stood  at  a  littler  distance  from  the 
n<»th-west  end  of  the  village.  It  was  dedicated  to  the  Hcfy  Tiinity .  On  Bewick 
Hin  is  a  semicircular  entrenchment,  with  a  double  fosse  and  vaUum,  drfended  to  the 
west  by  a  steep  precipice.  The  entrance  on  the  south  is  formed  by  a  hoUow  way  12^ 
feet  broad,  defended  by  large  rag-stones,  placed  with  their  edges  in  the  earth,  so  as  to 
make  a  stnnfig  breast-work.  At  Harup-Bum,  half  a  mile  to  the  east  of  this  str^igth^ 
is  a  smaller  semicircular  entrenchment,  which  seems  to  have  been  a  Idnd  of  out^pott 
on  that  side.    This  fort  on  Bewick  Hill  was  undoubtedlv  the  work  of  the  ancaent 


Britons.  All  the  Roman  writers  concur  in  ^vinff  a  disadvantiupeous  representatiofi 
of  their  dvilization,  manners,  and  arts  of  social  life ;  yet  such  hm-^forts  as  these,  and 
others  of  ingenious  construction  that  could  not  even  be  taken  by  storm,  and  the  gal- 
lant stand  wiiich  they  systematically  opposed  to  the  disciplined  valour  of  the  Roman 
armies,  clearly  shew  our  aboriginal  ancestors  in  a  better  light  of  dviUzatiott  and  pdit^ 
than  the  classic  atrthors  uniformly  represent  them. 

On  Bewick  Moor  there  is  a  natural  cave,  called  the  Caieranetf  Hole,  formed  by  a 
narrow  fissure  in  the  freestone  rock,  and  descending  towards  the  west  to  a  very  great 

*  Lill-Bum  18  deriyed  from  the  Danish,  Ulle,  little.  Lile  is  still  used  for  little  in  Cumberland  and 
Westmoreland. 

f  The  Rev.  Anthony  Hedley,  who  haa  studied  the  interesting  antiquities  of  his  native  county  with  un« 
wearied  diligeno^  has  published,  in  the  Archatobjgia  JEUana,  a  learned  Essay  towards  ascertaining  the  ety« 
aaology  of  the  names  of  places  in  Northumberland,  and  from  which  the  writer  has  obtained  much  interesting 
matter.  Mr.  H.  says,  thft  Bewick  "  is  one  of  the  few  Norman  appellations  in  the  county ;  imposed,  probably, 
by  the  monks  of  St  Albans,  who,  with  the  church  at  Eglingham,  had  very  early  possession  of  the  township, 
and  other  lands  in  the  same  parish.  It  is  composed  of  beau,  fine,  pretty,  and  the  Saxon  wick,  in  allusion  to 
its  happily  chosen  site."  About  Bewick  Bridge,  the  Breamish,  which  name  Jamieson  derrves  from  tiie  Gaelic, 
breme,  furious,  raging,  swelling,  and  uishgy  or  uisge,  water,  loses  its  mountainous  character,  and  pursuing  a 
more  gentle  course,  takes  the  name  of  the  TUi,  which,  according  to  Bullet,  means  a  nSey. 


16  COQUiETDALE  WARD.— N.  D. 

depth,  at  an  angle  of  about  15  degrees.  **  By  this  instructiTe  name,  we  leam,"  ob- 
serves Mr.  HecBey,  "  that  this  cave  has  probably  been,  in  former  limes,  the  hidden 
retreat  of  Cateranes^  an  old  Scotch  word,  signifying  <  bands  of  robbers,'  which  Jamie- 
son  derives  from  the  Irish,  Ceatharnwky  a  soldier." 

WooPERTON  stands  at  a  short  distance  from  the  turnpike  road.  It  is  a  small  vil- 
lage for  labourers,  and  has  been  lately  much  improved.  The  old  thatched  cottages 
have  disappeared,  and  are  replaced  by  neat  cottage  houses,  covered  with  blue  slates. 

Hkdgely  was  anciently  written  Higley^  and  Higgley^  from  the  An^o-Saxon, 
hig^  high,  and  ley^  pasture.  High  Heagehf  stands  on  the  east  side  of  the  Breamish, 
and  Low  Hedgely  on  the  west.  The  terms  High  and  Law  have  evidently 
been  prefixed  in  more  modem  times.  On  Hedgely  Moor^  Sir  Ralph  Percy, 
with  tne  Lords  Hungerford  and  Ross,  in  1463,  encountered  king  Edward's  forces^ 
under  the  command  of  Sir  John  Neville  Lord  Montacute,  Warden  of  the  Eastern 
Marches.  Sir  Ralph's  companions  in  arms  fled  on  the  first  onset ;  but  he,  with  the 
spirit  of  a  Percy,  maintained  his  ground,  and  died  fighting  bravely  for  Henry  VI« 
whose  cause  he  espoused :  his  dying  words  were,  ^*  /  ha»e  saved  the  bird  in  my  breast ;" 
meaning  his  faith  to  his  party.  A  monument  called  Percy's  Cross  was  erected  in 
memory  of  this  brave  warrior.  It  stands  in  a  field  about  60  paces  east  of  the  road 
which  runs  from  Morpeth  to  Wooler,  and  at  a  small  distance  north  of  the  21  mile 
stone.  It  consists  of  a  stone  pillar  fibbed  on  a  pedestal^  having  the  Percy  and  Lucy 
arms  rudely  cut  upon  it  in  relief. 

A  little  more  than  three  miles  further  north,  and  on  the  east  side  of  the  high  road» 
was  a  heap  of  stones,  called  the  '*  Aprcn^vU  ofStonesi^  and  ascribed  to  the  devil.  On 
removing  them  to  mend  the  road  in  1768,  they  ware  found  to  cover  the  base  and 
fragments  of  a  cross ;  the  base  circular,  12  feet  in  diameter^  and  having  four  rows  of 
steps.    In  Armstrong's  map  it  is  called  Fair  Crass. 

Beanlry,  in  old  records  generally  spelt  BenJey,  is  probably  composed  of  the 
Gaelic,  ben^  a  mountain,  and  ky^  pasture.  It  stands  on  high  ground  on  the  east  side 
of  the  Breamish,  and  one  mile  and  a  half  west  from  EgUngham.  On  the  summit  of 
the  highest  ground  in  this  township,  called  Beanley  Phmtation,  are  the  remains  of  a 
British  camp,  with  a  double  fosse  and  rampart.  ^*  The  road  leading  from  it  is  still 
very  perfect,  winding  down  the  northern  declivity  of  the  hill,  and  guarded  with  large 
stones  placed  edgeways." 

Beanley  was  ^e  barony  of  the  Earls  of  Dunbar,  the  descendants  of  the  illustrious 
Gospatric,  the  ematriated  Earl  of  Northumberland,  "on  the  service  of  being  in^ 
borough  and  out-borough  between  England  and  Scotland." — ••  What  these  terms 
should  mean,"  says  Camden,  "  let  others  guess."  Cowell  has  guessed  these  terms  to 
have  meant,  that  the  Earls  of  Dunbar  were  bound  to  observe  the  egress  and  regress 
of  those  who  travelled  to  and  fro  between  the  two  realms.  But  it  was  impossible  for 
those  earls  to  examine  the  passports  of  those  who  travelled  between  the  Borders* 
Borough^  in  old  English,  signified  a  surety  or  pledge ;  and  the  verb  to  borrow,  meant 
to  bail,  to  redeem,  to  relieve ;  and  these  tenns  were  very  common  in  diplomatic  pro^ 
ceedings,  on  the  Borders,  at  the  end  of  the  14tb  century.    In  the  Testa  de  Neviu  wq 


EGLINGHAM  PARISH.  17 

Mad  that  ^^Patridus  com.  de  Dunhar  tenet  in  cap,  de  dom.  rege  Benelejfy  ^. :  etpro 
dUis  vflKs  idom  comes  est  inborwe  et  outborwe  inter  Angliam  et  ScotiamJ'  The  literal 
translation  and  meaning  of  these  last  expressions  are,  ^'  And  for  the  other  villages  the 
same  earl  is  inJn^row  and  outJ^orow^  between  Enghmd  and  Scotland."  He  held  the 
other  towns  by  the  tenure  of  being  surety  for  the  peace  of  both  the  kingdoms  within 
the  Border  and  without.  In  after  times,  this  became  a  taisk  which  the  two  kings  of 
the  contiguous  realms  were  scarcely  able  to  perform. 

The  fifth  Earl  of  Dunbar,  notwithstanding  his  abject  servility,  in  obeying  the 
haughty  mandates  of  king  Edward  III.  did  not  obtain  the  restitution  of  Bes^ey  and 
his  other  estates  in  Northumberland,  which  had  been  taken  into  the  hands  of  Edward 
II.  (1309)  as  escheat,  when  his  father  died.  Those  estates  remained  in  the  crown  of 
England,  till  they  were  granted  ly  Edward  III.  to  Henry  Percy,  in  1834,  for  ever. 
Beanley  is  still  in  the  possession  of  his  srace  the  Duke  of  ^Northumberland. 

CrollowJaw,  on  the  northern  side  or  the  Breamish,  is  supposed  to  have  been  the 
place  of  execution  for  the  barony  of  Beanley, 

Brandon  is  pleasantly  situated  on  the  north  side  of  the  Breamish,  at  the  southern 
extremitjr  of  the  Cheviot  Hills,  two  miles  west  from  Beanley.  It  consists  of  one 
farmhold  and  about  sixteen  inhabited  houses.  At  a  little  distance  east  from  the  vil- 
lage stands  Brandon  White^House^  which  was  the  seat  of  Sir  Daniel  CoUingwood, 
lineally  descended  from  Cuthbert  CoUingwood,  the  renowned  Border  chieftain,  who 
distinguished  himself  so  much  in  the  Border  wars  in  the  l6th  century.  Sir  Daniel, 
in  the  earlier  period  of  his  life,  was  chaplain,  and  afterwards  sword-bearer  to  king 
Charles  II.  His  extensive  landed  property  was  divided  among  his  six  sons,  from 
whom  sprung  many  able  and  upright  maj^trates,  and  skilful  officers  in  both  the  army, 
and  navy,  as  will  be  hereafter  particularized.  The  only  remaining  branches  now  are 
Henry  Cc^ngwood,  Esq.  of  Lilburn  Tower ;  John  CoUingwood,  Esq.  of  Chirton ; 
and  the  sons  of  the  late  T.  CoUingwoed,  M.  D.  of  SunderlSid.*    J.  CoUingwood,  of 

*  Thmnas  CoUiagwood,  Esq.  M.  D.  Member  of  the  Medical  Society  of  London,  the  Board  oi  Agriculture, 
ttOf  was  bom  at  Bates-Croes,  near  Berwick  npon  Tweedy  on  the  7th  of  Jar  ,  1751 .  He  shewed  an  early  pro- 
pensity to  learning,  and  attended  the  schools  of  Berwick,  Dunse,  and  Alnwick.  Having  chosen  the  profes* 
aion  of  medicine,  he  entered  upon  his  academical  studies  at  the  University  of  Edinburgh,  when  it  boasted 
some  of  the  brightest  ornaments  of  the  age.  He  was  in  particular  habits  of  intimacy  with  the  celebrated 
founder  of  the  Brunonian  system,  and  also  with  that  great  anatomist  Dr.  Munro,  to  whom  he  presented  his 
essays  on  the  origin  and  nature  of  bots  and  of  temia.  His  acquaintance  with  Lord  Alva  at  t^e  same  time 
brought  him  into  notice  among  men  of  the  first  rank  and  acquirements.  During  the  summier  recesses  Mr. 
CoUingwood  always  resumed  with  ardour  his  studies  in  botany  and  agriculture ;  and  was  the  first,  that  intro- 
duced the  improved  turnip  husbandry  into  the  West  of  Scotland,  chiefly  on  the  estates  of  Sir  William  Max- 
well,  of  Monreith.  Having  completed  his  studies  in  Edinburgh,  he  settled  at  Norham  about  the  year  1776, 
where  he  soon  fell  into  a  respectable  practice.  In  1780,  Dr.  CoUingwood  took  his  degree,  and  some  years 
after  married  Elizabeth,  eldest  daughter  of  George  Forster,  esq.  of  Buston,  a  descendant  of  the  ancient  &mily 
of  the  Forsters  of  Etherston  and  Bambrough  Castle.  Dr.  C.  now  removed  to  Alnwick,  where  he  continued 
increasing  in  celebrity  and  practice.  There  he  was  the  institutor  of  a  public  libraiy,  and  became  acquainted 
with  the  then  Duke  of  NorUiumberland,  to  whom  he  was  introduced  by  his  friend.  Dr.  Moor^  secretary  to 
the  Society  for  the  Improvement  of  Arts  and  Manufiurtures.  He  had  the  honour  of  suggesting  numerous  im- 
provements on  his  Grace's  extensive  estates  in  this  county,  the  effects  of  many  of  which  are  stiU  visibia  Soon 

VOL.  II,  E 


18  COQUETDALE  WARD.— N.  D. 

Howbum,  in  Glendale  Ward»  was  attainted  in  1715,  and  fled  to  Fralnoe  with  hi9  wife 
(a  Sdby,  also  of  an  ancient  family),  where  they  were  attacked  with  a  typhus  fever, 
and  both  died.  They  left  two  sons,  John  and  George,  the  fonn»  at  that  time  an 
apprentice  to  a  merchant  in  Newcastle ;  and  the  latter,  about  seven  yearo  old,  was  IdTt 
to  the  care  of  the  steward,  James  Fowler,  who  bred  him  to  agriculture,  and  oet  him  up 
in  a  small  farm.  The  estate  was  mortgaged  to  the  Joltifis.  John  was  grandfather  to 
Admiral  Lord  Collingwood ;  and  Greorge  was  grandfather  to  the  late  Dr.  Collingwood. 
Brandon  White-House  was  in  the  possession  of  Lanedot  Allgood,  Esq.  of  New- 
castle  upon  Tyne,  about  the  end  of  the  17th  century.  On  his  cteath,  in  1701,  it  de« 
volved  on  his  nephew,  Isaac  AUgood*  Esq.  who  was  succeeded  by  his  son»  Sir  litnoelot 
Allgood,  of  Nunwick.  It  next  came  into  the  possession  of  the  late  James  Allgood. 
Esq.  who  was  succeeded  by  his  eldest  son»  R.  L.  Allgood,  Esq. 

Branton  is  a  small  village  on  the  south  side  of  the  Breamish,  and  a  short  distance 
west  from  the  road.  Here  is  a  neat  Presbyterian  meeting-house,  and  a  respectable 
seminary  kept  by  the  Rev.  N.  Blyth,  M.  A.  Some  antiquarians  have  supposed  that 
this  is  the  Roman  station  BHmeniufn. 

Crawley  was  anciently  spelt  Crawlawe^  supposed  to  be  a  corruption  of  eaer^  a 
fort,  and  law^  a  hill.  Crawley  Tower  stands  near  the  southern  extremity  of  an  old 
encampment,  ^'  whidi,"  says  Mr.  John  Smart,  of  Ti^whitt,  "  I  consider  to  be  tihe 
'  Alauna  Amnisy  of  the  4tn  Iter  of  Richard  of  Cirencester,  placed  by  Dr.  Stukeley  at 

after  the  death  of  this  nobleman^  which  occurred  in  die  year  1786,  Dr.  C.  settled  in  Sunderland,  where  he 
'found  a  more  extensive  scope  for  his  professional  abilities.  But  thovgh  his  practice  was  considerable,  it  did 
not  prevent  him  from  engaging  in  mercantile,  shipping,  building,  and  fiuming  concerns ;  nor  was  literature 
altogether  neglected,  for  at  this  time  he  undertook  the  correction,  annotation,  and  republication  of  the  works 
of  the  Rev.  John  Flavel,  a  task  for  which  he  was  peculiarly  well  qualified.  Here  Dr.  C.  formed  a  speculative 
debating  society,  from  which  emanated  the  Sunderland  Subscription  Library.  He  was  also  an  institutor  of 
tiie  Snnderiand  Medical  library.  In  the  course  of  his  life  he  formed  many  valuable  friendships,  both  at 
home  and  abroad ;  and  corresponded  with  several  of  the  most  learned  societies  and  men  of  the  age.  Many 
of  Ids  titerary  productions  lie  scattered  through  the  periodiool  publications  of  the  time,  and  whidi  H*  collected^ 
would  form  several  vdumes.  Those  on  the  Irruption  of  Solway  Moss^  on  the  Peruvian  Bark,  aa  Lumber 
Abscess,  on  the  Cure  of  Syphilis^  on  the  Elm  Bark,  on  the  Influenia,  and  on  the  Sibbens,  •&  noted  in  Tho« 
mas^s  Practice  of  Physic^  hav«  all  been  highly  commended.  His  fiunoeof  '*  Spare*ri2»s,"  written  while  at  Aln- 
wick, and  performed  with  applause^  is  allowed  to  be  a  keen  and  just  satire.  The  tragedy  of  Lucretia,  and 
someotiier  of  his  dramatic  productions,  were  never  published.  His  poems  on  the  Immortality  of  the  Soul, 
Ae  Hermit,  and  several  others,  have  appeared  in  print,  and  posMss  considerable  merit  .  His  sermons  have 
iVequentiy  been  delivered  frooi  tiie  pulpit,  but  Gcly  a  few  of  them  have  been  printed.  His  mathematical 
works  are  generally  in  manuscript,  and  evince  a  perfect  knowledge  of  the  science.  The  result  of  his  various 
agriciiltural  tours  were  generally  communicated  to  the  Board  of  AgricuUnre ;  and  his  representation  of  the 
state  of  l^e  county  of  Duriiam,  in  1818,  has  been  much  approved  of.  After  spending  a  very  active  and  use- 
ftdlife.  Dr.  C.  died  suddenly  at  Bishopwearmouth,  on  the  S9th  of  October,  1832,  aged  71  years.  He  has 
left  a  widow  and  six  children.  The  eldest  son  served  in  the  navy  with  the  late  Admiral  L<Mti  Collingwood, 
and  died  ih  India  several  years  ago.  The  second  son  is  a  physician,  the  third  an  officer  in  the  army,  and  the 
fourth  a  surgeon  in  Sunderland.  The  eldest  daughter  is  married,  «nd  the  two  younger  «nmairied.*->itfamut/ 
l^og,  voL  uif.    Durham  Advertiser y  Nov.  2,  1828. 


EGLINGHAM  PAHI^H.  19 

Alnwidc ;  though  othtn  suppose  that  the 
village  ^  Glsnton  occupias  that  station,  Jt 
is  situated  at  Crawley  Tower,  which,  wit|» 
the  farm  ofliees,  occupies  its  east  anglfi.  It 
is  <m  a  considerable  eminence,  about  40Q 
yardB  east  of  Watling-street,  b^ween  tiie 
village  of  Glanton  and  the  river  Qce^aish. 
It  is  S90  feet  long,  1^  feet  broad,  and  is 
surrounded  by  a  fos«e  of  80  feet  wide,  4h4 
an  agger  of  SO  feet  thidc.  It  commfuids  a 
most  delightful  view  of  the  vale  of  Whit^ 
tingham,  and  neu-ly  the  wb(^  l^igl^  o(  the 
Breamish  fnnn  its  source  to  Hortm  CasUe  i 
and  certainly  the  immediate  neidbbourhood 
is  the  best  fortified  in  'ancient  Britain,'  as 
from  tibe  staticxi  can  be  seen  no  l£»8  than 
seven  strone  British  and  Saxt^  fi^mps,  seve- 
ral of  wibddn  have  triple  ramptirts ;  namely, 
,^y—  Harehill,  near  Bewick ;  Broughlaw,  by  Ipr 

•—'-'^^  gram;   Uie  gorge  of  the  Breamish,  above 

ditto,  thpou^  «rhi«b  ttie  Britmu  must  have 
passed  when  tti^  quitted  th»r  stronglr  fortified  town  at  t^  foot  of  Greenlaw  HiU. 
between  Idnhope  and  Hartside ;  the  Clinch  Hill,  Callaly  Castle  Hill,  and  Cross  HiU> 
Blade  Cheater,  and  the  Castle  Hill  above  Ainham.  The  jGartheftt  distance  of  tliese 
from  the  station  is  about  four  miles.  The  church  at  Aluhuv  is  built  in  tjto  Sicite  <^ 
a  small  Roman  camp,  which  most  probably  has  been  for  a  centurion's  guard,  to  pro- 
tect  their  herds  of  cattle  when  grazing  durijig  summer  iq  tbe  rich  pastures  on  the 
bank  of  ttie  river  Aln  above  Wmttin^nam.  f  obs«^ed  aevoral  small  eamps  above 
Rotlibuiy,  belonging  to  the  Britons  and  Saxom,  which  must  have  beat  appn^iriated 
to  a  similar  purpose.  With  respect  to  Richard  of  Cirencester's  Itinerary,  as  it  relates 
to  the  Roman  province  of  Vafcntia,  I  am  oonfinned  in  the  idea  that  his  '  Alauna 
Amnis*  in  his  4th  Iter,  is  the  station  at  Crawley  Tower,  as  the  eminence  on  which  I 
found  it  dectisea  down  both  to  tiK  rivers  Aln  «nd  Breapvu^ ;  but  in  wdex-  to  ^uci- 
date  my  opinion,  X  will  transcribe  a  part  of  that  Iter,  oidy  ^mising  that  Richard 
had  a  verr  imperfect  knowledge  of  the  castrametation  of  the  Hconans,  aloo^  the  east- 
em  bram^  of  Watling-street,  as  he  omits  four  between  Ad  J€wum  and  Aleuma  Amme, 
viz.  at  Bolam,  Thornton,  Brinkbum  Priory,  and  FminHngt<Mi  Hall  Hili;  but  to 
knowledge  of  the  western  branch,  throueh  the  same  province,  is  pofeotly  cenoeet,  and 
which  is  seen  by  uniting  a  part  of  the  5tn  and  9th  Iters. 

**  Fart  of  the  4th  Iter, — Intra*  Maximam  CtBtarieitsem.  ftmtvie,  Binebester. 
^iaco,  Ebdiester.  Ad  Murvm,  Portgaie.  Trans  Murum  iiUrm  Fidet^Um,  Bolam, 
Thornton,  Kinkbiun  Priory,  and  Frrnidington  Hfdl  HiU.  j^Annw  Am^e,  Crawley 
Tower.     Tueda  Flumine.    Ad  Faiittm,  Falkirk. 

"  Paet  of  the  5th  and  9th  Iters. — CorstopUo,  Corbridge.  Brentinio,  Rieehes- 
ter.  Ad  Fimeg,  Chew  Green.  Cnria,  Near  Jedbui^.  TrimmMo,  Eildmi  HiUs. 
Gadamca,  Channel  Kirk.     Corio,  (Query?)  Edinburgh.    Ad  FaUmm,  Falkirk." 


80  COQUETDALE  WAKD.— N.  D. 

The  Rev.  A  Hedley,  in  noticing  a  similar  oommunicatibn  from  Mr.  Smart  to  the 
Society  of  Antiquaries  of  Newcastle,  says  that  the  north-west  an^le  of  Crawley 
Tower,  which  is  the  most  perfect  part  of  it,  ^'  is  decidedly  Roman  in  itis  features,  and 
cannot  be  mistaken.  That  it  was  the  Alauna  Amnis  of  Richard  of  Cirencester,  is  by 
no  means  so  certain.  Mr.  Smart  says,  he  is  '  confirmed  in  this  idea,  because  the  emi- 
nence on  which  it  stands  declines  down  both  to  the  rivers  Aln  and  Breamish.^  Now 
it  certainly  has  a  fine  command  of  the  latter  river,  being  not  more  than  half  a  mile 
from  it ;  but  the  considerable  hill  on  which  the  village  of  Glanton  is  situated,  lies 
between  it  and  the  river  Aln,  from  which  it  is  distant  not  less  than  three  miles.  Had 
it  received  its  appellation,  therefore,  from  either  of  these  rivers,  is  it  not  mudi  more 
likely  that  it  would  have  been  named  with  reference  to  the  Breamish  than  the  Aln  V 

Tne  Pc/uo-Bumy  which  runs  into  the  Breamish  near  Crawley,  is  supposed  to  have 
derived  its  name  from!  the  Celtic,  pwl^  or  jfx>/?,  a  ditch,  a  pool,  and  from  which  comes 
the  Anglo-Saxon  ptdy 

TiTLiNGTON  is  situated  at  the  southern  extremity  of  this  parish.  Between  this 
place  and  Crawley  stands  a  high  hill,  called  Ttilington  Pike.  This  estate  was  sold  in 
shares,  the  last  of  which  was  bought  of  Gen,  Qrd  by  the  late  Mr.  Hargrave  of 
Bliawdcm, 

Bassington  stands  on  the  northern  brink  of  the  Aln,  and  near  its  junction  with 
Eglingham  Bum.  This  name  is  derived  from  bassin,  an  old  word  signifying  rushy» 
and  tan,  4  place  of  abode.  The  surrounding  fields,  notwithstanding  the  prepress  of 
cultivadon,  stUl  very  much  abound  in  the  common  rush.  This  wora  appears  m  bass^ 
a  moat,  and  do^^-bottomed  chairs. 

The  townships  of  Shipley,  and  East  and  West  DrrcHBimN,  noticed  in  the 
south  division  of  Bambrough  Ward,  belong  to  the  parish  of  Efflingham.  The  Colling^ 
woods  of  Byker  were  derived  from  a  younger  brancn  of  the  Coflingwoods  of  Ditchbum^ 

INGRAM  PARISH, 

This  parish  included  an  irregular  tract  of  a  mountainous,  picturesque,  and  thinly 
peopled  country.  It  is  intersected  by  the  impetuous  Breamish,  and  is  separated  from 
nderton  on  the  north  by  the  Hartside  Hills,  from  Edingfaam  on  the  east  by  an  ima^ 
ginary  Une,  from  Whittingham  on  the  south  by  the  Fawdon  Hills,  and  also  by  cer- 
tain botmdary  marks  on  the  south  and  south-west  from  Alnham,  It  contains  Init  37 
houses  and  288  inhabitants, 

Ingram  is  a  small  village  situated  south  of  the  Breamish,  two  miles  west  from  the 
turnpike  road,  and  9^  miles  south  from  Wooler.  The  church  is  dedicated  to  St  Mi- 
duel,  and  the  living  Is  a  rectory,  valued  in  the  king^s  books  at  £24, 16^.  Sd.  This 
place  is  the  property  of  John  Collingwood  Tarleton, 


distance 


Ingram. 


INGHAM  PARISH,  81 

Fawdon  and  Ci^nrcit  are  two  contiguous  towfisbipB,  dccaj^ing  the  aouth-east 
division  of  tb^  porishi  They  are  the  property  of  tl^  Duke  of  Northumberland. 
HAit98ti>B  U»  t6Mfi#d*  the  north*W0st^  and  ^vra&  purcbiised,  in  1788,  o{  Thomas  Sdlby, 
Esq.  of  Biddl€ist^)n^.  by  Christoph^  WeaHeans,  Esq.  The  hilly  t<>wBship  of  Green- 
SIDE  is  situalt^  on  the  east  g^  Hartslde. 

LiNHOPE  stands  in  a  wild  country,  about  4  mUes  west  firoiKi  Ingram.  At  a  little 
distance  northward  is  Ldnhope  Spout,  or  the  Rougkting  Unn^  so  ea&d  from  the  great 
noise  made  by  the  fall  of  the  water  after  heavy  rams ;  the  word  BoUghUf^  being  also 
used  by  the  Borderers  on  hearing  the  lowing  or  bellowine  of  eattle.  This  cataract 
falling  neai'ly  48  feet  perpendicular,  over  a  rugged  rock  of  Drown  whin»  spotted  with 
gr^n,  ipakes  a  fine  white  sheet  of  foam.  At  the  bottom  is  a  bason,  seven  feet  in 
diaiofieter;  and  fifteen  feet  in  de]^.  But  the  rock  from  which  the  stream  predpitatejs 
being  naked,  exhibits  none  oi  uiose  picturesque  beauties  which  grace  the  waterfall  at 
Hareshaw-^Linn,  near  BdO^figham^ 

In  tihiis  i^ine  regicm  alt  f^  prominent  features  of  nature  still  retain  the  descriptive 
appellations  of  the  ancient  Tritons.  Linn,  in  their  kiiguage,  denotes  a  pool  fcnined 
below  a  waterfall — JSope  ^^ifies  a  vak,  without  a  thoroughfare ;  and  is  one  among 
many  instances  where  the  English  adjuncts  have  been  engrafted  on  British  roots. 
The  Saxons,  who  settled  in  Britain,  were  indeed  prompted  by  their  poverty  of  speech 
to  borrow  many  terms  from  the  more  opulent  speedy  of  their  Celtic  predecesson^, 
who,  in  exercising  the  peculiar  prerogatives  of  first  discoverers,  displayed  the  appro- 
priate qualities  oitheir  language,  which  is  distinguished  &x  its  strength  and  discrimi- 
nation, its  copiousness  of  epithet,  and. its  frequency  of  metaphor. 

Proceeding  northward  from  Linhope  Spout,  across  JBiacIchope  moss,,  the  traveller 
i^eaches  Standrop  Hill,  where  are  several  cairns;  the  simple,  rude,  but  impfessire 
funeral  monuments  of  the  earliest  inhabitants  6f  this  island ;  and  whidi  have  sur- 
vived the  sculptured  stone  and  engraven  brass  of  periods  more  refined. 

Two  years  suzo,  John  Smart,  Esq.  of  Trewitt^  while  on  an  excursion  in  search  of  the 
rude  remains  of  the  andent  inhalntantef  of  this  interesting  district,  discovered  a  fortified 
British  town  betilireen  Latthope  and  Hartside,  which  he  describes  thus : — '^  It  is  situ- 
ated at  the  foot  of  Greenshaw  HiU,  the  lowest  to  the  east  of  the  range  of  the  Cheviot 
Hills.  From  thence,  by  Three-stone  Bum  (where  there  is  a  Druidical  cirde)  and 
Langley  Ford,  to  Kirknewton,  the  road  is  tolerably  level,  as  the  hills  lie  to  the  right 
and  len;,  so  that  a  communication  to  the  north  was  not  so  difiGicult  as  may  be  appre- 
hended ;  and  a  retreat,  on  the  invasion  of  an  enemy,  to  the  strong  fortified  places  of 
Yevering  Bell,  Newton  Tor,  and  Hethpool  Bell,  was  easily  erocted :  and  as  it  is 
supposed  that  Yevering  HiH  was  a  pbee  consecrated  by  tibe  Druids,  the  distance  was 
no  consideration  with  u»e  ancient  Britons.  The  communication  to  the  south  part  of 
the  country  of  the  Ottodini,  by  Alnham  and  the  east  of  Simonside  Hills,  was  direct, 
^e  Coquet  being  sddom  impassable.  On  the  lowest  range  of  Simonside  is  Burgh 
Hill,  by  Newton  JPark.  Opposite  to  Whitton  Tower  is  a  ^ge  British  camp,  with  a 
triple  rampier,  tibat  commands  a  view  of  Alemouth  and  Drundge  Bay,  the  Cheviots, 
and  Ridley  Edge,  along  which  Watling-street  runs  to  Chew  Green.  On  the  hill  im- 
mediately to  the  south  of  Bur^  Hill  are  two  Druidical  circles,  that  havQ,  escaped  the 
^sacrilegious  htods  of  the  surveyors  of  roads  or  builders  of  cottages.    From  all  of  these 

VOL.  II.  F 


S3  COQUETBAI.E  WARD.— N.  D. 

drcumstances.  may  not  the  principal  dty  of  the  Ottodini  be  placed  upon  the  Breabi- 
ish  instead  of  the  Reed ;  as  Bremenium  is  evidently  Roman,  and  lay  too  ncM-  the 
Wall  to  be  the  chief  dty  of  the  aboriginal  inhabitants  ?  And  allow  me  to  add  fur- 
ther, that  Linhope  is  much  larger,  and  the  coimtiy  affords  much  better  pasturage  for 
cattle  in  the  spring,  which  is  8  great  consideration  with  a  people  who  provided  no 
food  for  winter." 

The  annexed  sketch  will  convey 
some  faint  idea  of  this  most  singular 
work  of  our  British  ancestors.  The 
north  side  of  this  castrametation  mea- 
sures S40  feet,  and  the  west  side  302 
feet.  C  is  an  old  hollow  road,  leading 
to  Linhope  Btun.  B,  the  Breamish. 
A,  Linhope  Bum.  F,  the  descent  to 
Linhope.  D,  an  old  road.  The  figures 
relate  to  the  length  of  the  sides  of  the 
sdte  of  the  town,  which  is  within  the 
limits  of  Harteide,  though  immedi- 
ately opposite  to  Linhope. 

A  British  road  or  trackway  from 
Alnham  passes  by  this  place,  and  pro- 
ceeds to  Langley  Ford. 

This  is  undoubtedly  the  most  p^- 
fect  rem^s  of  the  andent  Britons 
yet  discovered  in  this  district  Though 

several  thousand  roods  of  stone  walls  have  been  built  out  of  the  ruins,  yet  it  stilt 
retains  fdl  the  characteristics  nven  bir  Strabo  and  Tadtus.  The  houses  are  dtfaer 
single  or  double  cyUnders,  as  the  remaining  foundatiOTis  attest  to  this  day ;  and  built 
strongly  of  stone  without  mortar,  the  use  of  which  was  introduced  by  the  Romans. 
On  the  whole,  this  British  strength  seems  to  be  larger  and  more  perfect  than  that 
on  the  summit  of  one  of  the  highest  of  the  Malvern  ndge  of  hills,  which  is  accurately 
described  by  Mr.  King,  in  his  Mvnmenta  Antigua, 

ALNHAM  PARISH, 

This  parish  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Ingram,  on  the  east  by  WTiittingham,  on 
the  south  by  Alwinton,  and  on  the  west  by  Kidland  lordship.  It  contains  but  4& 
houses,  and  S69  inhabitants.    There  are  no  schools  in  this  thinly  peopled  parish. 

Alnham.— This  small  village  Ues  near  the  head  of  the  river  Abi,  from  which  it 
dmves  its  name,  and  14  miles  west  from  Alnwick.  It  was  andently  the  lordship 
and  estate  of  William  de  Vescy,  37  king  Henry  III.  It  was  afterwards  inherited  by 
the  Percy  family.  It  is  sometimes  called  Yanrell,  and  was  formerly  a  pretty  large- 
town,  though  now  a  place  of  no  eonsequence.  The  church  is  dedicated  to  St,  Michael, 
Mid  the  livmg  is  a  discha^ed  vicarage,  valued  in  the  king's  books  at  £3, 17'<  Id^ 


WHITTINGHAM  PARISH.  «S 

The  Duke  of  Northumberland  is  the  principal  proprietor  of  this  place,  part  of  which 
belongs  to  Thomas  Clennell,  Esq.  of  Harbottle  Castle. 

Ahiham  has  evidently  been  a  nlace  of  consequence,  both  in  the  time  of  the  Britons 
and  the  Romans.  A  little  to  ttie  south  is  ^lack  Chester,  a  Roman  station,  as  its 
name  imports :  and  on  a  hill,  one  mile  west  from  Alnham,  is  a  semicircular  encamp- 
ment ;  the  points  of  the  crescent  facing  the  east  seem  to  have  formed  the  entrance. 
It  is  defended  by  two  outward  rampiers  and  a  deep  fosse,  and  an  inner  cirde  of 
stones,  which  appear  uncemented.  The  interior  area,  about  100  yards  in  diameter, 
shews  many  remains  of  buildings. 

Peendwick  lies  one  mile  east  by  north  from  Alnham.  This  place  ori^ally  be- 
longed to  the  Alder  family,  by  whom  it  was  sold,  about  the  beirinning  of  the  18th 
century,  to  the  Rev.  —  Byne  and  Mr.  Collingwood.  It  was  aiterwards  piu-chased 
by  the  late  John  Carr,  Esq.  of  Dunstan,  in  the  county  of  Durham. 

Unthank  stands  a  short  distance  south  from  Prendwick.  Thomas  Unthank,  10 
queen  Elizabeth,  1568,  held  the  whole  village  of  Unthank.  Unthank  HaU,  which  is 
pleasantlv  seated  on  the  south  side  of  the  Aln,  was  the  mansion  of  Alexander  Col- 
lin^oocC  Esq.  of  the  house  of  Brandon,  and  is  now  called  Collingwood  House.  It 
U  me  property  and  residence  of  John  Collingwood  Tarl^ton,  Esq. 

ScREENwooD  is  a  farmhold  about  a  mile  to  the  south  of  Alnham,  and  is  the  pro* 
perty  of  Ralph  Riddell,  Esq.  of  Felton  Park, 

WHITTINGHAM  PARISH 

Is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Ingram  and  Eglingham,  on  the  east  and  north-east  by 
Edlingham,  on  the  south  by  Rothbury,  and  on  the  west  by  Alnham.  It  extends  4^ 
miles  from  north  to  south,  and  about  the  same  distance  from  west  to  east  in  the 
broadest  part.  The  land  is  fertile,  and  well  enclosed  and  cultivated,  and  is  divided 
into  seven  townships,  containing  819  houses  and  1749  inhabitants.  There  is  a  dav* 
school  at  Whittin^am,  attended  by  from  40  to  60  scholars,  10  of  whom  are  taught 
ffratis.  The  master  has  £  10  per  apnum,  a  house,  garden,  and  school-room,  given  by 
Lord  Ravensworth,  A  girls'  school  is  supported  in  a  similar  manner  by  Lady  Ra- 
vensworth.  There  is  also  a  Sunday-school,  opened  during  summer,  belonging  to  the 
Established  Church,  in  which  150  children  are  instructed.  At  Glanton  there  are  two 
day-schools,  containing  about  60  children,  besides  a  Sunday-school  belongmg  to  the 
Presbyterians,  which  is  attended  by  60  children.  To  the  school  at  CalMy,  which 
contains  50  boys  and  girls,  John  Clavering,  Esq,  gives  a  house  and  garden.  There  is 
also  a  small  day-schooT  ^t  Thrunton, 

WHITTINGHAM  Is  a  Very  pleasant  and  populous  village,  agreeably  seated  on  the 
banks  of  the  river  Aln,  about  8^  miles  west  by  south  from  Alnwick.  The  road  from 
Morpeth  to  Edinburgh,  by  way  of  Coldstream,  passes  throu^  it.  The  river  is 
CJrossed  by  a  neat  stone  bridge,  erected  a  few  years  ago.  Here  is  a  commodious  inn, 
kept  by  Mr,  Joseph  Waterman.    A  fair  is  held  here  on  Au^st  84,  for  lean  and  fat 


24  COQUETDALE  WARD— N.  D. 

catde  smd  a  few  h6rse$.  It  b  ihe  best  diow  of  tat  cdttle^  ctf  any  fair  ia  thif  coiusity: 
The  church  is  dedicated  to  St.  Bartholomew ;  and  the  lining,  whieh  ia  in  the  fpit  of 
the  bishop  of  Durham,  ia  valued  in  the  king's  booka  at  £l%  11«*  8cf  *  The  vicar^e- 
house  stands  pleasantly  at  a  little  di^tande  from  the  west  end  of  the  diurch.    The 

Eetty  sessions  are  held  here.  Thift  village  was  fotmarly  hdd  in  seijeantry.  of  the  king; 
y  wengs^  service.  It  is  now  the  property  of  Lord  RavensWorth. 
The  valky  of  Whittingham  has  long  been  famed  for  the  luxuriaoee  of  it^  sbil,  the 
excellenee  of  its  culture^  and  the  beau^  of  its  aspect  On  its  rich  paatutea  cattle  and 
sheep  attain  to  a  large  size,  and  every  olgect  wears  the  oountenanee  of  opulence* 
This  lovely  valley  extends  about  four  miles  in  width,  and  forms  a  most  striking  con- 
trast with  the  adjoining  mountains,  bogs,  r0oks,  and  heath,  which  compose  the  aur&ce 
of  Rimside  Moor. 

Shawdon  stands  on  the  north  side  of  the. road  leading  from  Glanton  to  Alnwick^ 
The  mansion-house  is  a  large  and  elegant  building,  adorned  with  fine  extensive  woods 
and  pleasure-grounds.  It  was  the  seat  of  Jtoies  ilargrave,  Esq.  who  was  high  sheriff 
of  Northumberland  in  1738 :  and  about  the  year  1778^  it  catne  into  the  jpossession  of 
his  son,  the  late  William  Hai^ave,  Esq.  who  was  als<>  fa^h  sheriff  of  the  county  in 
1783.  He  received  his  academical  education  at  St.  John's  College,  Cambridge,  where, 
as  his  noble  friend  and  contemporary,  the  late  X>uke  of  Northumberland,  expressed 
himself,  "  he  was  distinguished  for  superior  strength  of  understanding  and  benevo- 
lence of  heart."  This  character  might  justly  be  appKed  to  him  tfarou^  life.  Modest 
and  firm  in  manners,  correct  in  jud^enl,  and  polished  in  conversation,  he  afforded  a 
fine  specimen  of  the  higher  order  of  English  country  gentlemen.  His  knowledge  of 
the  laws  were  happily  applied  in  the  (fisdiarge  of  his  magisterial  duties ;  and  his  cha- 
rities, though  secret,  were  unbounded.  He  died  in  1817,  aged  81  years.  The  im- 
pression made  by  his  loss  was  such,  that  every  parson  in  the  neighbourhood,  i^ho 
could  provide  himself,  appeared  in  mourning  at  the  parish  church  of  Whittiri^aEQ 
on  the  Sunday  after  his  decease.  Previous  to  nis  father's  death»  he  married  Catharine^ 
third  daughter  and  co-beiress  of  Samudi  Sliields,  Esq.  of  Newcastle.  Thi»  lady  still 
resides  mostly  at  Shawdon ;  but  the  estates,  in  consequence  of  the  death  of  Greor^ 
Harnave  PawscMi,  are  possessed  by  his  brother,  W.  J.  Pawson,  Esq.  second  eousm 
to  William  Hargrave,  Esq.  Two  urns  of  ordinary  pottery  were  some  years  ago  dis* 
covered  near  this  place. 

Glanton  is  a  fine  pleasant  village,  situated  on  the  turnpike  road,  about  two  miles 
north  of  Whittingham,  and  nine  miles  west  by  north  from  Alnwick.  It  has  recently 
been  enlarged  by  the  erection  of  several  handscmie  houses,  and  is  at  present  one  of  the 
most  promising  villages  in  the  county.  Here  are  two  public  houses,  and  a  Presbyter 
•rian  meeting-house.  This  fine  village  belongs  to  sevem  proprietors,  amongst  whom: 
are,  Henry  Collingwood,  John  Tewart,  G^eorge  and  Joseph  Hughes,  John  Hopper, 
and  Daniel  Alder,  Esqrs.  and  Mr.  James  Pig£)n.     Above  Glanton,  on  the  west  idde 

*  Sir  Francis  Brandling,  during  his  sheriffalty^  lofvied  upon  Clement  Stevenson,  vicar  of  Wirittitighani>  for 
his  first  fruits^  51.  which  he  paid  to  Sir  Thomas  Swhibum,  of  Eliingham,  high  sheriflT  of  Northttmherlmid^ 
5  king  Charles  I.  l62S.'^Stvinburne  MSS.    • 


WHITTINGHAM  PAMSH.  25 

of  the  road,  CUankm  Pike  rears  its  lofty  head.  This  mount  is  of  a  conic  form,  and 
eommands  a  most  extensive  prospect ;  the  hill  called  JJun^  Law^  in  Scotland,  having 
been  seen  from  it  on  a  dear  dav*  Formerly  there  was  a  beacon  upon  the  summit,  to 
alarm  the  country  in  times  of  clanger.  GlantoH  House,  the  residence  of  Major  Frank- 
len,  of  Branton,  is  finely  seated  on  the  south  side  of  the  Pike,  and  is  the  property  of 
Henry  Collingwood,  Esq. 

As  a  mason  was  digging  for  stone  near  Deer-street,  beside  Glanton  Westfield,  in 
the  year  1716,  he  discovered  an  empty  stone  chest,  upwards  of  three  feet  in  length, 
and  two  in  breadth,  with  a  stone  cover.  Some  time  afterwards,  three  more  chests  of 
a  similar  fonn,  with  covers,  were  discovered  at  the  same  place.  There  were  two  urns 
and  some  fine  earth  in  each,  with  some  charcoal  and  human  bones,  on  which  were  the 
marks  of  fire.  Near  these  were  two  other  urns,  one  large  and  the  other  very  smalL 
They  were  of  otdinarv  pottery,  and  on  being  exposed  to  the  air,  fell  into  pieces.  An 
ancient  um  was  also  round  more  recently  in  ploughing  a  fidd  near  Glanton, 

There  is  a  variety  of  opinions  relative  to  such  sepulcnral  remains.  It  is  well  known 
that  the  practice  of  burning  the  dead  was  universal  among  all  pagan  nations.  This 
early  usage  was  observed  by  the  andent  Britons ;  and  their  hutoaen^  or  ^*  stone  chest,' - 
frequently  contained  the  um,  which  preserved  the  precious  ashes  of  the  deceased,  and 
often  the  ashes  and  bones  without  an  um.  It  has  been  a  very  common  error  to  attri-* 
bute  all  those  sepulchral  urns  to  the  Romans,  on  the  supposition  that  they  originally 
introduced  um  ourial,  and  that  they  only  were  capable  of  making  such  urns.  But 
Mr.  King  has  evinced,  that  several  burrows,  which  nave  been  falsely  attributed  to  the 
Romans,  are  really  Britis)i,  and  that  the  Roman  sepultiures  in  Britain  are  vdthout 
tumuli.  It  cannot  now  be  ascertained  whether  these  stone  cases  and  urns  were  found 
under  a  hillock,  or  cairn;  but,  from  the  height  and  advantageous  situation  of 
Glanton  Pike,  and  the  circumstance  of  British  weapons  being  found  on  its  side,  we 
think  it  highly  probable  that  it  was  either  a  post  or  a  temple  of  the  Ottodini,  and 
that  these  bones  and  ashes  Wiere  ihe  remains  of  their  great  men.  There  being  np 
trace  of  a  Roman  camp  near  this  place,  lessens  the  probability  of  those  urns  being 
deposited  by  that  people. 

Mr^  Wains  says,  that  a  British  Securis,  or  Celt,  of  the  old  mixed  brass,  was  found 
in  making  a  fence,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  north  from  Glanton  Westfield.  Few 
instruments  have  more  exercised  the  thoughts  of  antiquaries  than  this ;  some  con^ 
tending  for  its  hems  a  weapon  of  war,  and  others  not.  Mr.  Hern  fancies  it  to  be  a 
Roman  chissel,  used  in  msddng  their  aggeres,  and  that  it  was  preferred  to  iron  from 
the  reputed  sacredness  of  the  metal  of  which  it  was  made.  From  there  being  no 
mention  of  it  by  Bonani,  by  Monsieur  de  la  Chausse,  or  by  Spon,  and  no  vestiges  of 
it  among  the  Roman  arms  on  the  Trajan  or  Antonine  pillar,  or  among  the  rums  of 
Herculaneum,  Mr.  Borlase  is  inclined  to  think  it  not  of  foreign  transmarine  origin, 
but  the  work  of  British-Romans,  or  artists  taught  by  them,  for  an  offensive  missive 
weapon.  According  to  the  late  learned  and  sagacious  Dr.  Stukeley,  it  was  used  by 
the  Druid  priesthood  in  their  Sacra,  being  their  hatchet,  fixed  to  the  end  of  a  stan, 
with  which  they  cut  the  misletoe  for  Yuletide,  our  Christmas,  and  oak-boughs  for 
their  festival  of  the  autumnal  equinox.  But  the  elaborate  Mr.  Chalmers  observes, 
that  the.  flint  hatchets,  which  have  occasioned  so  much  discussion  among  learned  men, 
were  called  Celts^  from  the  nature  of  the  material  whereof  they  were  made ;  the  eeU^ 

VOL.  II.  G 


S6  COQUETDALE  WARD.— W.  D. 

of  the  !lBhritish  speech  fiterally  sigtiifyuig  z.  JliiU'^kme ;  and  these  infltnunents  bare 
been  so  called  even  when  they  were  made  di  brass  or  other  metals.  Those  cmioiis 
CeUsj  whidi  appear  on  British  coins,  hare  been  discovered  in  every  nart  of  this  ishnd^ 
and  were  indisputably  the  workmanship  and  the  weapons  of  our  Celtic  ancestors. 

Great  and  Little  Ryle  are  two  townships  that  form  the  west  side  of  this 
parish.  lAtUe  Bifle  was  the  villa  and  seat  of  the  fourth  son  of  Sir  Daniel  Colling- 
wood^  of  Brandon,  the  descendant  of  Sir  Cuthbert  Collingwood,  of  Eslington.  This 
ancient  family,  famed  for  feats  of  ^  border  chivalry,"  appear  to  have  fbnnerly  poa« 
sessed  considerate  property  in  these  parts,  at  a  time  when  it  required  activity  and 
boldness  to  defend  it  from  the  unexpected  inroads  of  the  wily  Scotch  Borderers.  But 
the  petty  wars  and  robberies  of  those  days  are  hiqppily  over,  the  dughom  is  no  Icmger 
heard  echoing  among  the  mountain^  and  a  poet  of  our  own  cktys  may  truly 
exdaim-^ 

"  Sweet  Teviot !  on  thy  silver  tide 

The  glaring  bale-fires  glow  no  more ; 
No  longer  steel-clad  warriors  ride 

Along  thy  wild  and  willowed  shore. 

WhereV  thou  wind'st,  by  dale  or  hill, 
All,  all  is  peaoefViI,  all  is  still :   - 
As  if  thy  waves  since  time  was  bom, 

Since  first  they  rolFd  thehr  way  to  Tweed, 
.  Had  only  heard  the  shepherd* s  reed. 
Nor  started  at  the  buglo-hom.'' 

Alexander  ColUngwood,  of  Little  Ryle,  was  high  sheriif  of  Northmnberland  in 
17Stfl.  He  made  many  considerable  improvements  on  his  estate,  and  built  a  handsome 
mansion-house  at  Unthank.  The  old  hall  at  Little  Ryle,  which  stood  in  a  fine  shel- 
tered situation,  is  now  totally  in  ruins.  His  possessions  devolved  on  his  son  and  heir, 
Alexander  Collingwood,  who  was  also  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  the  year 
1T61 ;  and  are  now  ttie  property  of  John  Collingwood  Tarleton,  Esq. 

EsLiNGTON,  a  seat  belonging  to  Lord  Ravensworth,  stands  in  a  low  sheltered  situ* 
ation,  on  the  north  banks  of  the  Aln,  cme  mile  west  from  Whittingham.  It  is  an 
elegant  structure,  of  polished  freestone,  in  the  modem  style  of  arcHitectore,  The 
gardens  are  extensive  and  kept  in  the  best  order.  A  pretty  lawn  hangs  upon  the 
brink  of  the  river,  which  forms  a  fine  canal,  the  opposite  risings  being  tastefully  oma- 
m^ted  with  a  shrubbery.  From  the  walk  above  the  plantations,  there  is  a  most  ex<- 
ceUent  prospect  of  cultivated  scenes,  finely  terminated:  the  vale  of  Whittingham, 
with  all  its  rural  richness,  is  extended  in  front,  surmounted  by  the  grove  of  Calkdy, 
and  its  conic  mount,  called  Castle  Hill :  to  the  eastward,  Lemington  with  its  fine 

Elantations,  Bolton  Park,  and  Broom  Park,  are  in  view :  to  the  ncHlh,  Glanton,  Tit- 
ngton,  and  the  woods  of  Shawdon ;  the  whole  forming  an  extensive  circus,  shut  in 
on  eVery  side  by  heathy  mountains  and  rocky  steeps,  disposed  at  an  agreeable  distanee^ 
and  contrastng^  in  a  beautiful  manner  with  the  nearer  objects. 


WHITTINOHAM  FARI8IL  a7 

Bilington  WM  tbe  vilk  aiid  malior  of  i^^  of  Alan 

de  EflUngton,  89  king  HeUiy  IIL  of  whom  it  vms  held  by  eertain  Ideal  services  of  the 
mecies  of  aerfeantiy ;  of  his  8C»i>  John  de  Edingtoi^  who  Ind  abo  the  manw  of  Fram«i 
hngton,  M  was  found  hj  an  inqtdlsitioii  taken  at  the  oaaUe  oi  Newcastle,  49th  of  the 
spme  reign,  and  hy  another  taken  at  Rothbtuy,  21  king  Bdwaivi  I« ;  of  Robert  66 
EsHngton^  his  son,  aimouneed  in  the  latter  inquisitioii  to  be  hia  heir,  and  to  be  up« 
warda  of  Hm  age  of  twenty.  In  the  14th  of  king  Henry  IV.  a  nu^ety  a£  it  was 
possessed  by  Thomas  de  Hesdrige^  son  of  William^  and  bifother  of  Donald  de  Hesel^ 
rige,  aiieeatw  of  the  Hesebig^s  <»  Noseky»  in  Leicestershire.  He  had  also  the  manor 
of  Whittingham. 

EsliA^tan,  IB  the  8GA  Idni^  Henry  VIII.  was  the  manor  of  the  knightly  fanuly  of 
the  CoUmgwoods,  by  whem  it  was  possessed  through  a  long  suceession ;  uf  Sir  John 
Colimgwood»  hi^h  meriff  of  Hcorfchumberland  in  that  year :  by  Sir  Rob^  Cdling* 
wood,  high  Aienff  ctf  Northumberland,  5  kmg  Edward  VI«;  and  by  Sir  Cuihbert 
Collingi^^  who  was  twice  high  Aenff  of  riTorthumberland  during  the  reigii  of 
queen  jBIizabeth.  He  was  renowned  among  the  fierce  Borderers  for  Ins  activity  and 
gallantry.  At  a  meeting  held  by  the  wardens  of  the  Mttrebea,  at  the  Reidswire,  in 
1575,  for  amicably  settling  disputes,  the  proud  and  fiery  chiefs  quarrdOed^  and  a  sharp 
skinnish  oisued,  whidi  terminated  in  the  defeat  of  the  Northumbrians.  A  poem  was 
tvritten,  describing  the  affair,  by  a  Scotduutti  who  was  present*  In  enumerating  ibe 
Tpnacners  that  were  taken,  he  say  s-~ 

HBui  if  he  wald  a  Sduldier  search, 

Anmag  them  a^  weie  taVn  that  night, 
Was  nane  sae  wordie  to  put  in  verse, 

As  CoUiogwood,  that  courteous  knight^ 

Robert  CdSingwood  possessed  Esdin^ti,  14  kn^  Charles  I. ;  George  ColHi^gwood^ 
96  kin^  Charles  II. ;  and  George  CoUmgw^ood,  1  king  George  I.  He  was  attaipted 
in  171o.  On  EsHngton  being  forfeited  to  the  crown,  it  was  pordiased  by  Coimel 
George  Lidddl,  a  youtiger  son  of  *  Sir  ThomaA  Liddell,  of  Rayensworth,  Bart  whd 
left  it  to  his  nephew,  Henry  Lord  Ravensworth,  On  hns  kffdefcip's  death,  it  devolved 
on  his  nephew,  the  late  Sir  Henry  LiddeU ;  whose  son,  £fo  Thomas  LidddQ,  now 
Lord  Ravensworth,  is  the  present  proprietor. 

Call  ALT  Castls,  the  residence  of  the  dncient  family  of  tiie  Claverings,  is  smtod 
two  miles  west  of  Whittingham.  The  tower  at  the  west  end  of  the  bunding  is  etu 
dently  of  great  antiquity,  but  the  date  of  its  foundation  has  not  been  preserved.  The 
centre,  aim  the  tower  to  the  east^  are  of  a  later  era.  The  great  saloon  in  this  ancient 
mansion  deserves  particular  notice.  It  i&  45  feet  in  length,  and  28  feet  in  height  ^ 
and  is  decorated  with  a  great  profusion  of  beautiful  and  nighly-finished  stuooo-worlc 
Two  galleries^  one  at  eadi  end,  aupported  by  large  pillars,  add  much  to  the  splendour 
of  its  appearance. 

About  half  a  mile  ftom  the  house,  a  lofty  hiU,  called  the  Crag^  rears  its  towering, 
head :  it  is  covered  with  wood  to  the  very  summit ;  and  the  b^  ptogeeting  rocks,, 
which  overhang  the  trees,  display  to  the  eye  of  tiie  beholder  a  proqpect  tnify  grand 


28  COQtJETDALE  WARD.^N:  T>. 

and  majestic.  At  the  base  of  the  Cra^,  to  the  east,  rises  the  Castle-hil],  ci  a  ebfiic 
form,  and,  like  the  former,  shrouded  m  a  wood.  On  its  highest  elevation,  whidi  is 
jBat  and  dreular,  and  contains  an  area  of  two  acres,  aire  seen  laitte  remains  of  a  fortified 
camp,  supposed  to  have  been  of  Roman  origin.  The  sunumt  was  surrounded  by  a; 
high  wall,  and  on  the  most  accessible  sides  by  a  deep  ditch,  hewn  oUt  of  the  rock,  and 
this  again  flanked  by  a  wall  on  the  opposite  side.  About  100  paces  down  the  dedi* 
vitv  to  the  west,  was  raised  another  wall,  dmllar  to  the  fimner.  ,  These  works  sq[>pear 
to  nave  been  of  considerable  strength,  for,  though  now  in  ruins,  the^  metoure  not  less 
than  seven  yards  to  the  bottom  of  the  ditch.  The  whole,  fortified  space  of  the  hill 
comprised  about  six  acres. 

Tfie  pleasure-grounds  and  plantations  round  the  house  are  very  extaiaiT<e,  and, 
upon  the  whole,  exhibit  some  of  the  finest  picturesque  and  romantic  soenay  in  the 
county.  At  the  foot  of  the  garden  runs  a  handsome  serpentine  isheet  of  water,  which 
falls  over  a  cascade  into  a  spacious  fish-pond.  There  are  also  two  others  below, 
divided  by  a  narrow  embankment.  They  are  all  well  stored  with  fish,  and,  beinj^ 
surrounded  with  wood,  add  greatly  to  the  beauty  of  a  shaded  walk,  which  winds  on 
a  gentle  slope  near  the  vene  of  the  water. 

CaUaly  was  tlie  viUa  of  William  de  Callaly,  in  the  beginning  of  the  reign  of  king 
Henry  III.  and  of  his  son,  Gilbert  de  Callaly,  in  the  same  reign,  who  granted  it,  with 
the  manor  of  Yetlington,  to  Robert  Fitz-Roga*,  baron  of  Warkworth  and  Clavertne ; 
which  grant  was  confirmed  by  the  crown,  55  king  Henry  III.  This  family  of  m^ 
Claverings  derive  their  descent,  in  the  male  line,  from  Charlema^e.  The  old  family 
name  of  the  Claverings  was  de  Burgh,  and  the  late  Marquis  of  Qanricarde,  descended 
from  the  same  stock,  obtained  his  majesty's  leave  to  assunie  the  name  and  arms  of  De 
Burgh  in  1752. 

Eustace  de  Burgh,  a  noble  Norman,  had  two  sons,  who  came  over  with  William 
the  Conqueror ;  Serlo  de  Burgh,  who  buUt  the  casde  of  Knaresburgh  in  Yorkshire^ 
and  dying  without  issue,  left  the  possession  of  it  to  his  brother  Joannes  Monocukis, 
the  other  son,  who  married  and  had  issue,  Paganus,  Eustace,  and  WiUiam,  which 
three  brothers  were  witnesses  to  the  royal  foundation  of  the  abbey  of  Cirencesta*,  in 
the  county  of  Gloucester,  in  1133,  •  Paganus  Fitz-J<^  dying  vdthout  issue,  was 
succeeded  by  Eustace  Fitz-John,*  his  brotha:,  who  married,  first,  Agnes»  daughter  of 
William  Fitz-Nigel,  baron  of  Halton,  constable' of  Chester,  and  VisoQunt  Constanfdne^ 
in  Normandy ;  and  had  by  her  a  son  called  Bicbaf  d  Fitz-»Eui|tape,  baron  of  Halton^^ 
&c.  &c.  who  married  Albreda,  daughter  and  heir  of  Robert  de  Lizures,  and  had  by 
her  a  son,  John,  who  tcfok  the  name  of  Lacy,  and  arms  of ,  constabki  of  Chester,  from 
Robert  Lacy,  his  mother'^  half  brother,  by  the  mateinal  side.    He  was  lord  of  Fl^m^ 

*  Sir  William  Dqgdale  savs,  that  Eustace  Titz- John  was  one  of  the  first  peers  of  England,  and  of  infinite 
ftmfliaritj  with  king  Henry  I.,  as  also  a  person  of  great  wisdom  and  judgment  in  counsel ;  that  he  gave 
twenty  shiUings  rent  in  Serlingham  to  the  monks  of  St  Peter's,  in  Oloiieester ;  one  ox-gang  of  land  to  the 
church  of  Flamburgh ;  as  also  to  the  ehurches  of  Culton  and  Scalleby,  and  to  the  csntms  of  Bziddhngton  ; 
that  he  founded  the  monastry  of  Alnwick  in  Northumberland,  and  those  of  Walton  and  MaHon  in  Yi0rk8hire«, 
and  amply  endowed  them  with  lands  and  revenues;  and  says  also,  that  Eustace  Fita*John  was  slain  in  an 
expedition  against  the  Welch,  anno  1154,  3  Henry  IL  dymg  with  this  honourable  dutracter^  that  he  was  «i 
great  man,  one  of  the  chief  peers  of  England,  .moat  eminent  iqt  his  great  wealth  «ad  w^sdoi^, 


WHITTINGHAM  PARISH.  29 

borough,  baron  of  Halton  in  Cheshire,  &c.  &c.  &c-  This  branch  of  the  family  having 
suecessively  married  into  the  illustrious  houses  of  William  Maundeville,  Earl  of  Essex 
and  Albemarle,  Gilbert  de  Clare,  Earl  of  Gloucester,  Robert  de  Quincey,  Earl  of 

Xdncohi,  and  that  of  the  Earl  of  Salisbury,  the  daughter  of ,  which  last  named 

marrying  Edmund  Lacy,  then  Earl  of  Lincoln,  Baron  of  Halton,  Lord  of  Pontefract 
and  Blackbume  and  Flamborough,  and  constable  of  Chester ;  he  had  by  her  an  only 
daughter,  Alice,  married  to  Thomas,  son  of  Edmund  Earl  of  Lancaster,  brother  of 
king  Edward  I.  Alice  having  no  children,  settled  all  her  large  inheritance  on  the 
Lancaster  family.  Richard  Fitz-Eustace  left  another  son,  called  Roger  Fitz-Richard, 
first  baron  of  Wark worth,  in  the  county  of  Northumberland. 

Eustace  Fitz-John  married,  secondly,  Beatrix,  only  daughter  and  heir  of  Ivo  de 
Yescy,  by  which  marriage  he  acquired  the  baronies  of  Alnwick  and  Malton,  and  other 
large  possessions ;  he  had  by  this  his  second  wife,  one  son,  who  took  the  name  and 
arms  of  de  Vescy  from  his  mother,  and  to  him  the  castle  and  manor  of  Alnwick,  &c. 
descended :  he  married  Biu'ga,  sister  of  Robert  Stuteville,  lord  of  Knaresborough,  by 
whom  he  had  a  son,  Eustace.de  Vescy,  who  married  Agnes,  daughter  of  William  the 
Lion,  kinff  of  Scotland,  and  whose  son  William  de  Vescy  became  one  of  the  compe- 
titors for  tne  crown  of  that  kingdom,  in  the  famous  contest  between  Bruce  and  Bat- 
liol*  AJnwiok  and  its  dependencies  continued  in  this  branch  of  the  family  for  many 
generations,  until  at  length  it  came  to  the  illustrious  .house  of  Percy,  in  whose  pos.* 
session  it  still  continues. 

Roger  Fitz-Richard,  first  baron  of  Warkworth,  married  Eleanora  (sister  of  Alicia^ 
who  married  Vere,  from  whom  the  Earls  of  Oxford  derive  their  descent ;  they  were 
both  daughters  of  Henry  de  Essex,  baron  of  Raleigh) :  he  had  by  her  a  son  called 
Robert  -Fitz-Roger. 

Robert  Pitz-Koger,  baron  of  Warkworth,  and  founder  of  the  monastry  of  Langley, 
in  tW*  coimty  of  Norfolk,  married  Margaret,  only  daughter  and  heiress  of  William  de 
Cayneto.  Margaret  had  been  married  before  to  Hugo  de  Cressey,  and  had  by  him 
Roger  de  Cressey.  Roger  de  Cressey  married  IsabelSt  de  Rie,  and  had  by  her  four 
sons,  who  all  died  without  issue ;  so  that  the  barony  of  Horibrd  in  Norfolk,  after 
their  death,  came  to  the  heirs  of  Robert  Fitz-Richard.  King  j^ichard  gave  him  the 
lands  of  Eure,  in  Buckinghamshire,  and  he  was  sheriff  for  many  years  of  Norfolk, 
Suffolk,  and  Northumberknd«  He  had  by  bis  wife  Margaret  a  son,  called  J(An 
Fitz-Robert, 

John  Fitz-Robert,  baron  of  Warkworth  and  Clavering  (in  Essex),  married  Ada^ 
daughter  and  heir  of  Hugh  de  Baliol,  and  great  aunt  of  Baliol,  king  of  Scotland,  and 
had  t>y  her  three  sons ;  tiie  first  was  Roger  Fitz-John,  baron  of  Warkworth  and  Cla- 
vering ;  the  second,  Hugo  de  Eure,  from  whom  the  lords  Eure  descend ;  and  the 
third,  Robert  de  Eure,  m>m  whom  the  Eures  of  Axholm,  in  the  cotmty  of  Lincoln, 
draw  their  ped^ee. 

Roger  FitzJohn,  baron  of  WarkwOTth  and  Clavering,  died  in  88  Henry  III.  and 
left  a  son  called  Robert  Fitz-Roger,  very  young,  who  was  placed  under  the  guardian- 
jBhip  of  William  de  Valence,  the  King's  brother.  Robert  Fitz-Roger  Lord  Clavering, 
baron  of  Warkworth  and  Clavering,  died  in  the  fourth  year  of  the  reign  of  Edward 
II* :  he  wa$  called  to  the  House  of  iPeers  from  tbe  23a  of  Edw^d  I.  to  tbe  4tb  of 

VOL.  II,  H 


so  COQUETDALE  WARB.*.^.  D, 

Edward  II.  inclusively  *  He  married  Margeria  de  la  Zoucb,  gnrnd^dau^^biter  of  Ah^ 
nils  de  la  Zcmch,  Earl  of  Britany,  and  had  by  her  Bev&i  sons.  The  eldest,  John,  to 
whom  king  Edward  I.  gave  the  simame  of  CXavering,  from  Clavenng  in  Essex,  the 
chief  place  of  his  estates.  2d,  Edward;  3d,  Alexanoer;  4th,  Robert;  5th,  Henry; 
Gth,  Roger ;  7th»  Alanus,  who  alone  left  male  issue,  and  from  w^om  the  family  of 
the  Claveidngs  of  Callaly  are  lineally  descended.  John«  suraamad  Clavering  Lor4 
Clavering,  baron  of  Warkworth  and  Clavering,  was  possessed  of  all  th^  estates  which 
belonged  to  his  father :  he  married  Honisia,  daughter  of  Robert  de  Tibertot.  He 
died  at  his  manor  of  Ayno,  in  Northamptonshire,  anno  1332,  and  w^^s  buried  in  the 
conventual  church  of  the  abbey  of  Langley,  which  was  founded  by  his  ancestoirs. 
He  was  c^ed  to  the  House  of  "Peers  from  the  28th  of  Edward  II.  to  the  5th  of  Ed-* 
ward  III.  He  left  issue  an  only  daughter,  called  Eva,  who  had  four  husbands ; 
Thomas  de  Audly,  who  died  without  issue ;  2,  Ralph  Lord  Nevill,  of  Raby  Casd^ 
who  had  by  her  two  sons ;  3d,-  Ralph  de  Ufford ;  4tn  Robert  Benkale.f  Her  father 
having  no  male  issue,  settled  his  manors  in  Northumberland  upon  the  crown^  who 
gave  tnem  to  the  house  of  Te^y ;  Ayno  in  Northamptonshire,  and  Horford  in  Nor- 
folk, he  gave  to  Lord  Nevill  and  his  heirs ;  and  Clavering  in  Essex,  and  Bliburg  in 
Si^olk,  to  his  brother  Edmund,  for  life,  with  remainder  to  Lord  Nevill  and  his  heirs» 
to  whom  they  descended. 

Alanus  Clavering,  knt.  married  Isabella^  daughter  of  Sir  William  RiddeU*  and  by 
her  acquired  consi&rable  possessions  at  Duddoe,  Greenlaw,  Tilmouth,  &c. 

The  subsequent  generations  of  the  Clavering  i^amily  married  successively  into  the 
families  of  ^eatoi;i,  I^ms,  and  Fenwick  of  Fenwidc  Tower.    The  Claverings  of , 

*  Robert  Fitz-Roger,  Lord  Clavering,  was  in  pogflession  of  the  manon  of  Claverng  in  fiasex,  Horfinrd  m 
Norfolk,  Bliburg  in  Suffolk,  Bure  in  BuckingfaanMhire,  Whalton  in  Northumberland,  with  the  manors  thereto 
belonging,  viz.  Lington,  Linton,  Eshot,  Bockenfield,  Horton,  Ogle,  South  GoifiNrth,  Newenham,  CeutoD, 
Faudon,  Kington,  Newbiggin ;  also  cerUin  limdB  in  Shottover,  Glendale,  Herle,  Kirk-Harle,  Cheveniale^  an^ 
Riplington ;  as  also  of  the  manors  of  Newbume,  with  the  hamlets  c^  Whalebottle,  Deanlaw,  Boterlaw,  Tro- 
kerlaw,  the  town  and  manor  of  Corbridge,  the  manor  and  castle  of  Warkworth,  with  its  dependenpies,  viz. 
Berling,  Acklington,  half  of  Bitilstone,  fourth  part  of  Tqgstone;  also  of  the  manor  .of  Rothbury,  with  its  dflh 
pendencies,  via.  Newton,  ThroptoQ,  Snitter,  and  the  Forest. 

t  It  18  remarkable,  that  in  the  short  space  of  six  generations,  there  were  amongst  the  deaoendents  of  Evs^ 
Baroness  Clavering,  the  following  illustrious  personages :— A  king  of  England,  a  queen  of  England,  a  Duchess 
ef  York,  a  Duehess  of  Clarence,  a  Duke  of  Bedford,  a  Marquis  of  Montacute,  an  Earl  of  Westmoreland,  ^ 
Bail  of  Northumberland,  an  Earl  of  Salisbury,  an  Earl  of  Kent,  the  celebrated  Earl  of  Warwick,  a  Lord  Lati- 
mer, a  Lord  Abeigawiy,  an  archbishop  of  Yorii,  and  an  flarl  Marshal  of  England.  The  three  principal  male 
brwp<*fr^j  that  of  John  Fits-Robert,  lineal  ancestor  of  the  Ckverings,  of  Callaly,  and  those  of  Lacy  and  Vesqr, 
who  had  sespectivdy  assumed  those  names  as  abova-mentioned,  were  amongst  die  twenty-five  principal  English 
barons  (many  of  whom  were  also  their  near  relations,  as  appears  from  the  pedigree  of  the  Claverhig  fiumaly)  who 
headed  and  lead  on  almpst  all  the  nobility  of  this  kingdom^  to  obtain  the  celebrated  Magna  Chatta,  the  bulwark 
of  British  liberty,  from  king  John,  in  obtaining  and  securix^  whioh  they  had  a  most  emiuent  and  distinguished 
share;  they  all  three  signed  it  with  thebaxonsabove-mentiagied,  oiibefaal^o^^  whole Ungdom, at  Ruonimeds^ 
after  havmg  previously  marched  to  London,  and  taken  king  John  prisoner  in  the  Tower.  JohnFita^Robeist 
and  his  cousin  Vescy  were,  together  with  Lord  Robert  Fita«Walter,  the  genend  in  dueC  ^  m#  qjiipoM^iV 
to  king  John  of  all  die  barons,  and  incurred  the  severest  threats  from  his  displeasure. 


WHimNGHAH  PABIgfl.  .« 

Learcbild  and  fShnontibu  aDcestars  of  the  JUdebifilK^  of  Fetarboroi^^Ii^  were  descended 
from  Robert  Clxrerinfe  "who  diisd  in  the  lei^  .of  Edward  IV,  Robert  Clavering, 
son  and  heir  of  JohnClavering  asid  Elizabeth  Fenwick,  .married  Ann,  daughter  of 
Sir  Thomas  Grey»  of  Morton  Caatle,  from  which  last  ore  descended  the  families  of  Sir 
Thomas  Clavering,  of  Alwell  Park,  Bart  and  of  Charles  Clayerii^,  Esq. ;  also  the 
Clavenngs  of  Chopwell. 

Robert  Clayenn&  son  of  Robert  Clavering  and  EU^abeth  Grey,  married  Mary, 
daughter  of  Sir  Cuwbert  Collin^wood,  of  Eshngton :  his  eldest  son,  Sir  John  Claver- 
ing,  married  Ann,  daughter  of  Sir  Thomas  Ridaell,  of  Gateshead ;  Sir  John,  and  his 
three  eldeat  scms.  Six  ^bert,  Ralnh,  and  Thomas,  were  eminently  distinguished  for 
the  most  disinterested  and  devotea  attachment  to  their  king  under  the  severest  trials 
and  sufferings,  until  the  restoration  of  Charles  II.  to  the  throne  of  these  kingdoms.* 


*  Copy  afihe  Certijieaie  efike  Sermces  qfStrJtfkn  €Uwermg  tmd  Sir  Robert  Claoerimgi  gkm  undtrihehan^ 
if  Sir  Marmadndte  LangtUe. 

"  These  are  to  certifie.  all  whome  it  may  conceme^  That  Sir  John  Clavering,  hte  of  CalUdy,  in  the  ooimty  of 
Northumberland,  knight,  deceased,  having  from  the  beginninge  of  the  late  nnhappy  troubles,  fidtfafhUy  wermtA 
hia  late  maiestje  as  a  commissioner  of  array  in  those  partes  untill  they  were  over-run  by  the  Scotch,  was  m  the 
latter  end  of  1644  made  a  prisoner,  and  conveyed  to  Yarmoth,  thence  to  Norwich,  and  thence  to  London^ 
where  in  the  yeare  1647  I  had  often  occasion  to  treat  with  him  touching  his  maiesty*^  then  agreement  with 
the  Scotch  for  theire  advancing  into  England.  But  the  said  Sir  John  having  been,  as  he  several  times  told 
me,  barbarously  used  in  many  prisons  and  common  gaoles,  dyed  a  prisoner  in  London,  in  the  latter  end  of  164I7* 

''His  eldest  sonne.  Sir  Robert  Clavering,  in  the  beginning  of  the  said  troables,  at  his  owne  dbardge,  raised 
a  regiment  of  horse,  and  another  of  foote,  with  some  troopes  of  dragoones ;  wi^  these  he  often  eminently 
served  his  late  maiestie,  as  appeared  by  their  many  engagements,  more  particularly  at  Aderton  moor  fighl^ 
where  he  (commanding  the  forlome  hope)  was  very  instrumental  in  gayning  that  greate  victory,  whidi  tbeii 
made  us  masters  of  the  north.  Att  Gainsbroogh,  where  the  Lord  Willoughby  of  Parham  was  quite  ovefb 
throwne,  and  Lincolnshire  reduced  for  his  maiesties  servise.  At  Corbridge,  against  die  Scotdi,  where  (tot 
his  good  service)  the  Marqvisse  of  Newcastle  conferred  on  him  the  honnor  of  Knighthood ;  and  for  his  gdlatlC 
behaviour  at  these  and  other  encounters,  he  made  him  commander  in  cheiffe  of  the  counties  of  Northwnbetw 
land  and  Durham,  which  were  then  wholely  possest  by  the  Scotch  (except  the  garrisons  of  Newcastle  and 
Tinmoutfa),  but  he  in  a  short  tyme  worsted  the  field  forces  of  the  enemy  in  those  parts,  tooke  by  assault  the 
castle  of  Morpeth  and  the  South  Shields  forte ;  and  having  cleared  those  countys  of  the  enemy,  marched  with 
a  very  considerable  body  of  horse,  fodte,  and  dragoons,  towanls  York;  but  the  enemy's  whole  army  being 
betweene  him  and  us,  be  oocdd  not  joyne  with  us  untall  afler  the  battel],  and  Prince  Rupert  giving  hon  lor 
aeverall  dayes  the  care  of  the  army,  he,  by  long  marches  with  his  foote,  contraeled  a  feavor,  whereof  he  dywA 
about  three  weekes  after  the  fight,  his  brothers  Ralph  and  Thomas  being  then  both  engaged  witboat  him,  Ua 
fixyte  regiment  was  put  into  Carfisle,  and  there  continued  all  that  longe  and  notable  seige:  his  borae  legimeat 
was  given  to  CoUonell  Foster  (his  Lieutenant  Collouell)  under  whome  it  stoode,  and  served  with  fiddity  nd^ 
honour  untill  the  now  Earl  of  Bnstc^  disbanded  all  the  noitheroe  horse  in  Cumberland,  and  went  Ibr  h^ 
land ;  the  two  brothers,  Ralph  and  Thomas,  after  that  passing  Aeir  tyme  in  severall  prisons,  and  many  haed^ 
ddpps;  and  so  soon  as  opportunitie  was  oAred,  appeared  at  the  first  with  me  in  the  engagemantiof  l6ii^ 
and  there  to  their  utmost  power,  advanced  his  maiesties  service ;  and  eaosfrfng  fMn  Preston  figbt,  tbey  both 
fled  be3rond  the  seas,  and  there  attended  his  now  maiestie  untfll  tiwhr  poverty  inforeed  Ralph  to  ivtiie  into 
England,  and  Thomas  to  seeke  his  livelihood  in  fora^poe  parts,  where  he  is  yet,  as  i  am  informed ;  and  Ralph 
showed  himself  constant  and  loyall  by  his  continued  suiFerings  in  prison  and  fartuoei,  and  by  his  best  endea- 
vours for  restoringe  of  his  now  sacred  maiestie.    Given  under  my  haad  and  aeale  att  armea  this  82d  day  of 


88  COQUETDALE  WARD.— -N.  D- 

William  Clavering,  the  fourth  son  of  Sir  John,  married  Barbara,  daughter  of  Hemy 
Lambton,  of  Lambton,  in  the  county  of  Durham,  Esq.  fix>m  whom  the  family  of 
Edward  Clavering,  of  Berrington,  Esq.  is  descended. 

Ralph  Clavering,  the  eldest  surviving  son  of  Sir  John,  married  Mary,  daughter  of 
William  Middleton,  of  Stokeld,  Esq.  and  had  by  her  John  Clavering,  who  married 

« 

August,  in  the  12th  yeare  of  the  raigne  of  our  most  gracious  Soveraigne  Lord  King  Charles  the  Second  over 
England,  &c.  and  in  the  yeare  of  our  Lord  166O.  "  MAR.  LANGDALE.- 

Copy  of  the  Certificaie  qf  the  Servicer  of  Sir  John  Clavering  and  Sir  Robert  Clavering,  from  the  Marqme  if 

Netvcasile. 

**  These  are  to  certifie  all  whome  it  may  conceme.  That  Sir  John  Clavering,  late  of  Callaly,  in  the  county 
of  Northumberland,  Knight,  deceased,  did  in  the  yeare  1642,  when  I  came  into  those  parts  with  his  late  ma- 
iesties  commission,  appear  as  a  commissioner  of  amy  for  that  service,  and  was  very  active  and  diligent 
therein,  and  soe  continued,  untill  by  the  loss  of  those  parts,  he  was  made  a  prisoner  by  the  adverse  party. 
His  then  eldest  sonne  Sir  Robert  Clavering  did  likewise,  at  his  own  charge,  by  commission  from  mee,  raise  a 
xegiment  of  horse,  and  a  regiment  of  foote,  and  some  troopes  c/i  dragoons,  with  which  he  often  and  signally 
served  his  late  maiestie,  particularly  at  Aderton  moor  fight,  where  he  having  the  forlome  h<^,  contributed 
not  a  little  to  that  great  victory  which  cleared  the  North.  At  Gainsbrough,  where  the  Lord  Willoughby,  of 
Runham,  was  totally  routed,  and  Ldnoolnshire  regained^  and  att  Corbridge  against  the  Scotch;  in  all  which, 
as  att  other  tymes,  his  personall  service  and  that  of  his  regiments  was  eminent,  and  in  the  service  of  Cor- 
bridge, he  soe  well  behaved  himselfe,  that  I  confered  on  him  the  honnor  of  kni^thood,  for  his  handsome 
actions  rendered  there ;  after  that  I  gave  him  the  coikmiand  of  the  countys  of  Northumberland  and  Durham, 
which  were  all  then  over-irun  by  the  Scotch  (except  the  garrisons  of  Newcastle  and  Tinmouth).  But  he 
quickly  worsted  their  field  forces  in  those  countrys,  took  their  garrisons  of  Morpeth  castle  and  South  Shields 
forte  by  force,  with  other  places,  so  that  he  againe  cleared  those  partes  of  the  enemy,  and  marched  with  a 
considerable  body  of  horse,  foote,  and  dragoons,  towards  Yorke,  but  came  short  of  the  fight  by  reason  that 
the  enemy  was  betwixt  him  and  us,  and  about  three  weekes  after  dyed  of  a  flTeavor,  contracted  by  longe 
marches,  under  Prince  Rupert,  into  Lancashire.  Given  under  my  hand  and  scale  at  Armes  this  forth  day  of 
ApriU,  in  the  thirteenth  yeare  of  the  raigne  of  our  most  gratious  soveraigne  Lprd  Kinge  Charles  the  Secon4 
ov«r  England,  fifc,  and  in  the  yeare  of  our  Lord  I66I,  "  M.  NEWCASTI^E," 

Copy  qfa  Letter  from  Ptince  Rupert  to  Sir  Robert  Clavering, 

'*  Sir,<^I  formerly  desired  you  to  repayr  unto  Skipton  in  Craven,  and  there  to  expect  my  further  dlrecdont 
and  orders,  I  shall  now  second  the  same  thinge,  and  doo  require  you  to  hsaten  thither  with.what  force.of 
borse  and  foote  you  can  possiUy  gather  together,  leaving  sufficient  and  competent. strength  in  your  several 
garrisons  for  the  defence  and  maintenance  of  them.  And  that  in  your  absence  the  country  may  not  be  desti** 
tate  of  a  fit  commander,  whose  interest  in  the  affections  of  the  people  of  those  parts,  and  whose  fidelity  to  his 
majesty  is  best  knowne  to  yourselves ;  I  have  sent  you  a  blanke  commission,  that  such  a  person  may  be 
elected  by  the  generall  consent  of  the  gentlemen  of  the  county  of  Northumberland,  whose  knowne  worth  and 
ability  doo  Mmder  him  fittingly  qualifyed  for  soe  great  a  trust;  and  when  you  have  resolved  upon  such  an 
000,  you  may  insert  his  name  into  the  commission,  which  wi^l  authorise  him  to  conmiand  in  your  absence* 
In  which  particular  I  dbubt  not  but  you  will  aU  unanimously  agree  to  doo  that  which  may  most  advance  hia 
.majesties  aeryice.  I  shall  desire  you  to  give  me  fVequent  advertisement  of  the  timea  and  places  of  your  moi* 
tion,  and  such  other  particulars  as  may  be  requisite  to  acquaint  me  With..    So  I  rest 

*f  lAverpaoU,  June  Ih  1644>.  <'Your£nend«  RUPERT^ 

'' F<Hr  Sif  Robert  CUveriog  tliese," 


EDLIN6HAM  PARISH.  8S 

Ann,  daughter  of  WilBam  Lord  Widdrington,  Baron  of  Blankney,  by  Elizabeth 
Bertie,  heir  of  Sir  Peregrine  Bertie,  and  niece  to  the  Right  Hon.  the  Earl  of  Lindsey^ 
lord  h^h  chamberlam  of  England. 

His  eldest  son,  Ralph  Clavering,  Esq.  married  Mary,  daughter  of  Thomas  St^le- 
ton,  Esq.  of  Carleton,  m  the  comity  of  x  ork,  whose  ddest  son,  Ralph  Clavering,  Esq, 
married  Frances,  daughter  of  John  Jjynaik,  Esq.  and  had  by  her  John  Clavering,  Esq. 
the  present  possessor  of  Callaly  Castle,  who  married,  first,  Christiana,  only  daughter 
of  the  late  Sir  Edw^urd  Swinburne,  of  Capheaton,  Bart. ;  she  died  January  5,  1818 : 
he  married,  second,  Catherine,  daughter  of  the  late  Thomas  Selby,  Esq.  of  !Biddlestoii, 
by  whom  he  has  issue.  Ralph  C Javering,  Esq.  married  also  Mary,  the  daughtar  of 
Edward  Walsb^  Esq.  and  had  by  her  a  son,  Ectward,  and  several  daughters. 

LiOEBGTTLE.— ^This  township^  which  presents  nothing  worthy  of  notice,  is  situated 
on  the  north  side  of  Lorbottle  Burn,  and  on  the  south  extremity  of  the  parish, 

EDLINGHAM  PARISH, 

This  parish  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Eglingham,  on  the  east  by  Alnwick,  on 
tiie  south  and  south-west  by  Longframlington  and  Rothbury,  and  on  the  west  by 
Whittingham.  It  is  about  S^  miles  long,  and  above  2  miles  in  breadth,  and  contains 
120  houses  and  666  inhabitants, 

Edilingham. — ^This  small  village  stands  at  the  distance  of  six  miles  south  by  west 
A-om  Alnwick.  The  church  is  dedicated  to  St.  John  Baptist,  and  the  living  is  a  dis- 
charged vic^u^e^  valued  in  the  king's  books  at  ^6»  14^.  6d,  and  is  in  the  gift  of  the 
dean  and  chapter  of  Durham,    • 

Th(^  castle  st^n4sj  near  the  head  of  a  narrow  vallev,  and  consists  chiefly  of  an  old 

grey  tpwer.  It  was  l^eld  in.  the  reign  of  king  Henry  11.  by  John,  son  of  Walden,  oif 
le  barpny  of  IEbxX  P^trickf  for  one  sqar-hawk,  or  sixpence.  It  was  the  seat  and 
manor  of  Sir  Roger  Hastings,  knt.  who  bore  a  captain's  commission  in  the  expedition 
against  the  Moors,  1  king  Henry  VIII.  1509;  as  did  Sir  Ralph  de  Ilderton.  It 
eanw^afterwards  into  the  posMSs^n  of  Thomas  Swinbum,  son  or  John  S^winbum*  -of 
NafiPertbn  Hall,  Esq,  as  was  found  by  an  inquisition,  10  queen  Elizabeth,  He  was 
succeeded  by  his  son,  George  Swpibum,  who  ha^  two  sons  and  three  daughters,  by 
Margaret  the  daughter  of  -r-  Hiaggerstqn,  Esq^  of  Ha^erston;  the  youqger.  son, 
married  the  daughter  of  Robert  ^l^ymes,  of  Shortflat,  jEsq. ;  the  eldest  daughter, 
Margaret,  to  Roger  Fro9tor,  of  Shawdon,  Esq, ;  the  secona  daughter  to  Sir  (^rge 
Heron,  of  Chipchase,  knt. ;  and  the  third  daughter  to  Robert  Roddam,  of  Roddam^ 
Esq.  The  male  heirs  failing*  in  John  Swinbpm^  son  of  Thomasi^  in  the  rei^  of  king 
Charles  I.  and  his  eldest  sister  and  sole  heir,  Margaret,  marrying  William  Swinbum, 
Esq.  of  Capheaton,  these  two  houses  were  united,  It  thus  came  into  the  possession 
of  the  late  Sir  Edward  Swinbum ;  and  at  his  deoease  devolved  on  his  son,  the  fite^ 
sent  Sir  John  JB.  Swinbum,  Barb  of  Ca]dieaton. 

7^  Witch  ofEdU$kgham  was  a  poor:  old  woman,  named  Margaret  Stothard.  The 
foUowing  account  of  her  accusation  niiiaybe  rdyied  on  as  authentic,  it  being  copied 
fo>m  the  iHi^als,  whidi  are  preserved  ainbng  the  records  of  the  county.    It  must  b« 

YOI.,  II,  I 


84  COQUETDALB  WABD---N.  D. 


perused  with  intcnbt  by  the  cwiou?  readar,  as  presenting  *  striking  (netuftfof  tlK 
uneeoslng  distrebs  to  wmch  die  miad  is  ex^sed,  when:  darkened  bjr  ignoratte^  and 
terrified  oy  the  awful  phantoms  of  superstition.  Under ;  such  ebcumstancels,  every 
sentiment  of  hutnanit::)^  u  proserihed ;  wA  evexi  tndiflenw»  infimust^,  and  old  age,  be- 
come the  eommon  olfects  of  gloomy  suspii^ons^  and, of  the  mostmi/d  persecuticms* 


^' fi^Vt^tHlbtV^'^The  mfbrnuakm  (fJohn  Miff's  EtMinghifft  CMstb,  inihe  ^id  Coymfy^  Yeom^ 
taken  npan  oaih  thU  9Sta  doffofJm.  Am  R  fyOtroR  sed,  ^  mio  Jijl  168C-S  B^bre  Henry 
Ogky  cfEgKngham^  E^.  one  (fUi  MqjeHw  Juetices  qfihe  piece Jiir.  iUe  Qnm^^  ^. 

"  Infinmeing  sayth  that  aboiit  the  Spring  of  the  jraare,  fiir  liaet  jeaieB  or  thereaboat's^  this  iufhrmant  an  a 
Sabath  day  at  night,  being  Ijeing  in  his  bedd,  and  had  not  dept  any^  he^  the  said  Iitfonnaiit  £d  heare  a  gt«et 
blast  of  wind  as  he  thought  goe  by  his  window,  &  immediatly  following  there  was  something  fell  with  a 
great  weight  upon  his  hart,  and  gare  a  gieat  crye  like  a  Catt»  and.  then  after  another  in  the  same  minner>  and 
just  as  these  was  ended  there  appeared  a  light  at  his  bedd  Ibo^  and  did  in  the  same  light  see  Margaret  Sto* 
thard  or  hir  Vission  to  the  best  of  his  knowledge^  so  the  porre  c^  this  Informant's  speech  being  taken  from 
him  at  the  tyme,  and  as  soune  as  ev^ir  b^  t^qqvetd  stventh  to  $p^4,;he  cryed  out  the  Witch,  the  Witch,  soe 
his  fimialie  asking  what  was  the  matter  unth  him,  this  informant  assured  lus  Wife  and  the  rest  of  the  famalie 
t^Mjt  the  Witch  Meigaret^  Stothard  .had  been  i^ion  him  soe  tt^^  said  Informant  was  in  such  a  Gendilion  that 
they  w^re  forced  to  bold  him>  and  tb^j  could  not  get  hif»  holdenj  but  w«$  fecced  to  come  and  fetch  a.  brother 
of  his  to  hdpe.theiHt  St  eevev^U  ^mes  this  Informant  haitb  had;  that  truble,  and  alwayes  before  it  tecoe  he 
would  heare  the  blast  of  wind  as  aforesaid  come  by  his  window  that  he  would  been  if  such  a  fright  that  die 
very  haires  of  his  head  would  stand  upward's  undll  such  tymes  that  he  gote  up  and  lighted  a  candle  &  taken 
bis  Bible  &  reedd  which  wQold  something  quallifie  his  feare,  ^.  this  Informant  forther  sayth  that  sometyme 
about  somer  gone  yeare  this  Informant  being  abroad  at  his  Landlord  paying  his  rent  and  coraeix^  home  at 
night  and  come  downe  the  street  hard  by  the  doore  of  the  said  Margaret  Stothaid  &  here  came  a  flash  of  fire 
over  before  him  and  as  he  thought  went  to  her  dore,  soe  not  at  all  being  afraid  for  the  fire  untill  his  horse 
tooke  to  a  stand  and  would  neither  goe  back  nor  finrward  then  he  b^gan  to  be  afraid  and  his  haire  stood  up* 
ward  on  his  heed,  then  he  a7ed  O  Lord  deliver  me  for  thy  mercy  saike  and  for  thy  owne  name  saike  after 
that  the  Horse  went  forward  and  went  home  and  the  said  Informant  continiied  in  greate  foare  all  that  nigh^ 
soe  that  he  was  forced  to  send  for  Us  brother  and  ^^  neighbour's  tp  stay  with  him  that  iugbt»  and  fiutfier 
not- 


umberUmd  (^breeeM. 

"  Informing  sayth  that  about  eight  or  nine  yeacs  a^o^.to  the  best  of  this  Informant's  knowledge  one  Jane 
Carr  late  cyf  Lemendon  in  the  said  County  and  this  Iifformant  being  in  cGscourse  together  about  one  Margaret 
Stodiard  of  Edlingham  aforesaid  and  the  said  Jane  Carr  with  weeping  tears  told  this  informent  how  she  had 
diarmed  a  childe  of  hiKs  that  was  unwell  for  she  said  that  there  caitie  in  a  woman  that  said  two  tymes  ovefv 
here's  a  fine  diilde  and  the  woman  going  away  the  childe  tooke  a  shrieking  &  cryeing  that  it  had  ahnctft 
skirled  to  death  and  the  said  Margaret  Stothard  being  in  the  towne  in  ti)e  mean  tyme  and  being  a  reputed 
Charmer  for  sudi  sudden  distempers  she  die  said  Jane  'Carr  caled  hir  in,  to  see  the  diiM ;  and  when  sh^ 
oame  in  die  the  said  Jane  Caj^  toM  hir  that  dte  beli^rved  the  dnld  had  received  wronge  and  she  the  said 
Maigarel  Stolhard  took  the  diilde  in  hir  arms  and  what  she  said  tx>it  she  knoth  not,  but  she  put  hh-  mcmthe 
to  the  childe's  mouth  and  made  such  chirping  and  suekhig  that  the  aoother  of  the  said  ehikte  thought  that 
dw  had  snoked  the  hart  of  it  out,  and  was  sore  allrightad,  and  dicn  she  gave  the  ohilde  to  the  anodier  and 
said  ehe  would  wamnt  the  chflde  well  enough-«eoe  the  said  Maigsret  Sb>l&ard  went  fectb  and  sett  downe 
«i  a  stone  m  the  eatrie  ef  the  said  boossi^  aadtlwsb^gsnteimTebersdfandsiftandgBant  insnehanod 


\ 


EDLIN6HAM  PABISH.      )  $5 

ttMiiMr  diAt  di0  hftd  almokt  afflaghted  die  rnddm  ^  Hm  «id  cbild  <mt  of  fair  lHft%  toe  Ae  said  Margtrat 
StoChanl  riadiig  op  and  gonag  away^  thara  waa  a  little  caUe  tyed  in  a  baihd  in  another  little  imm^  and  wbm 
ahe  waa  gon  the  caMe  went  perftcUy  itindd^  ao  that  thej  aeeing  nothing  a*  tbi  cnllb  but  deaA  they  kyld  tte 
oaUe,  8oe  that  they  did  naily  bdiere  that  bylur  diannbgorwitdiGmftfiiedialdnperwastakenof  tfaechfl^ 
^  kid  upon  tiw  calf  aforesaid,  and  further  tayth  not" 

'^  0WtltawSbn*'--The  if^brmaiioH  ^  Jacob  MUb,  ^BdlmghMm  Ca$tbj  im  the  said  Qmn^. 

^*  Informing  sayth  that  upon  Satterday  last  the  80th  of  Jan.  one  Alexander  Nickle  of  Larbode  and  his  wiilift 
told  this  Informant^  that  about  eight  years  agoe  or  there  about* s  diey  the  said  Alexander  Nickle  ft  wife  had 
a  chUde  (fyed  and  before  ever  it  was  any  thing  unwell  to  there  knowledge  there  came  into  the  house  one 
Margaret  Stothard  of  Edlingham,  and  die  said  Alexander's  wife  being  in  the  house  among  hir  children  the 
said  Margaret  asked  hir  ahnes  of  hir  and  the  woman  being  afraid  of  her  by  the  ill  fiime  she  bore  in  the  coun- 
try that  she  was  a  witch,  this  informant  is  not  possitive  whether  she  refused  to  give  hir  almes  or  that  she  had 
it  not  to  give  it  hir,  soe  the  said  Margaret  Stothard  went  away,  and  after  she  was  gon  one  of  the  diilder  said 
to  her  mother,  did  not  you  see  what  the  woman  did  to  yon  when  she  weM  aWay,  and  the  woman  answered 
noe :  so  the  dnlde  said  she,  to  wit  die  said  Margaret  Stothard,  did  wave  at  hir  mother  a  white  thing  three 
tymes,  and  the  modier  said  she  did  not  care  for  fair,  is4hat  she  did,  for  ^e  hoped  the  Lord  would  protect  hhr 
from  any  sndi  ba  she  wa0»  But  next  momeing  before  dky  the  ehilde  gt^w  unwell,  and  continued  all  the  day 
very  ill,  still  ctying  out  the  woman  that  waved  the  whke  thing  at  yon  iv  above  mfe  pressing  of  me  and  lidce 
to  bricke  my  backe  and  press  out  my  hait,  and  ao  the  ehilde  continned  sdUetyeing  out  in  that  manner,  nntill 
nest  morning  againe  about  cocke  crow,  and  then  dyed  aoe  that  they  veryly  believe  she  was  the  death  of  the 
said  duLde,  and  fiirther  sayth  not.** 

<<  Alexander  Nickle^  ihefidher  qfihe  child,  deposed  to  the  same  effect^  adding fkiriheV'^ 

''That  seeing  the  ehilde  in  the  sad  condition  went  up  to  Caitentcm  to  my  Lady  Widdrington,  and  toldf  hir 
the  dulde's  conditi<m,  and  the  LadyeTs  answer  was,  that  she  could  not  underatnid  any  distemper  the  chflde 
had  by  the  dfcumatancea  th^  told  her,  unless  ahe  to  wit»  the  ehilde  was  bewitched." 

**  JXKltttmftfn—TTW  tn^wifKrtion  cfls&M  Maim  afShaiwion^  in  ihs  said  Consi^,  S^^lnsler. 

"  Informing  sayth  that  about  three  or  four  years  ago  or  there  abouts,  to  the  best  of  this  Informant's  know* 
ledge;  this  Informant  being  retained  in  the  service  of  one  Jacob  Pearson  of  Tidington  in  the  said  county, 
Gent  and  having  the  diarge  of  the  house  and  milkness ;  this  Informant  sayth  that  their  milkness  went 
wrong,  that  she  to  wit,  the  said  Informant  could  never  get  any  cheese  made  of  it  as  Ae  used  to  doe  formerly, 
soe  that  she  really  believed  that  it  was  wronged  by  some  witch  or  other;  and  one  Margaret  Stotfaaid  of  Ed« 
ILsgham  in  the  said  county  being  a  reputed  charmer;  diis  Informant  aocidnitdy  meeting  widi  a  woman  that 
lived  in  die  same  town  where  die  sttd  reputed  charmer  lived,  and  she  the  said  Informant  desired  the  said 
Woman  diat  she  would  speacke  to  the  said  Margaret  Stothard  and  teU  her  in  what  condition  their  milk  waia 
in ;  which  the  said  woman  did,  and  die  said  Margaret  Stothard  said  to  the  said  woman  that  she  would  war* 
kant  to  make  their  milk  well  enough  againe^  and  lAMmt  eight  days  following  die  sud  Margaret  Stothard  oaMe 
to  this  Informant  to  Tidington  aforesaid,,  and  asked  how  this  Informant's  or  her  Maiater's  mOkneas  was 
amended,  she  the  said  Informant  replyed  that  it  was  pretty  well  now,  soe  this  Informant  asked  the  said  Mar- 
gK«fe  Stothard  the  reason  why  die  milk  came  to  be  in  that  condition,  she  the  said  Margaret  said  that  it  was 
foee-sp^dken  and  that  some  ill.  eyes  had  looked  on  it;  and.  this  Infoiuant  further  asked  hir,  what  waa  the 
hnson'  that  hir  Maiater'a  eowa  swett  soe  when  they  stood  in  the  Byar;  and  then  she  bidd  hir  take  salt  and 
wiMke  and  nibb  upon  iMr  baoks,  and  ahe  fturther  said  to  this  Informant  as  touching  the  milk,  allwayes  when 
yam  gee  to  milke  your  ooik^s  put  a  litde  salt  in  your  pale  or  sked;  this  Informant  refusmg  to  doe  that,  she 
would  then  giv«ah^  ^pieoe  of  Rowntree  wood,  «nd  bid  her  take  that  alwayes  idong  with  hir  when  she  went 


86  COQUETDALE  WARD.— N.  D. 

to  the  C0WC8.  Soe  this  Infimnaiit  tooke  the  fneoe  d  wood  fimn  luir  and  laid  it  by>  thinking  there  was  noe 
need  for  any  such  thix^;,  there  milke  then  bemg  in  a  Tery  good  conditiao  as  uaually  befinre,  tbat  she  the  Mid 
Informant  could  then  gett  both  butter  and  cheese  of  it,  which  she  ccxdd  not  doe  of  late  befoe.  This  Inform* 
ant  would  then  have  payd  the  said  Margaret  Stothard  for  hir  soe  mending  or  charming  of  the  saidmilke^  and 
would  have  given  hir  a  penny,  and  said  it  was  charmers  dues,  hot  she  answered  and  said  noe,  a  Utde  of  any 
thing  will  serve  me,  soe  this  Informant  telling  hir  Maister  of  it,  he  gave  hir  a  fleece  of  woole  to  give  hir  the 
■aid  Margaret  Stothard,  and  this  Informant  gave  hir  a  little  mc»e  to  it;  and  after  that  they  had  their  milke 
in  very  good  order ;  and  thb  Informant  further  say  th  that  the  said  Margaret  Stothard  said  if  you  judge  any 
person  that  haith  wronged  your  milke,  take  your  cowe-tye  and  aske  the  milke  againe  for  God's  sake,  and  she 
the  said  Informant  pqswqred  she  would  near  doe  that»  if  their  milke  should  never  be  right  any  more,  and 
further  sayth  not." 

''  Cap^.  et  Jurat  die  Ann,  Super  cor  nd,  HENRY  OGLE." 

The  result  of  this  tragi-coinic  affiur  is  not  statecL  Necessity  seems  to  have  compel*, 
led  poor  Margaret  to  turn  the  public  fears  to  her  own  advanta^* 

In  a  calen<£ir  of  the  prisoners  confined  in  the  high  castle  of  l^eweastle  upon  Tyne^ 
at  the  assizes  for  Northumberland,  in  the  years  1628  and  16£9»  preserved  in  the 
Midkleton  Manuscripts,  and  printed  in  the  Axchaeologia  iBliana,  the  following  occurs : 
^'  Jane  Robson,  wife  of  Mathew  Robson,  of  Leeplisb,  in  the  liberties  of  Tyndale  and 
county  of  Nortbumb'Iand,  charged  w^  the  felonious  killing  of  Mabdl  Rol^on,  the 
wife  of  George  Robson,  of  Leepush  aforesaid,  his  brother  in  lawe,  by  sorcery  or  witch-* 
craft,  as  by  mittimus,  &c.  appeareth ;"  Qonun|tted  by  ''  Cuthbe^t  Ridley,  clerk,  19^ 
JuUj,l628." 

Lemikgtok,  a  seat  of  the  Fenwicks,  is  pleasantly  situated  on  an  enunenee,  about 
five  miles  west-south-west  from  Alnwick,  and  one  mile  north-east  from  Edlingham. 
It  is  a  handsome  modem  building,  of  hewn  freestone,  commanding  a  fine  view  of  the 
rich  valley  of  Whittingham.  The  rising  grounds  which  surround  the  mansion  are 
fudidoudy  dothed  wiui  wood,  and  the  amoining  vale  is  beautified  by  Lemington 
jBum,  which  runs  into  the  Aln^  Nicholas  Fenwick,  Esq.  was  a  representative  in  par- 
liament for  the  town  of  Newcastle  for  many  years.  He  was  a  most  disting^uished 
patron  of  the  rural  arts ;  and,  for  his  great  improvements  by  planting,  was  honoured, 
with  the  gold  medal  in  1764,  by  the  Society  for  the  Encouragement  of  the  Arts^ 
His  ^?^  Robert  Fenwick,  who  resided  at  Lemington^  was  high  sheriff  of  Northum-- 
berland  in  1753.  It  is  now  the  property  of  his  son,  Nicholas  Fenwick,  Esq.  who  re- 
sides in  the  neighbourhood  of  Xondon^  He  married  a  daughter  of  ColIingwoo.d; 
Forster;  Esq.  of  Alnwick.  This  line  of  the  Fenwicks  were  owners  of  yenwick'a 
Entry,  in  the  Quayside,  Newcastle,  and  had  been  many  years  merchants  of  opulence 
and  repute.  They  afterwards  resided  at  a  mansion-house  in  Pilgrim-street,  now  called 
the  Queen*s  Head  Inn, 

Broom-Park  is  a  neat  mansion-house,  advantageously  situated  on  the  south  side 
of  the  river  Aln,  distant  about  six  miles  west  by  south  from  Alnwick.  The  pleasure- 
grounds  are  tastefully  laid  out,  and  the  surrounding  country  presents  a  variety  of 
pleasant  views.  It  was  the  seat  of  the  late  Bryan  Burrell,  Esq.  who  was  high  sherifl^ 
of  Northumberland  in  1768.  He  died  November  8,  1806,  and  is  succeed^  by  hia 
son,  William  Burrell,  Esq,  who  was  high  sherifi'of  the  county  in  the  year  1811, 


EDLINGHAM  PARISH.  ^7 

Bolton  is  a  small  village,  situated  on  the  north  side  of  the  Aln,  about  two  iniles 
east  by  north  from  Whittii^ham,  and  5^  miles  west  from  Alnwick.  It  has  a  chapel 
belonging  to  the  vicarage  oi  Edlingham.  Here  was  an  hospital,  founded  by  Robert 
de  Ros,*  Baron  of  Wark,  before  the  year  1S25,  for  a  master  and  three  chaplains^ 
thirteen  leprous  men,  and  other  lay-bretnren,  dedicated  to  St.  Thomas  the  Martyr,  or 
the  Holy  Trinity ;  subordinate  to  the  abbey  of  Ryeval,  and  the  priory  of  Kirkham, 
in  Yorkshire.  He  gave  it  the  villa,  lordship,  impropriation,  and  advowson  of  Bolton^ 
and  a  waste  of  140  acres ;  a  c(»m*mill  and  a  tenement  at  Mindrum ;  lands  at  Paaton^ 
and  at  Kilham.  He  also  gave  it  the  viUa,  manor,  impropriation,  and  advowson  of 
Straunston,  and  his  estates  of  the  Fauntons  within  that  lordship,  near  Grantham,  in 
Lincolnshire.  Beside  an  estate  at  Elwell,  in  Swanesland,  in  Yorkshire,  with  pas- 
turage for  900  sheep,  neat  the  river  Humber ;  a  com^mill  and  a  tenement  at  Middle- 
ton,  near  Dalton ;  and  lands  at  Carton ;  both  in  the  county  of  York.  The  master, 
chaplains,  and  brethren  of  the  hospital,  were  to  keep  a  good  table,  dress  neatly,  and 
provide  themselves  with  (H'oper  necessaries  and  conveniehces  out  of  their  annual  re* 
venues,  and  apply  the  remainder  to  the  relief  of  the  poor,  and  helpless  strangers.  At 
the  dissolution,  it  came,  with  the  manor  and  villa,  into  l^e  possession  of  the  Colling- 
woods  of  Eslinffton.  It  belonged  to  Sir  Cuthbert  Collingwood,  10  queen  Elizabeth ; 
and  to  Robert  Collingwood,  14  king  Charles  I, 

In  the  2d  queen  Jume,  1702,  it  was  the  seat  and  manor  of  William  Brown,  Esq. 
high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  that  year ;  and  of  Nidiolas  Brown,  Esq.  h^n 
sheriff  of  Northumberland^  1748 ;  and  afterwards  of  his  son-in-law,  the  late  Matthew 
Forster,  Esa.  a  younger  branch  of  the  house  of  Elherstone,  and  who  was  hi^h  sheriff 
of  Northumberland  in  1765.  Bolton  came  next  into  the  possession  of  the  coheiress  of 
his  lat^  widow,  Mrs.  Forster,  daughter  of  Nicholas  Brown,  Esq.  above-mentioned. 

Before  the  battle  of  Flodden,  Sir  Thomas  Howard,  Earl  of  Surrey,  was  at  this 
village,  on  Monday,  5th  September,  5  king  Henry  VIII.  1518 ;  where  all  the  noble* 
men  and  gentlemen  met  him  with  their  retinues,  to  the  number  of  20,000  men, 
among  whom  were  Lords  Clifford,  Coniqrs,  Ogle,  Scroope,  and  Lumley,  Sir  William 
Percy,  Lionel  Percy,  Sir  George  Darcy,  Sir  W  iUiam  ]QuliQer,  of  Brstncepeth  Castle, 
in  the  county  of  Durban^,  and  Kich^rd  Tempest,  Esq^ 

Leabchild,  the  property  of  Thomas  Buston,  Esq.  is  one  mile  west  from  Edling* 
ham,  Abbebwick  townsmp  includes  the  north-west  part  of  the  parish  adjoining 
Alnwick  moor.    It  belongs  to  William  Burrell,  Esq.  of  Broom-Fark, 

^  CAarfer.---Bobert  de  Roos  to  all  faithful  Christians  greetijag.  Know  je,  that  I  have  granted,  and  given, 
und  confirmed,  to  God,  and  the  master  and  brethren  of  the  hospital  of  the  Blessed  Mary  and  Saint  Thomas 
the  Martyr,  at  Bolton,  in  Northumberland,  the  manor,  lordship,  and  impropriation  (as  above),  to  support  a 
master,  three  brethren,  three  chaplains,  and  thirteen  leprous  laymen.  Witness,  Stephen,  archbishop  of  Can- 
terbury ;  Walter  Grey,  archbishop  of  York ;  Richard  de  Marisco,  bishop  of  Durham ;  Hugh,  bishop  of  Wells  | 
— r  biahop  cf  Lincpln ;  Robert  de  JMe,  dean  of  York ;  William  Thomey,  dean  of  Lincoln ;  WilliiMn,  abbot 
of  Reivall ;  Adam,  abbot  of  Melrose ;  William,  abbot  of  de  Valle  Dei, 

VOL,  II.— (as)  K 


ag  COQUETDALB  WAMTL^W.  B. 


WB8T   DIVISIOIf. 


ALWINTON  PARISH. 

Thiir  pornh  extends  from  the  Borders  of  Seottbnd,  «k  Makendon,  to  Barfi  Fbot^ 
near  Trewitt  Mains,  a  distance  of  about  12  miles ;  and  fiiDni  Dry  hope  south  ward  td 
Famhsm,  al>ove  6  miles.  It  is  divided  isito  eleven  townships,  and  contains  lS!t 
kouses,  and '900  inhabitants.  The  ^rochial  ch«^lry  of  Hafystane^  or  Hofystane,  is 
umalfy  attached  to  diis  parish  in  eivil  and  ecclesiastical  matters.  From  official  docu- 
ments, it  appears  tJiat  the  school  at  Harbottle  was  founded  under  the  will  of  Mr.  W. 
IHxon,  who  left  a  house  in  Newcastle  upon  Tjne,  which  he  directed  to  be  sold,^  and 
the  produee  applied  towards  the  education  of  IS  boys  or  giils  of  Alwinton  and  Holy- 
stone. The  funds  are  not  ^uite  £900)  in  the  hands  of  tl^ee  trustees,  producing  £149 
Ite.  The  number  of  clnldien  taught  gratis  have  been  increased  to  16,  four  of  whom 
haveprizes  given  them  (viz.  two  bdonging  to  ihe  EstaUish6d  Churdi,  and  two  to 
the  Dissenters)  for  saying  their  catechism  best,  and  who  are  most  regular  in  their  at* 
tendance  at  church  or  meeting :  and  the  master  takes  about  S8  other  sdiolars,  13  of 
whom  are  paid  for  by  Thomas  ClenneO,  E^^  who  also  prov^es  books  for  them  and 
the  free  ohildren.  There  is  also  a  dames'  school  here.  The  school  at  Nine-banker 
contains  above  80  children,  the  master  of  whom  receives  a  small  endowment  of  £  1 
per  annum,  besides  5s.  per  quarter  from  each  scholar.  There  is  another  day-school  at 
this  plaM,  consisting  of  S4  children ;  and  a  Sunday-^school^  where  about  60  are  in- 
structed«  To  the  day-school  at  Carsheild,  comprising  &5  children,  Mr.  and  Mrsi. 
Beaumont  and  their  predecessors  have  gemrally  contributed  £10  per  annum.  A 
commodious  schocl^room  and  dwellings-house  for  the  mast^  were  lately  built  at  Ne- 
therton,  under  the  patronage  of  Walter  Sell^,  Esq.  It  is  attended  by  85  children. 
The  school  at  Burrowdon  contains  25  scholars.  There  is  sometimes  a  school  at  Lin-* 
bridge.  The  school  at  Hidyslone  was  latdy  relinquished  by  the  master,  as  not  worth 
his  attendance,  though  he  had  the  assistance  of  a  yearlv  payment  of  f  1,  10*.  per 
annum,  issuing  from  knds  belonging  to  Mr.  Dawson,  of  Alnwick.  It  is  now  resumed* 
William  Potts  bequeathed  by  will,  dated  1724,  the  dear  annual  rent-charge  of  £l, 
10s.  for  teaching  poor  children  in  this  parish.  Thomas  Clennell,  by  will,  in  1701-2, 
gave  to  the  poor  £80,  directing  the  interest  to  be  paid  them  annually ;  and  James 
Selby,  in  1738,  also  gave  £20  for  the  same  purpose.  The  sum  of  £50  was  likewise 
bequeathed  to  the  poor,  in  1705,  by  Ephraim  Sdby.  In  1786,  this  sum,  upon  en- 
qmry,  was  found  to  be  vested  in  one  Cnarles  Selby ;  but  the  interest  had  not  been 
p^d  for  20  years  previous  to  that  time. 

ALWiNTOK.-T-This  village  is  situated  near  the  confluence  of  the  Coquet  and  the 
Alwine,*  about  19  miles  west  by  south  from  Alnwick.    The  church,  which  is  dedi- 

•  A  poem,  entituledy  "  The  Marriage  of  the  Coquet  «nd  the  Almine,"  was,  in  1  SI  7,  printed  by  John  Adam^ 
son,  Esq.  of  Newcastle.  It  is  written  in  imitation  of  the  marriage  of  "  The  Tam^  and  the  Isis"  hj  Drayton, 
as  published  in  the  fifteenth  song  of  the  Poly-Olbian,  and  is  snpposed  to  have  been  composed  about  the  year 


ALWINTON  FABISIL  89 

cated  to  8t*  Midmel^  stands  at  a  short  distance  firom  the  village,  and  dn  the  east  banks 
of  the  Alwine.  It  {H-esents  little  worth  observatikHi^  The  Selby  faBoiiliy  vanU  is  in 
the  chsDcel^  and  durt  of  the  Clennell  familrf  in  tiie  body  of  the  ehurck  The  bying  if 
in  the  ^ft  of  Ins  gtace  the  Dvke  of  Northumfaerland.  Here  was  an  hospital,  suboiF- 
dinate  to  tiie  mnmery  of  HbAyntone. 

Clbhnhix  stands  on  the  east  side  of  the  Alwine,  i^d  <me  mile  north  from  Al- 
'Winton.  It  was  the  seat  and  manor  of  the  and^it  fasftiW  of  the  ClenneUs^  In  the 
18th  ling  Edward  I.  it  was  possessed  by  Thomas  Cl^inell,  who  ui  that  year  obtained 
»  grant  of  free  warren  in  this  manor,  and  his  manor  of  filsdoa  It  beloi^ed  to  WU^ 
hMi  CkmieU,  12  long  Henry  VI. ;  to  Luke  Clennell,  hi^  sheriff  of  Novthamber^ 
hold  in  the  year  1727.  His  ddest  son,  Thomas  Clennell,  JEsq.  left  a  daughter,  who 
married  William  WiUdnson,  Esq«  who  thus  came  into  the  possessi<xi  of  ClenndL 
He  was  hif^h  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  1758,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  eldest  son; 
Thomas  W  ilkkison,  Esq.  commonly  called  Bunker  Hill  Wilkinson. 

BiDDLESTON  is  16  miles  west  by  south  from  Alnwick,  and  S^  north-east  frmn  Al« 
Winton.  The  seat  of  Walter  Selby,  Esq.  is  finely  situated  in  a  most  beautiful  and 
ronmndc  spot.  It  is  a  large  and  comraodiovis  stone  building,  recaitly  erecsted  upon 
tile  summit  of  a  gradual  su>pe,  behind  which  a  stream  of  water  winds  through  a  deep 
gill,  Mling,  in  its  course,  over  several  huge  rocks.  Above  rise  the  hills  of  Silvertcm 
and  Harden,  from  the  lofty  summits  of  wnich  the  sea  may  be  viewed  on  a  clear  day. 
The  south  front  commands  a  fine  prospect  of  the  pleasant  vale  of  Coquet,  terminated 
by  a  semicircular  ridge  of  hills,  iii  the  midst  6f  wliich  stands  Simonside  Hill,  wh<»se 
gr^  too  bounds  the  extensive  landscape. 

]Biddteston  has  long  been  the  seat  and  manor  of  the  ancient  and  honouraUe  family 
of  the  Selbys.  The  first  of  this  name  on  record  is  Sir  Walter  de  Selby,  knt.  in  the 
t«ign  of  king  H^nry  III.  He  obtained  a  ^rant  of  Biddleston,  which  f<»rmerly  be* 
longed  to  the  Fissards  from  king  Edward  I.  m  the  first  year  of  bis  reigA,  1278.*    Win 

1780.    The  author  is  unknown,  though  report  attributes  it  to  two  different  gentlemen,  both  of  whom  were 
well  qualified  to  write  such  a  production. 

*  Cop^  of  the  Grant  of  Vissards  Lands  to  Sir  Walter  de  Selbtf,  Knt.  dated  24<*  October,  1272,  1  Edward  L 

**  ISdwanhia  Dei  Gratia  Bex  Seotorum  Omnibus  fidelibus  nostris  ad  quos  prvsens  Carta  pervenerit  Salutem 
in  Domino  sempitemam.  Sciatis  nos  dedisse  concessisse,  et  hac  Carta  confirmasse  dilecto  et  fideli  nostro 
Waltero  de  Selby  militi,  pro  bono  et  laudibili  servitlo  suo,  quad  nobis  impendit  et  impendet  in  futurum,  omnes 
terras  et  omnia  tenementa  cum  pertinentiis  quae  fuerunt  Wellelmi  Vissard  filii  quondam  Johannis  Vlssard 
militio  inimiri  et  rebellis  nostri  infira  regnum  nostrum  in  manu  nostra  existentia  pro  foris  &ctura  prfiedlcd 
Willelmi  salvis  tamen  nobis  et  haeredibus  nostris  omnibus  terns  reditibus  et  libertatibus  ac  omnibus  proprie- 
tatibus  pertinentiis  suis  quse  denus  ad  comam  nostram  pertinent  ae  saWo  jure  aliens  cum  in  de  loqui  voluerin^ 
Habenda  ac  tenenda  omnia  tenementa  predicta  una  com  omnibns  ad  dktM  terras  et  tenementa  spectantibus, 
maneriis,  Vellis,  hameletds,  reditibus  honoribus  Feodi  Militami  mar^eagiis,  voleriis,  pards,  pasturis,  maris 
mortui  piscariis,  aquis  stagnis  vivariis,  Tol  theme  iniang  thefe  et  outilang  thefe  et  com  aliis  pertinentiis  et 
libertatibus  suis,  praefato  Waltero  hanredibus  et  assignatis  suis  de  nobis  et  hasredibus  nostris  in  feodo  et  haere* 
ditate  in  perpetuum  fiiciendo  pro  eisdem  terris  &  tenementis  nobis  et  hsBrecKbus  nostris  servitia  deinde  debits 
et  de  jure  cbnsueta.    In  enjns  rei  teitimonitmi  sigilhtm  Bootrum  hoic  cartse  appem  £edmtis.    Hie  testibus 


40  COQUETDALE  WARD— W.  D, 

successor,  Sir  Walter  de  Selby,  was  governor  of  Liddle  Castle,  on  the  Borders,  whidi^ 
in  the  l6th  king  Edward  III.  1S42,  was  besieged  by  David  king  of  Scotland,  who 
had  under  his  command  an  army  of  40,000  men,  one  half  of  whidi  was  composed  of 
vet^wis.  The  castle  was  taken  on  the  5th  of  October,  when  the  enraged  prince  or* 
dered  the  gallant  Sir  Walter  to  be  immediately  beheaded,  for  presuming  to  interrupt 
his  prcNzress. 

Kd^eston  was  possessed  by  James  de  Selby  in  the  reign  of  king  Richard  II.  He 
had  two  sons,  Alexander  de  Selby,  who  enjoyed  his  estates  during  the  rcigns  of  king 
Henry  IV.  and  V.  and  Ralph  de  Selby,  a  monk  at  Westminster,  one  of  the  barons 
of  the  exchequer,  privy  counsellor  to  the  kings  Henry  IV.  and  V.  as  appears  from  his 
epitaph,  recorded  among  the  monuments  of  Westminster  abbey.*  ^iddleston  was 
held  Dy  John  de  Selby,  son  of  Alexander,  in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  VI. ;  his  sister 
Mary  was  married  to  Thomas  Haggerstone,  Esq.  of  Haggerstone :  bv  John  de  Selby, 
in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  VII. ;  and  by  Perdval  de  Selby,  in  the  reign  of  king 
Henry  VIII.  He  was  one  of  the  commissioners  of  the  Middle  Marches  in  the  6th 
of  king  Edward  VI.  He  married  Cicely,  daughter  of  Sir  John  Collingwood,  of  Es- 
lington,  knt,  by  whom  he  had  one  son  and  one  daughter,  Christopher,  and  IsabeHa» 
who  married  Anthony  Fenwick,  Esq.  of  Stanton.  Christopher  Selby  married  Elea- 
nor, daughter  of  Sir  William  O^e,  of  Causey-Park,  by  whom  he  had  issue,  1.  Tho- 
mas ;  S.  Margery,  who  married  Ralph  Grey,  Esq.  of  Heton ;  S.  Isabella,  who  married 
Robert  Clennel,  Esq.  of  Clennell ;  and,  4.  Rob^  who  died  without  issue.  Thoma3 
Selby  married,  first,  Isabella,  daughter  of  Robert  Cktvering,  Esq«  of  CaUaly,  by  whom 
he  had  issue  four  sons  and  two  daughters:  1.  Alexander;  2.  Tnomas;  S.  Robert;  4. 
Arthur,  who  died  young ;  also  Ann,  and  Mary  who  married  Thomas  Eden,  Esq.  Tho« 
mas  Selby  married,  secondly,  Agnes,  daughter  of  Gerard  Heron,  Esq.  of  Meldon,  by 
whom  he  had  two  sons,  Thomas  and  Ralph,  who  both  died  unmarried.  He  was 
succeeded  by  Alexander  Selby,  his  eldest  son  and  heir,  who  married  Joan,  daughter 
of  Sir  Ephraim  Widdrington,  of  Trewitt,  knt  by  whom  he  had  two  sons  and  two 
daughters ;  William,  who  succeeded  to  his  estates ;  Robert,  who  died  yoCmg ;  and 

Henrico  de  Bellomonte  Comite  de  Boghan,  David  Comite  de  Atholl^  Gilberto  de  UmfiraviUe  CooUte.de  AngoeL 
Richardo  Tabbot,  Alexandre  de  Mowbray,  Eustachio  de  MaxweU,  Henrico  de  Ferrariis  militibus  et  multia 
me  ipso  apnd  RpkMburg  XXIV  ®  die  Octobxds  anno  Regni  noatri  primo," 


*  Copy  qfthe  EpUHph  of  Ralph  Selby,  a  Monk  at  Wutndnster,  who  died  in  1420,  ms  referred  to  in  the  Fed^ree^ 

**  Here  lietb  entombed  tbe  Body  of  RALPH  SELBY,  descended  from  the  ancioit  Family  of  t{ie  Seibie^ 
cf  Bittelsdan,  in  the  County  of  Northumberland^  a  Monk  of  the  Fraternity,  a  learned  Doctor  ip  the  Civil  and 
Canon  Law,  and  one  exceedingly  beloved  and  favou^  by  King  Hen?y  IV.  and  V,  in  the  eighth  year  of 
whose  reign  he  departed  this  world  imno  1420,  as  by  this  Epitaph  appeareth, 

*^  Ecce  Radttlphus  ita  Selby  hie  Cenobita 
Doctor  per  mmta,  prepotent  lege  perita 
Legibua  Omatns  a  Regibus  et  veneratus 
Ordo  ejuaque  status  per  cum  $t  conciliatus 
M.  C.  quatev  K  his  post  partum  Virginis  iste  * 
Michaelis  ffesto  tibi  spiravit  bone  Christe." 

WtavfCfM  ttommetU^  ef  Wc9tmi»9ter  ^&%,  /iw  488  4*  48^, 


ALWINTON  PA»JSH.  41 

Mary  and  Agnes^  William  Selby  was  hi^h  gberiff  of  Korthumberland,  1  kins  James 
L  1603  :*  he  iparried  Ellen,  daughter  of  Sir  Thomas  Haggerstone,  Bart  Kj  whom  he 
had  issue  thi:^  sons  and  thi^ee  daughters :  1«  Thomas,  who  married,  but  died  without 
issue ;  2.  William,  who  died  yoimg ;  3*  Charles,  who  thus  became  heir  to  the  family 
estates:  of  bis  daiurhters,  1*  Alicia,  married  Thomas  Qennell,  Esq.  of  Clennell;  2. 
Mary,  married  —  GiUifarand,  Esq.  of  Chorley ;  S.  Jane,  who  became  a  nun  at  Liege 
in  171&  Chfurles  Selby  married  Elisabeth,  daughter  of  ^^  GiUibraud,  Esq.  of  Chor*- 
ley,  iH  the  county  of  Lancaster,  by  whom  he  had  issue  three  sons  and  one  daughter ; 
1.  Thomas  William;  2.  Charles^  who  died  young;  3.  Edwi^,  who  died  1711 ;  and^ 
4.  Ellen,  who  died  young.  His  son,  Thomas  Wuliam  Selby,  married  Barbara,  daugh- 
ter wid  heir  af  Chnstc^her  Perqehay,  Esq.  of  Ryton,  in  the  county  of  York,  by  whom 
he  had  one  SQn^  Thomas,  who  succei^ed  to  the  estates  of  Thomas  Sdby,  and  whQ 
married,  firsts  Mary,  daughter  of  Roger  MeyneU,  Esq.  of  Kivington,  vx  the  county  of 
York,  hy  whom  he  had  issue  one  daughter,  Mary.  He  next  married  Eleanor^  daughii 
ter  of  Mcholas  Tuite,  Esq.  by  whom  he  had  issue,  1.  Thomas,  son  and  heir;  2.  Ni- 
eholas,  who  married  twice,  but  had  no  issue ;  3.  Charles,  who  married  Bridget  Borri, 
by  whom  he  had  two  sons  and  one  daughter ;  4.  John ;  5.  Robert,  who  married  Jeresa 
Talbot,  sifTter  to  Charles,  l6th  Earl  of  Shrewsbmy,  and  had  issue  two  sons. 

Thomas  Selby,  Esq.  the  next  possessor  of  Biddleston,  died  in  June,  1816,  aged  63 
years.  He  buUt  the  nresent  commodious  mansion-house;  and  married  Catnerine, 
daughter  and  heir  of  Ralph  Hodshon,  Esq.  of  Lintz,  in  the  county  of  Durham,  by 
whom. he  had  issue  seven  sons  and  three  daughters:  1.  Thomas,  the  eldest  son;  2: 
Ralph ;  3.  Edward ;  4.  Walter ;  5.  Richard ;  6.  Albert ;  7.  William :  his  daughters 
are,  Catharine,  Henrietta,  and  Maria. 

Thonias  Selby,  Esq.  became  possessor  of  the  family  estates  on  the  death  of  his 
jQftther,  whom  Ke  survived  only  a  short  time.  He  died  June  30,  1818.  He  was  ai 
captain  in  the  Cpquetdale  Rogers,  and  a  gentleman  of  the  most  amiable  manners. 
A^  Edward  also  died  abroad  shortly  after  bis  brother  Thomas,  the  estates  became  the 
property  of  Walter  Selby,  Esq.  wlio  now  resides  at  Biddleston.  Richard  is  also  dea^ 
and  Albert  died  young.  Catherine  is  married  to  John  Clavering,  Esq.;  Henrietta 
has  embraced  a  religious  life ;  and  Maria  died  in  January,  1823.  The  Selbys  of  Bid-r 
dleston  are  one  of  mose  ancient,  benevolafit,  and  reapectable  Catholic  families,  which 
do  honour  to  Northumberiand,  and  which  fonn  a  livinff  and  striking  proof  of  the 
falsehood  of  the  vulgar  calumnies  promu%ated  against  the  professors  of  the  faith  of 
our  ancestors. 

Netitebtgn. — ^This  small  village  stands  on  the  road  side  wfaidi  lea^  irom  the 
Highlands  to  Alnwick  and  Morpeth,  and  is  distant  31  miles  east  by  north  Arom  At 
winton.  Here  are  two  public  houses,  and  a  farmhold  at  each  end  of  the  village* 
That  at  the  west  end  is  the  property  erf  Walter  Selby,  Esq.  of  Biddleston ;  imd  rae 
other  belongs  to  Nicholas  Fenwick,  Esq.  of  London. 

• 

'*  Fire  ladividattU  of  the  Selby  fiunOy  iibtaiiied  the  himoor  of  knigfathood  fimn  king  James  :«*-Sir  William 
Selby,  of  Biddkatan,  luugfated  at  Berwick,  l60S;  Sir  George  of  Newcastle,  the  king's  hospitable  host;  Sir 
WiUiaai,  of  WinkOxn,  l6lS ;  another  Sir  WilUam,  of  the  Mole,  near  Ightham,  Kent;  and  Sir  John  Selby, 
of  TwiseL^iSartas^  Hiti.  cfDuriam. 

VOL.  II.  L 


43  COQUETDALE  WARD— W.  D. 

BuRROWDON,*  which  consists  of  twenty  dwelling  houses,  is  situate  about  a  mile 
to  the  south«we$t  of  Netherton.  This  place  is  divided  into  seveial  freeholds ;  but 
the  principal  proprietors  are  Henry  Collingwood,  Esq.  of  Lilbum  Tower,  Thomas 
Clennell,  Esq.  of  Uarbottle  Castle,  and  Thomas  Foster,  Esq. 

'  About  a  mile  and  a  half  to  the  south-west  of  Burrowdon  stands  Charity  II<M^  the 
residence  of  Mr.  Robert  Wealands,  It  belongs  in  perpetuity  to  the  poor  of  Roth- 
bury  parish,  from  which  circumstance  it  derives  its  name.  But  indeed  the  appellation 
is  also  justly  expressive  of  the  kind  hospitality  shewn  by  the  present  occupier  to  all 
strangers,  and  specially  to  the  honest  poor,  who  call  at  Charity  HalL 

Shabperton  stands  on  the  road  to  Harbotde,  and  on  the  east  side  of  the  river 
Coquet.  It  belongs  to  thre^  proprietors,  viz.  Thomas  Clennell,  Esq.  of  Harbottle, 
Mr.  James  Dodds,  and  Mr.  Readhead.  Farnham  lies  about  a  mile  ftirther  down 
the  riva*,  and  is  on  the  southern  extremity  of  the  parish, 

On  the  south  side  of  the  Coquet,  near  Alwinton,  are  the  traces  of  an  old  building, 
called  Barrow  Peel.  These  peels  or  castlets  were  numerous  in  the  Border  districts 
in  times  pf  turbulence  and  bloodshed,  when  family  feuds,  and  the  maraudmg  incur- 

*  In  January^  1800,  an  invisible  and  mischieTous  apparition  played  many  wonderful  pranks  at  a  place 
called  Lark-hall,  near  this  place.  The  trick  (and  we  may  venture  to  call  it  such)  was  conducted  with  such 
surprising  address,  as  even  to  puazle  the  sceptic,  and  to  set  conjecture  at  defiance. 

Lark-hall  is  a  small  farm,  belonging  to  Mr.  William  Walby,  of  Burrowd<Mi,  and  was  then  rented  by  Mr. 
Tumbull,  a  butcher,  in  Rothbury,  who  kept  his  father  and  mother,  two  old  decent  people,  at  the  farm,  with 
a  hind  and  his  family,  whose  characters  were  mcH*e  dubious.  The  two  families  were  divided  by  a  partition^ 
formed  by  close  beds,  leaving  a  narrow  dark  passage  between.  The  garrets  above  were  kept  locked  by  old 
Turnbull.  At  the  time  mentioned  above,  knockings  and  noises  were  heard  in  Tumbuirs  house;  the  plates; 
glasses,  and  tea- ware,  left  the  shelves  and  were  broken ;  the  chairs  and  tables  danced  about  the  room  in  the 
most  fantastic  manner ;  scissars,  bottles,  wooden  dishes,  &c.  flew  in  all  directions,  and  sometimes  wounded 
the  confused  and  terrified  spectators :  a  poor  tailor  was  assailed  with  a  tin  pot  full  of  water,  yet  he  still  had 
the  temerity  to  stand  to  his  post,  till  a  large  rolling^fnn  descended  fhim  the  laths  and  hit  him  a  blow  on  the 
shoulders.  But  one  of  the  most  curious  tricks  was  played  in  the  presence  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  Lauder,  lately  a 
dissenting  minister  at  Harbotde,  and  who  came  to  admuiister  some  spiritual  comfort  and  consolation.  He 
had  been  bnt  a  short  time  in  Ae  house;,  when  a  Bible  moved  from  the  window  in  a  circular  manner  into  the 
middle  of  the  room,  and  fell  down  at  his  feet !  •      » 

These  singular  and  incredible  facts,  with  many  more  which  we  have  not  room  to  mention,  are  certainly 
true,  as  they  were  attested  by  a  host  of  respectable  witnesses.  Twen^  guineas  were  offered  for  the  detection 
of  the  fraud,  but  wfithout  success.  Two  professors  of  legerdemain,  besides  many  intelligent  gentlemen,  exap 
mined  tbe  premises  With  accuracy ;  but  nothing  was  discovered  thfit  could  lead  to  detection.  Mr,  W.  W— » 
having  |i  reputation  for  skill  in  the  sciences,  was  suspected,  His  visits  to  Lark-hall  were  frequent,  but  some 
of  the  most  wonderful  phenomena  took  place  when  he  was  certainly  absent. 

Some  suspicious  circumstances  were,  however,  discovered.  Nothing  was  injured  in  the  garret;  the  hind's 
bottles  and  earthenware  were  respected ;  a  small  iron  rod  was  found  in  the  passage,  which  fitted  a  hole  made 
in  the  back  of  his  bed ;  and  the  ghost  left  the  premises  shortly  after  the  oommonication  between  the  families 
had  been  nailed  up.  The  affair  still  continues  the  subject  of  wonder  to  the  oeduknis  in  almost  all  parts  of 
the  county.  The  Kind's  daughter,  who  acted  a  very  conspicuous  part  in  this  wcmderfnl  deception,  exhibite 
the  most  uncontrollable  rage  when  any  attempt  is  made  to  bring  the  subjeot  forward  in  dispdorse^ 


ALWINTON  PARISH, 


43 


sions  of  the  Scots,  rendered  the  protection  of  an  <Mfdinary  dwelling-house  very  unsafe. 
Th^j  consisted  c^  single  towers  of  several  stories,  contrived  for  the  protection  of 
catde  beneath  and  a  fitmily  above,  ahd  were  well  calculated  for  resistance,  by  a  small 
number  of  defendants,  against  a  sudden  attack.  Barrow  Bum,  which  runs  into  the 
Coquet  at  this^lace,  was  probably  so  named  from  the  number  of  barrows,  or  funeral 
tumuM  of  the  Ottadini,  in  the  neighbourhood.  A  little  to  the  westward  stands  a  hiU 
called  Eidlee  Cairn,  a  name  dearly  derived  from  a  similar  circumstance,* 

^  '^  An  uzn,  made  6[  Roman  pottery  ware^  li|^tly  bamt,  was  the  other  day  diaoovered  by  some  workmen^ 
employed  by  Mr.  Grey,  of  MiUfield  Hill,  in  remoring  a  mass  of  laxge  stones  that  obstructed  the  ploughing  of 
a  field ;  and,  under  his  direction,  was  removed  with  little  injury  from  the  situation  it  had  occupied  probably 
for  fifteen  or  sixteen  hundred  years,  and  now  remains  safe  in  his  possession.  This  is  the  largest  and  most 
entire  specimeD  of  the  kind  that  we  remember  to  have  heard  of.  It  is  12  inches  in  diameter ;  cylindrical  for 
8  inches  from  the  bottom,  which  part  is  impressed  with  a  wavy  pattern ;  it  then  terminates  in  a  cove  about 
1%  inches  high,  and  is  calculated  to  hold  firom  4  to  5  gallons  of  water.  The  urn  was  set  upon  a  flat  stone, 
about  4  feet  below  the  surface,  and  surrounded  by  soft  alluvial  soil,  which,  from  its  colour  and  quality,  must 
have  been  carried  from  the  borders  of  a  neighbouring  brook.  A  large  flat  sandstone^  which  also  must  have 
been  brought  from  a  considerable  distance,  was  carefully  placed  over  it;  and,  above  all,  an  accumulation  of 
whinstones,  some  of  them  of  a  size  inconvenient  to  remove,  to  the  extent  of  from  80  to  100  carttloada.  MosI 
tlungs  of  the  kind  have  fidlen  to  pieces  when  exposed  to  the  air,  but  this  is  suffideptly  strong  to  bear  to  be 
handled  and  carried.  It  contained  a  quantity  of  soft  dust  or  powd^  of  a  brown  colour,  and  many  small 
pieces  of  bones  that  had  not  been  completely  consumed  by  the.  fire.  Thwe  of  the  head  are  the  most  entire, 
especially  parts  of  the  skull  and  jaw-bones,  in  which,  although  the  teeth  are  gone,  the  sockets  that  contained 
them  remain  as  regular  as  the  cells  in  a  honeycomb.  From  the  size  of  the  tumulus,  and  the  pains  with  which 
the  ashes  have  been  deposited  in  it,  there  is  Ut^e  raason  tQ  doubt  that  thef  are  the  remains  of  some  person  of 
distinction  in  his  day  and  generation.''— -JSenvtcifc  Advertiser^,  June  28,  1823. 

Annexed  is  an  exact,  engraving,  by  Mr.  Bewick,  of  thh  ancient  urn,  from 
a  drawing  executed  by  Mrs.  Grey.  In  addition  to  the  above  account,  Mr. 
Grey  states  that  the  spot  where  it  was  found  appears  to  have  been  a  knoU, 
without  any  appearance  of  a  vallum  around  it  The  cajm  that  covered  it 
had  been  pulled  down,  and  the  stones  removed  firom  time  to  time,  until  the 
ground  seemed  to  be  completely  cleared ;  but  the  plough,  in  passing  over  it 
last  June,  touched  upon  some  stones  of  considerable  size.  These  were  re- 
moved *  and,  just  as  the  workmen  were  about  to  fill  up  the  excavation,  Mr. 
Grey,  who  happened  to  be  present,  observed  at  the  bottom  a  flat  stone, 
which  he  found,  on  striking  with  a  pick,  to  be  a  ficeestone.  This  exdted 
his  curiosity,  as  there  itf  no  freestone  <m  the  west  side  of  the  TiU,  and  he 
directed  the  stone  to  be  earefuUy  raised,  when  the  urn  was  discovered,  em- 
bedded in  soft  alluvial  earth,  the  soil  around  it  being  sharp  and  strong. 
Unluckily,  in  raising  the  (Btqne,  one  of  the  instrument  ^pped  firom  its  holdj 
and  injured  the  top  of  the  urn. 
This  curious  um  is  probably  much  older  than  die  above  writer  supposes,  and  may  have  been  deposited 
anterior  to  the  conquest  of  Northumberland  by  the  Romans.  That  it  is  not  a  Roman  um  appears  evt« 
dent,  and  for  the  following  reasons  :•— 1.  The  Romans  buried  near  their  stations,  or  adjoining  the  public  road, 
so  that  most  of  their  fWieral  remains  have  long  been  destroyed;  whereas  many  of  the  cairns  and  barrows  of 
the  Celts  have  been  preserved,  and  are  mostly  found  standing  alone  in  rude  grandeur,  in  the  midst  of  moors 
pr  commons.  2.  The  Romans  never  raised  barrows  or  cairns  over  the  sepuldures  of  their  great  men,  either  in 
}taly  or  in  any  other  part;  it  is,  therefore,  improbable  that  they  should  have  done  so  in  Britain:  but  that  sucl\ 


44  COQUETDALE  WARD.^W.  D. 


The  eastern  part  of  this  parish  also  •oontahia  msBoj  fahdiij^^nal  monument*;  AlKMd 
15  years  ago»  Mr.  Smarts  ot  Trewitt  Hoiisev  oa  improimig  a'fidd  ta  tiie  township  cf 
Netherton  called  '^  Robe's  Uaw,"  fthind  a  nuhifaer  xxf^uertii^  i^r  band^oiUatoiies,  in 
a  large  circular  camp,  the  rampart  of  which  hag  been  fcMrmed  prindpally  tof  large  un« 
dressed  stones.  Two  small  silver  coins  were  also  found  in  the  samis.  plAre;  l^t  tiii9 
impressions  were  neariy  obliteamted.  Accoiding  to  tradition,  the  Ssxbns,  on  a&  i^va^ 
sion  of  the  Danes,  marohed  from  this  encampment/ and  encountered  4ie  i&VAdeits  at 
Battle  Bridge,  near  to  Lemington ;  but  were  defeated  with  great  slaughter.  Some 
years  ago,  a  lar^  tumulus  was  o]^ned  between  Nethartcsi  and  Biddleeton. .  It  con- 
tained an  urn  with  ashes  and  charcoal,  placed,  after  ihe  miilmer  of  the  Biitonft,  wif bin 
four  stones  and  a  cover.  , 

LiNBBiCG,  situate  at  the  junction  of  Ridlee  Bum  and  the  Alwine,  gi^res  name  to 
a  township  including  an  extensive  tract  of  country ;  as  does  pAiRHAtraH,  on  XJsway 
Burn,  north  of  the  Coquet,  though  it  contains  but  one  dwelling-house  and  eight  in- 
habitants. The  land  west  from  Lyibrigg  consists  mostly  of  beautiful  green  hifis,  and 
is  divided  into  large  stock  farms.    A  great  number  of  fine  rivulets  run  through  the 

glens  which  divide  these  hills,  and  are  lost  in  the  Coquet. .  Some  of  the  haughs  on 
lie  side  of  this  mountain  river  are  very  fertile,  and  have  been  tilled  with  advantage. 
Sygate  Holly  Makeiidony  Lmngj^shnqw^  and  Hirdhope^  aU  fine  sheep4ands,  were  sold 
in  1792  for  £  16,000  by  the  late  Matthew  Bell,  Esq.  of  Wolsington,  to  the  late  John 
Carr,  Esq.  of  Duns^n,  in  the  county  of  Durham^ 

vaa  the  peactice  of  tbe  aacieot  Britcmais  establisheq  Vy  the  mo«t  iini^uivoca}  tftstummj.  3.  The  Roman  ash-urn 
was  surrounded  by  vessels  of  very  different  size^md  shape^  and  whidi^  k  is  eoi^ecturect*  were  used  for  libation 
and  lusteral  purificatipii :  but  tbe  Britoxis  used  only  two  kinds  of  small  urns ;  the  one  called  by  Sir  Richard 
Hoar  drinking  cups,  and  the  other  supposed  to  contain  balsams  and  predous  ointments.  ^  Roman  sepulchres 
were  mostly  skilfully  designed^  built  with  brick  or  stpiie,  lined  with  tiles^  and^  divided  into  apartments :  whereas 
the  i^ooen  of  the  Britons  was  rudely  formed  of  larg^  slabs  of  stone^  set  upright,  and  protected  at  the  top  by 
A  larger  one,  placed  horizontally.  To  this  may  be  added,  that  Roman  sepulchral  inscriptions  on  stone  are 
always  discovered  in  this  connly  without  the  least  indication  of  any  superincumbent  barrow.  Although  most 
of  the  British  urns  seem  to  have  b^en  made  before  the  use  of  the  turner's  lathe,  yet  many  of  their  vases  are 
fantastically  shaped  and  finely  ornamented.    See  vol.  i.  p.  385,  note. 

Upon  a  flat  piece  of  ground,  about  halfway  between  Milfield  House  and  Flodden  Hill,  and  little  more  than 
400  yards  from  the  spot  where  this  urn  was  foimd,  there  are  traces  of  an  ancient  encampment,  of  a  circular 
form,  and  defended  by  a  triple  ditch  and  rampier«  In  the  year  1817,  Mr.  Grey  found  and  remoyed  a  tumu- 
lus somewhat  similar  to  the  one  described  above,  and  about  the  same  distance  fban  the  <dd  encampment,  but 
in  a  difier^it  direction*  This  sepulchre,  when  opened,  presented  a  most  remarkable  appearance.  In  the 
eentre  a  large  urn  was  found,  but  in  a  thousand  pieces.  It  had  either  been  broken  to  pieces  by  the  stones 
falling  upon  it  when  digging,  or  had  gone  to  pieces  upon  the  admission  of  the  air.  This  urn  was  surrounded 
by  a  number  of  cells,  formed  of  flat  stones  in  the  shape  of  graves,  but  too  small  to  hold  the  body  in  its  natural 
state.  These  sepulchral  recesses  contained  nothing  except  ashes,  or  dust  of  the  same  kind  as  that  in  the  urn. 
This  tumulus  has  probably  been  appropriated  to  die  inhumation  of  some  distinct  and  distinguished  family. 
No  vestigia  have  been  discovered  in  the  vicini^  calculated  to  illustrate  the  history  of  these  funeral  deposits. 


HOLYSTONE  CHAPELRY.  45 


HOLYSTONE  CHAPELRY. 

parochial  chapdry  is  bounded  on  the  north  and  east 

is  indosed  on  the  south  and  west  by  Elsdon  parish.    By  the  last  census,  it  contained 
88  houses,  and  468  ^-»^  ^-  -- 


Hoi^TSTONE  is  a  small  village,  situated  on  the  west  side  of  the  Coquet,  and  on  the 
north  side  of  Holjrstone  Bum,  distant  18^  miles  west-south-west  fi:om  Alnwick,  and 
5^  miles  west  from  Rothbury.  The  chapel  is  dedicated  to  St  Mary,  and  the  Ihdnff, 
uniich  is  ci  the  certified  value  of  £8,  is  in  the  gift  of  the  Duke  of  Northumberland. 
The  prindpal  proprietors  here  are  Welter  Selby,  Esq.  of  Biddleston :  R«  H.  Dawson, 
Esq.  of  Alnwick ;  and  F.  C.  Forster,  Esq.  of  Campville.  . 

This  is  supposed  to  have  been  a  place  of  'some  conseauence  in  the  time  of  the 
Saxons,  fbr  here,  according  to  the  venerable  Bede,  did  Faulinus  baptize  SOOO  persons, 
on  the  fiAit  introduction  ot  Christianity.  Here  also  was  a  priory  lor  six  or  eight  Be- 
nedictine nuns,  founded  by  one  of  the  Umfranvilles  of  Harbottle  Castle,  who  gave 
Aem  the  villa,  impropriation,  and  advowson  of  Holystone.  Alice  de  Alneto  gave 
ihem  one  toft  and  croft  in  Etfierston ;  and  Roger  Bertram,  baron  of  Mitford,  enrich-* 
ed  them  with  the  whole  waste  of  Baldwins-wood,  with  liberty  of  grinding  their  001*11 
at  any  of  his  mills  in  the  parish  of  Mitford,  multure  free,  and  Hberty  of  pasture  on 
the  common  of  Newton  and  Throphill ;  which  grants  were  confirmed  to  them,  39 
king  Henry  III.  185^.  They  possessed  Corsenhope  and  Sintill,  and  40  acres  of  land 
in  Uaistron.  Theyhad  the  impropriation  and  advowson  of  Alwinton,  where  they  had 
also  an  hospitaL  They  had,  besides,  the  impropriations  and  advowson  of  Corsenside, 
and  the  advowson  of  Harbottle  chapel.  These  two  livings  of  Corsenside  and  Holy- 
stone were  consolidated  by  Bichard  Kdloe,  bishop  of  Duihimi,  by  his  deed,  dated 
JVbfio  ike  Pebraarn  Anno  Domini  1811,  by  the  desire  of  the  Lord  Kidiard  Um£ran« 
ville,  their  patron,  who  was  admitted  into  holy  orders  to  be  their  chaplain  and  vicar, 
in  order  that  the  pastoral  duties  might  be  discharged  with  honourable  zeal  and  piety. 
The  nuns  of  Holystone  had  four  houses  in  Newcastle  upon  Tyne.  In  the  Lincoln* 
taxation,  20  kin^  Edward  I.  their  temporalities  are  rated  at  £24,  a  considerable  sum 
in  diose  days.  At  the  dissolution,  their  annual  revenues  were  valued  at  £ll,  Ss.  6dn 
by  Du^dale,  and  at  £  15, 10^.  Sd.  by  Speed.  The  sdte  of  the  priory,  manor,  and  villa 
of  Holystone,  were  in  the  possession  of  the  crown,  10  queen  Elizabeth.  Few  ves^ 
tiges  of  the  priory  are  now  remaining.  Some  fragments  appear  in  the  mill-house, 
and  in  some  other  buildings  in  the  village.  On  the  dissolution,  two-thirds  of  the 
tythes  of  Holvstone  and  iU winton  were  granted  to  Patrick,  Earl  of  Dunbar,  who 
sold  them  to  the  Saundersons,  of  Hely,  in  the  county  of  Durham,  of  whom  they  were 
purchased  by  the  ancestors  of  Walter  Selby,  Esq.  of  Biddleston.  The  remaining 
one-third  was  nanted  to  the  Duke  of  Norfolk's  family,  who  sold  them  to  the  Selby 
family,  arid  to  »Ir.  Smart,  father  of  John  Smart,  Es^,  of  Trewitt  House. 

The  Liodjfs  WeU^  which  belonged  to  the  priory,  is  a  beautiful  bason  of  water,  the 
bottom  of  which  is  finely  variesated  with  a  mixture  of  ^een  and  white  sand.  It  haa 
been  walled  about  with  newn  ireestone,  part  of  which  js  still  standing,  rom^nticalty 
§haded  wjtli  trees.  ^n^J  ahrul>s, 

V0L«  II.  M 


46  COQUETDALE  WARD.— W.  D. 

Habbottle.* — ^This  is  a  pleasant  villaj^,  which  lies  a  mile  above  Holystone,  on 
the  same  side  of  the  Coquet.  Hej:^  are  a  Pnasby  teriatf  nieetinff-house,  two  resectable 
shop-keepers,  and  two  public  houses,  one  of  which  is  quaintfy  called  **  die  House  of 
Commans,"  befaig  kept  by  a  Mr.  John  Common,  ^  hearty  John^AAl]  Bonifooe ;  and 
the  busiiiesa  of  boot  and  shoe-making  is  eanied  on  to  some  extent;  The  village  ia 
divided  amongst  seven  freeholders.  Here  is  a  fair  on  the  19th  of  September,  fors 
few  cattle,  mostly  steers  and  heifers.  HarhotUe  Castle,  the  seat  of  Thomas  Clennell, 
Esq.  stands  at  tlie  east  end  of  the  village,  and  dose  upon  the  marein  of  the  river.  It 
is  a  handsome  modem-built  mansion,  and  the  pleasure-nounds  have  he&a  tMteftdly* 
iQiproved  by  the  present  proprietor,  who  has  also  dothed  the  surrounding  hiUs  vim. 
thriving  plantations,  which  unpart  a  rich  and  comfortable  appearance  to  the  scenery. 


Habbottle  Castle  occupies  a  distinguished  place  in  the  history  of  tius  county. 
It  is  boldly  seated  on  a  commanding  eminence  above  the  river  Coquet  The  waUs 
of  the  great  tower  have  a  most  singular  appearanee ;  part  of  th^n  being  tent  asunder 
from  their  foundations,  and  overhanging  their  base ;  and  other  parts  having  slidden 
in.  large  masses  half  way  down  the  hm,  and  fixed  themsdves  deep  in  die  earth;  A 
great  part  of  this  ancient  building  was  pulled  down  by  one  of  tibe  Widdrin^ns,  and 
the  materials  used  for  building  the  mansion-chouse.  The  ruins  still  remainmg  are  cC 
great  extent.  This  castle,  in  the  time  of  Eidward  I.  was  a  formidable  fortress,  sus** 
taining  the  desperate  and  reiterated,  though  unavailing  attados,  of  the  whole  body  of 
Scots  fcxr  two  days,  on  their  incursion  in  1396.  It  was  also  a  place  of  some  conse- 
quence in  the  6th  king  Henry  VIII.  1515,  in  whi^  year  Margaret,,  queen  dowager 
of  Scotland,  daughter  to  kin^  Henry  VII.  mother  to  king  James  V.  grandmother  to 
queen  Mary,  and  great  ffoancmiotlier  to  king  James  VI.  of  Scotland,  ami  first  of  Eng* 
land,  retired  to  it  by  the  wpoihtment  of  her  brother,  king  H^iry  VIII.  after  her 
marriage  with  Arcmbald  Douglas,  Earl  of  Angus.  In  this  recess,  h^  daughter, 
L^dy  Mary  Douglas,  was  bom,  1518 ;  afterwards  manied  to  the  Ead  of  Lenox,  86 
king  Henry  VIII.  1544. 

The  manor  and  castle  of  Harbottle  was  given  by  William  the  Ccmqueror,  in  the  10th 
year  of  his  reign, .  to  Robert  de  Umfranvflle,  knt.  lord  of  Tours  ana  Vian,  otherwise 
called  ''  Robert  with  the  Beard,"  by  a  general  grant  of  the  lordship,  valley,  and  forest 
of  Ridds,  or  Redesdale,  with  all  tlie  castle,  manors,  lands  and  wooos,  pastures,  waters, 
pooh,  and  royal  franchises,  as  they  were  lately  possessed  by  Mildred,  the  son  of  Ai^ 
man,  the  late  lord  of  Redesdale,  to  hold  by  defending  tlmt  part  of  the  country  for 
ever  from  enemies  and  wolves,  with  the  sword  which  ttie  said  king  William  had  by 
his  side  when  he  entered  Northumbe]iand.f    The  castie  and  manor  of  this  jiaxx  was 

*  The  name  of  this  place  is  undoubtedly  oonpouiided  of  two  Saxon  words,  here,  in  composition  har,  an 
army>  and  b^ile,  a  station;  and,  in  oonoboration  of  the  circumstance,  the  line  of  read  leading  from  Harbottle 
into  Scotland,  by  CknnclU,  is  catted  Clennell  SireeL  Wallis,  in  his  Antiquities  of  Northumberland;  derives 
the  name  of  Hamhara  from  the  sane  etymon.  Widbokle  has  evidently  been  named  from  a  similar  circum- 
stance. In  one  or  two  instances  in  Northumberland^  batle  means  merely  a  dwelling.  LorboUk,  in  Whittkng' 
hav^  parish,  is  the  property  and  residence  of  Adam  Atkinson,  Esq.    This  was  omitted  in  the  proper  place. 

t  This  service  was  adjudged  to  be  the  service  of  Grand  Seijeantry,  17  king  Henry  IV.     In  that  year,  the 
court  of  exchequer  ordered  a  search  to  be  made  in  the  rolls,  to  find  their  yearly  value.    Upon  which  it  was 


'  HOLYISTONfS  CH A^^^LI^Y.  47 

induded  in  this  mnt»  bcvkh  beinffin.tibe  vf^ey.of  J(#ad;  ajo^  l^eipau^e  by  the  sai4 
grant  Rdbert  de  Umfcanvilk  ana  his  h^ir^  ha4  authority  for  holding,  governing^ 
granting,  exerddng^  hearings  djetanpining,;  and  judging  in  all  pleas  of  the  crown  as 
weU  as  otiiers,  happening  witbin  th^  procinots  of  !(^esdale,  by  any  proper  oi&cers 
for  tiie  time  being,  acoortiong  to  the  laws  and  Gustoms  of  the  realm.  The  castle  wa$ 
appointed  and  used  for  the  custody  e£  aU  such  malefactors  as  wer^  taken  within  th^ 
«aid  liberty  and  jurisdiction,  to  be  kept  there  as  in  a  prison,    . 

In  ti]»  aoth  of  king  Henry  II.  this  cajrtle  wps  takei^  by  the  ^cots,  but  was  soon 
recovecttd  and  resti»ed  to  thfi  same  family ;  for  in  the  begipning  of  king  Henry  III.'s 
reign,  it  was  in  the  possession  of  Robert  de  Umfrapvilje,  who  then  began  to  fortify 
it  more  than  it  had  heen  in  hia  aneestor's  days ;  but  he  having  Coined  with  the  barons 
against  king  John,  the  king  grew  suspicious  of  him,  and  therefore  ordered^  by  a  writ 
weoted  to  the  sheaAS  of  NoitbumberlaiMl)  to  impannel  a  jury  of  twelve  knights  of 
that  county^  to  view  it,  and  having  so  done,  to  demolish  wnatsoever  had  been  added 
thereuiito  m  point  of  fortification  since  the  late  civil  wars.  After  this  it  appears  that 
this  castle  haa  been  much  neglected,  for  in  25  Edward  III.  a  petition  was  exhibited 
to  that  prince  and  his  eoiuneilt  assembled  in  p^irliament,  by  Gilbert  de  Umfranville, 
setting  forth,  that  he  and  his  ancestors,  for  time  immemorial,  used  to  keep  the  prison*^ 
ers,  taken  within  his  Ub^y  of  Bedesdide,  in  his  castje  of  Harbottle,  but  that  the  said 
castle  was  90  much  ruined  by  the  wars  Yiith  the  ^cots,  that  it  could  not  properly  re- 
tain them ;  whweupon  he  desired  that  he  might  have  liberty  to  keep  all  such  prisoners 
in  his  castle  of  Prudhoe,  till  he  could  sepair  his  castle  of  Harbottle.  The  king  took 
I  some  time  to  answer  this  petition,  and  having  received  certain  information  that  the 

1  decays  and  ruins  of  Harbottle  ca^tiie  were  not  caused  by  his  own  neglect,  but  by  the 

means  and  ways  alleged^  gmnted  him  permission  to  heeo  his  prisoners  at  Prudhoe 
Castle  for  the  space  of  ten  years.  This  Gilbert,  who  haa  been  summoned  to  parlia- 
ment from  the  6th  of  Edward  III.  to  the  4th  Richard  II.  died  Jan.  7  of  that  year, 
and,  leaving  no  issue,  his  brother  Thomas  became  his  hdns,  and  after  him  his  son,  of 
the  same  name,  who  leaving  a  son  and  heir,  GUbert,  under  age,  king  Richard  II. 
granted,  during  his  minority,  the  government  of  his  castle  of  Harbottle  to  Ralph 
Earl  of  Westmoreland.  This  Gil^)ert  is  called  by  some  histories  Ear!  of  Kyme,  and 
being  slain  in  the  wars  of  France,  left  no  issue ;  so  that  this  castle,  witJi  mudi  o(  his 
other  estate,  came  to  Sir  Robert  Umfranville,  his  brother,  who  also  died  without 
issuer  and  Walter  de  Talboy^,  cousin  and  heir  to  the  before-named  earl,  by  his  sister 
Elizabeth,  succeeded  to  his  estate. 

Sir  William  Talboy,  knt.  successor  of  Sir  Walter,  was  attainted,  after  the  battle  of 
Hexham  Lesvels,  and  his  estates  forfeited  to  the  croi^n.  King  ^pldward  IV.  in  consil 
d^pation  of  the  eminent  services  of  Sir  Robert  Ogle,  knt.  not  only  advanced  him  to 
the  degree  and  diffnity  of  a  baron  of  this  realm,  but  made  him  a  grant  \x\  special  tail 
of  the  lordship  of  Redesdaie  and  castle  of  Harbottle,  which  he  left  to  Owen  Ogle 
Lord  Ogle,  his  son ;  but  some  historiiaos  say,  that  after  this  Harhott).e  pame  into  the 
fiossession  of  the-  Porqr  family. 
In  the  reigjp  of  q;ueen  Elizabeth,  Ifarbottle  was  in  the  croiyn,  and  Sir  B.  Sadler,  in 

foand  by  an^sdMiitiii^^iiiqiuaiition,  tlwt  they  were  tben  worth  6iL  19^.  M.  per  annum;  whereupon  Walter 
Tallboys,  heir  to  Robert  UmfinnviUe,  was  acigu^ged  to  pay  the  king  that  sum  annually. 


48  COQUETDALE  WARD^W.  J>. 

his  letters,  recommends  it  as  a  proper  place  for  the  residence  of  Sir  J.  Forster,  warden 
of  the  Middle  Marches,  as  the  meetest  place  for  the  order  and  government  of  the  uik 
ruly  countries  of  Tynedale  and  Redesaale : — **  The  warden  of  the  Meddell  Marchw 
to  lye  at  Herbotteil  in  tyme  of  warres,  and  to  h«?e  accustomary  fee  for  his  enter- 
teignment,  besides  the  profotte  of  the  demeanes  of  Herbotteil  for  keeping  of  his 
house,  &c.  The  casteU  of  Herbotteil  is  a  most  convenyant  place  for  the  warden  rf 
the  MeddeU  Marches  to  lye  at,  for  the  orderyne  of  the  mesdemende  contries  of  Ten* 
dale  and  Beddesdale,  wluch  pertene  both  to  that  Marche.  The  want  of  a  man  of 
service  to  lye  there  is  one  of  the  greatest  decayes  to  the  service  that  maie  be  upon  the? 
said  Meddell  Marches.  If  the  parsonaige  of  Rotheberry,  being  thre  mvles  destant^ 
ware  anexed  into  the  saide  casteU  of  Herbotteil,  whiche  is  presently  in  the  handes  of 
one  of  Prebendares  of  Durhesme,  with  the  yearly  fee  of  cc  /.  (£  200)  by  yere,  wiUi 
this  husbandly,  the  queues  m^estie  shuld  spare  xii  /.  (£  ISOO)  marks  by  yerc^  which 
is  presently  given  to  the  wardenes  of  th^este  and  Meddell  Marches,  and  this  don^ 
hire  highness  shall  both  be  better  servyde,  offenders  ponyshede,  and  the  oontry  de* 
fendydde  from  spoyll  of  th'  ennyme,"* 

The  castle  and  demesne  was  afterwards  granted  to  a  branch  of  the  family  of  the 
Widdringtons  (but  whether  of  Cartington  or  Trewitt  is  uncertain),  whose  daughter 
and  heiress  married  an  ancestor  of  the  late  Sir  Thomas  Gasooigne,  of  the  county  of 
York ;  whos^  family  sold  it  to  the  father  of  the  late  Perpival  Ctennell,  Esq.f  who  be^ 

*  Articles  of  accusation  were  prefenred  by  the  inhabHants  of  Northumberiand,  during  the  tine  that  Wdtaef^ 
was  archbishop  of  York  and  a  cardinal,  against  Lord  Dacre,  warden  of  the  Eas^  and  Middle  Marches  between 
England  and  Scotland.  In  answer  to  the  XVth  artiole,  <'the  saide  Loxde  Dacrt  saith,  that  trouth  it  is,  h« 
attached  certein  offendours  of  Redesdale  whome  he  sent  with  his  ssrrvaiintes  firom  Harbottell  towaides  Mor« 
peth  and  in  the  mydwaye  certein  of  his  tenantes  o£  Morpath  by  his  oommandement  met  his  said  syrvauntes 
and  did  Receive  the  said  Offendours,  And  afture  the  same  compenyes  were  departed  Reddesdale  men  being 
priveyly  gadred,  set  vpon  the  said  Conveyeoiua  of  the  prysoners.  And  tber  not  oonly  resqued  the  said  pri-* 
soners,  but  also  slew  thre  of  the  said  lordes  tenantes,  and  took  awaye  with  theym  the  gaaUoiir  and  his  balif 
of  morpetb,  and  theim  conveyed  into  ScoUapd  where  they  did  Remaigne  in  prison  iij  q'rf  of  a  yere;,  And 
when  this  said  grete  oflenoe  was  done,  thos  that  did  it  fled  into  Scotland  where  they  were  favorably  entreated 
and  Recepted  wherupon,  the  said  lorde  asked  deliueraunce  o£  Iheim  of  the  wardein  of  the  middle  merchiea 
of  Scotland,  or  that  he  wold^  see  them  exiled  out  of  Scotland  according  to  the  lawes  of  the  mei^ches,  whiche 
be  refused  to  do,  and  wolde  not  do  so  miobe  therinj,  as  to  cause  the  two  personnes  thajt  were  tskyn,  by  th^ 
said  offendours  to  be  restored  to  their  Libertie,  and  Notwithstanding  that  he  kept  a  garinson  of  boa:  men  in 
Herbotteil  iij  q'rf  of  a  yere  of  his  owne  chargies  to  resiste  the  said  Offbidours,  yet  they  with  thelp  of  Scottis^ 
Robbed-  And  spoiled  in  this  R^alrae  contynuaUy  so  that  they  did  more  harme  by  miche  than  ooulde  be  done 
to  theim,  Bereason  whereof  and  because  that  no  mendes  could  be  had,  for  such  offences  as  the  said  offendora 
Gomytted,  the  said  lorde  of  verey  force  was  driven  to  take  appoyntement  with  the  said  theves,  from  tyme  to 
tyme  to  stop  their  misreull,  which  cannot  of  right  be  taken  to  be  in  fiivour  of  theves,  for  seing  how  nighe 
that  mattier  touched  the  said  lorde  self  it  is  to  be  supposed  that  he  would  gledlye  haue  had  a  mendes  of  thma 
and  to  haue  had  theym  put  doyfnt.'''~'Hoe^stm's  Nortkumberiand,  voL  o.  p.  88. 

t  Percival  Clennell,  Esq.  barrister  at  law,  was  a  very  singular  character.  Hia  extensive  lands  were  aU 
mider-let,  and  he  was  the  idol  of  his  tenantry,  whose  prosperity  he  seemed  to  view  with  peculiar  pride  and 
delight  Though  possessed  of  an  uncommon  share  of  the  milk  of  human  kindness,  yet  firom  living  single 
and  retired,  his  manners  were  unrefined,  and  his  language  unpolished.  He  was  yemsfkabk  ibr  th9  WQnder« 
ftd  length  of  hia  foot    He  died  rich,  in  April,  179^,  in  the  85d  year  of  his  age, 


HOLYSTONE  CHAPELRY.  49 

queathed  it  to  Thonuu  Fenwick,  eldest  son  of  the  late  Thomas  Fenwick,  Esq.  of 
Earsdon,  in  consequence  of  which  he  took  the  name  and  arms  of  Clennell,  and  is  the 
present  proprietor. 

The  family  of  Harbotile,  which  was  of  considerable  note  from  the  reiffn  of  king . 
Henry  IV.  to  that  of  king  Richard  III.  takes  its  name  from  this  place ;  for  Robert 
Harbottle  was  high  sheriff  in  the  8th  year  of  the  former  king,  and  the  same  Robert, 
or  another  of  that  name  and  famUy,  was  knight  of  Ihe  Ahire  for  this  county  in  the 
8th  year  of  king  Henry  V.  Sir  Robert  Harbottle  was  high  sheriff  of  this  county, 
18  Henry  VI. ;  Bertram  Harbottle,  the  26th  of  the  same  kmg;  and  Sir  Ralph  Har- 
bottle, S  Richard  III,  Mr.  Camden  says,  that  this  family  was  in  good  repute  ip  the 
I6th  century. 

West  from  Harbottle  stands  Camp-Ville,  the  pleasant  residence  of  Frederick 
Ciesar  Forster,  Esq.  This  place  was  formerly  called  JLantrotuide.  A<^j*>i"^'^S  ^^  ^^ 
frowning  and  rugged  crags  of  Harbottle,  wmch  impart  a  high  degree  of  subumity  to 
the  adjoming  scenery.  The  famous  Drake  Stone,  near  the  Loughs,  rivals  the  "  Bow- 
der  Stone,"  m  Westmoreland,  It  is  customary  with  the  yoimg  men  in  the  neigh- 
boiu-hood  to  dimb  up  this  huge  rock,  from  the  top  of  which  there  is  a  fine  prospect 
of  the  vale  below ;  but  it  reqmres  considerable  dexterity  and  address  to  descend.* 
Below  Harbottle,  and  on  the  same  side  of  the  river,  which  tract  is  covered  with  fine 
wood,  is  Dues  Hill  township,  in  which  is  situated  Hareht^gkt  one  of  tb9  strongest 


U-^'lkli'^'iUjh 


•  The  rustic*  here  relBto  a  rtary  respecOng  the  Drake  Stmt  with  gr«t  glea.  A  fc»  y««B  ago,  a  awangec 
arrived  at  the  village  <m  a  rammer  evening,  took  Mma  reftOThment  at  a  puUio  honae,  and  immediatdy  de. 
parted.    Early  tn  the  fidlowing  monmig,  the  inhabitanta,  on  riaing,  were  Borpriaed  to  hear  a  human  voic*. 

VOL.  II.  N 


50  COQUETDALE  WARD^W.  D. 

fortified  Saxon  camp^  in  this  frontier  country.  It  has  been  defended  by  triple  tanw 
piers,  and  strengthened  by  the  Coquet  on  one  s^,  Woodhouse  Bum  upon  another, 
and  a  rivulet  called  Harehaugh  Bum  on  a  third.  The  length  of  this  ancient  en« 
trenchment  is  130  yards,  the  interior  breadth  90  yards,  and  each  ditch  is  15  feet  wide. 
The  rampier  measures  9  feet  at  the  bottom,  and  6  feet  at  the  top.  The  hill  is  inac- 
cessible on  the  north-^ast  side.  It  will  be  observed,  by  the  annexed  enffraving,  that 
there  is  an  additional  ditch  on  the  west  side.  A  is  tne  road ;  B,  the  nver  Coquet ; 
C,  Woodhouse  Bum ;  and  D,  Harehaugh  Bum.  It  is  situated  neatly  opposite  to 
Hepple.  This  place  is  not  only  distinguished  by  one  of  the  most  perfect  and  mterest- 
ing  Saxon  remidns  in  this  county,  but  is  also  remarkable  as  being  the  bh-di-plaoe  of 
Greneral  Handyside,  whose  regiment  is  noticed  by  Unde  Toby  in  Tristram  Shandy. 

Baera,  in  the  northern  part  of  this  chapelry,  as  wdl  as  Dues  Hill,  whidi  forms 
the  southern  extremifr,  is  the  property  of  Walter  Selby,  Esq.  of  Biddleston,  and  were 
part  of  the  lordship  of  Redesdale. 

ROTHBURY  PARISH. 

The  extensive  and  interesting  parish  of  Rothbury  is  situated  nearly  in  the  centre 
of  the  county.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Whittingham,  on  the  north-west  by 
Alwinton,  on  the  west  by  Elsdon^  on  the  sonA  by  Hartbum,  Netherwitton  chanelry, 
and  Longhorsley,  on  the  east  by  Longframlington,  and  on  the  north-east  by  Ealing- 
ham.  Its  extreme  length  is  rather  more  than  9  miles,  and  the  breadth  about  the 
same.  According  to  Mr.  Smith,*  the  circumference  is  SI  miles,  and  the  area  of 
the  whole  parish  32,770  acres.  It  is  divided  into  25  townships,  and  contains, 
exclusive  of  Kidland  lordship,  470  inhabited  houses,  and^  2,609  inhabitants.  At  an 
early  period,  the  parish  was  divided  into  21  constableries,  wfaidi  agreed  to  maintain 
their  own  poor,  as  appears  by  a  confirmatory  order  of  sessions  in  1751.  Some  time 
previous  to  this,  the  parisli  at  large  was  assessed  to  the  »nount  <rf  £8  in  one  year  for 
the  support  of  ^e  yocft.    In  1815,  the  poor's  rate  amounted  to  £1,285. 

This  parish  exhibits  a  great  variety  of  apnearanoes,  ccxisisting  partly  of  fertile 
haughs,  rich  pastures,  and  fine  com  lands ;  ana  partly  oi  naked  rocks,  sterile  moun- 
tains, dreary  morasses,  and  wild,  bleak  heaths.  That  extensive  tract  of  land,  upon 
which  once  stood  the  famed  Forest  of  Ralkhury^  readies  from  Thornhaugh  on  the 
east,  to  Fallowlees  on  the  west^  whidi  is  computed  to  be  about  seven  miles ;  and  from 
Coldrife  on  the  south,  to  the  Park-house  on  the  north,  a  distance  computed  at  four 
miles.  The  ancient  trees  of  this  Forest^  as  it  is  stiU  called,  have  long  ago  been  com-* 
pletely  enuScated;  and  those  which  at  present  grow  upon  it  have  evidently  been 
planted  for  convenience  and  ornament.  The  whole  is  now  dotted  over  with  solitary 
farmsteads,  from  a  qUsffter  of  a  mile  to  a  mile  distant  from  each  other.    These  houses. 


**  load  as  a  huntsman's  shouV'  uid  which  called  their  attention  to  the  Drake  Stone,  where  they  beheld  the 
stranger  bawling  lustily  for  assistance.  With  some  exertion,  he  was  safely  extricated  from  his  very  perilous 
situation,  where  he  had  passed  a  sleepless  night. 

*  A  map  of  this  parish*was  pobiiaiied  by  sdbicriptkn  in  1S16,  by  Mn  Edward  Soiitb,  an  able  teacher  in 
BiiChbwy,  and  Ibr  whose  vaMUe  icnarin  and  kind  tenrieea  we  are  under  partionlar  obligatkms. 


ROTHBURY  PARISH.  51 

or  radier  strong-holds,  are  very  old,  and  are  usually  called  Pieeky  as  before  observed,  from 
the  Celtic  woro,  pU^  a  moated  fort.  Here,  however,  they  are  named  JBastUe  buildings. 
The  walls  are  in  general  about  five  feet  thick,  and  the  stones^  secured  by  8tr<»ig  ce- 
meat,  though  sometimes  mud  has  been  used.  The  doors,  which  are  low  imd  nanfow, 
are  usually  placed  at  the  east  end  of  the  building;  the  jambs  of  stone,  with  holes  to 
receive  a  strong  wooden  bar,  by  which  means  the  door  was  barred,  and  the  cattle  se- 
cured on  the  ground  floor :  the  light  was  admitted  through  kK>p*hole».  The  second 
floor  is  supported  either  by  a  stone  arch^  or  thick  oak  joists ;  and  was  entered  on  the 
south  side  by  stone  steps,  the  door  being  fastened  as  bSow.  Near  the  fire-place,  and 
directly  above  the  vault  door,  was  a  projection  from  the  wall,  contrived  for  the  pur- 
pose of  pouring  down  boiling  water  on  the  moss-troopers,  who  were  assailing  the 
Duildin^  below. 

The  lands  in  Rothbury  Forest  are  of  various  qualities ;  but  the  greater  part  is  a 
strong  day.  On  the  nortn««ast  comer,  and  south  of  the  Coquet,  the  scnl  is  peculiarly 
adapted  for  the  turnip  system  of  husbandry.  Towards  the  west  and  north-wei^t,  the 
huTKis  are  inclined  to  the  growing  of  heath :  on  the  latter  point  was  a  spacious  deer- 
park,  one  mile  square ;  me  remains  of  the  wall  are  still  to  be  seen  in  many  places. 
W  ithin  this  area  is  an  excellent  spring,  called  White-Park  Well^  the  stream  from 
which,  after  running  a  short  distance  north,  enters  a  narrow  passage,  and  disappears. 
This  water,  it  has  been  supposed,  again  forms  a  spring  near  Whitton  Tow^ ;  but 
this  might  easily  be  ascertained  by  diverting  the  course  of  the  stream.  The  Forest 
is  all  inclosed,  except  a  small  part  which  joins  Simonside  Hills  on  the  south-east,  alid 
a  ridge  of  hills  on  tne  north,  out  which  afford  pasturage  for  sheep.  L^e  tracts  of 
ground  on  the  west  are  covered  with  thriving  young  trees,  and  which  aflK)rd  shelter 
to  a  great  (j^uantity  of  game  of  all  descriptions.  The  whole  tract  is  refreshed  by  nu- 
merous springs  oi  good  water.  Near  a  hamlet  called  the  Raw,  there  are  two  springs 
of  very  mfierent  qualities,  within  a  yard  of  each  other ;  the  one  particularly  soft  and 
transparent,  and  the  other  a  strong  chalybeate,  nearly  similar  to  Wingate  Spa.  That 
part  of  the  Forest  north  of  the  Coquet,  and  east  of  Rothbury,  contains  an  oblong 
square,  which  may  measure  two  by  three  miles,  mostly  covered  with  heath  and  rocky 
mountoins ;  but  the  lands  near  the  river  are  tillable,  and  finely  skirted  with  woods. 

There  is  a  great  abundance  of  excellent  coal  and  limestone  throughout  the  greatest 
part  of  the  parish,  as  well  as  the  Forest.  The  coal  is  at  present  wrought,  but  only  to 
a  very  Uitiited  extent.  Towards  the  south,  on  a  rising  ground  caUra  fTard's  Hilly 
are  mines  of  limestone,  coal,  and  iron,  all  of  a  quality  that  cannot  be  surpassed  in 
point  of  richness.  The  latter  appears  to  have  been  dug  to  a  considerable  extent ;  and 
that  very  ingenious  and  scientific  gentleman,  the  late  Captain  Readhead,  extracted  a 

greater  proportion  of  ore  from  stones  foimd  here,  than  from  any  other  which  he 
ad  an  opportunity  of  submitting  to  a  chemical  analyze.  About  50  years  ago,  a 
stone  was  round  in  the  Forest-bum,  at  a  place  called  Meadow-field,  and  near  to  this 
iron-mine,  with  this  inscription,  **IJokn  Espe,  I  remaned  and  which  was  conjectured 
to  have  been  the  foundation-stone  of  some  erection  which  formerly  stood  here  for  the 
purpose  of  smelting  this  metal. 

In  every  part  of  the  Forest,  and  over  the  whole  extent  of  Rimside  Moor  and  Long* 
framlington  chapelry,  large  quantities  of  scoria  have  been  found,  which  clearly  de- 
monstrate that  iron  at  least  have  been  procured  in  considerable  abundance,  and  probably 


i 


52  COQUETDALE  WARD— W.  D. 

lead  also.    Lead  assuredly  is  a  produce  of  the  hills  washed  by  the  Coquet,  or  its  de- 
pendent stremnlets,  as  many  pieces  of  fine  ore  have  been  found  in  its  raannel  * 

The  extensive  tract  of  country,  c^ed  the  Forest^  has  lately  been  much  improved 
and  beautified  by  the  erection  of  many  neat  cottages,  to  each  of  which  a  plot  of 
ground  is  annexed,  varying  in  size  from  twelve  acres  to  a  rood.  As  this  mode  of 
letting  single  cottages,  with  small  parcels  of  land,  has  been  adopted  by  the  late  noble 
proprietor  of  this  and  other  extensive  estates,  and  as  it  probably  involves  in  its  result 
the  fate  of  the  system,  which  generally  prevails  in  this  county,  and  a  great  part  of 
Scotland,  it  may  here  be  projper  to  ofi^er  a  few  thoughts  on  the  subject,  particularly  as 
it  forms  so  distinguishing  a  feature  in  the  rural  economy  of  the  county,  and  afiects  in 
its  consequence  the  independence  and  happiness  of  a  numerous  and  highly  useful 
class  of  men.  But  to  set  the  question  in  a  clear  light  to  those  unacquainted  with  the 
customs  of  the  county,  it  will  be  necessary  to  give  a  more  particular  account  of  what 
is  called  Bandage  Service.  It  was  before  observed,  that  the  farms  in  Northumberland 
are  of  considerable  extent,  and  the  farm-houses  (or  onsteads,  as  they  are  called)  are 
scattered  over  the  face  of  the  country  at  the  distance  frequently  of  two  or  three  miles 
from  each  other,  and  from  the  villages  and  towns.  In  these  onsteads  the  farmers 
reside  like  the  feudal  barons  of  old,  surrounded  by  their  vassals  and  dependents. 
Immediately  adjoining  the  onsteads  are  a  number  of  cottages,  in  some  degree  propor- 
tionable to  the  size  oi  the  farms.  These,  which  consist  mostly  of  one  apartment,  but 
seldom  or  never  of  more  than  two,  are  occupied  by  the  farm  servant  and  bondagers, 
who  may  be  considered  as  comprising  th^  distinct  classes.  First,  the  steward, 
whose  duty  is  to  receive  from  his  master  his  daily  orders,  to  allot  to  the  work-people 

^  It  Is  almoBt  certain  that  the  Roman  legions  stationed  in  Northumberland^  and  vhich  were  continually 
traversing  the  county,  would  not  fail  to  improve  these  rich  mines  to  their  own  advantage.  Indeed  it  is  evi- 
dent, from  the  words  of  Tacitus,  *'  Fert  Britanma  aurem,  4*  argentum,  ^  alia  metalia  pretium  victoriae,"  that 
this  industrious  and  enterprising  people,  even  so  early  as  the  time  of  Agrioola,  had  secured  the  most  consi- 
derable mines,  as  weU  as"  the  harbours  for  the  purpose  of  exporting  their  produce.  Hence  also  Galgacus,  in 
his  celebrated  speech,  has  these  words :— -'^  Neqne  sunt  nobis  arva,  out  MetaUo,  aui  Partus,  quihus  exercendis 
reservemur :"  intimating  that  the  pasture,  the  metals,  and  the  ports,  in  other  parts  of  the  island,  had  proved 
but  so  many  temptations  to  the  avaricious  Romans;  but  that  there  was  no  such  thing  in  the  country  where 
they  were,  they  had  only  a  general  and  an  army,  but  that  they  were  free  as  yet ;  whereas  those  who  weve 
rich  and  abounded  in  mines,  were  already  brought  into  slavery :-»''  Hie  dux  4*  exerciius,  ibi  tributa  4*  vutdUa, 
4*  caeierae  ssrvientium  poenae,"  Now,  it  is  surely  rational  to  conclude,  that  the  rich  mineral  productions  of 
this  country  would  not  be  neglected  by  a  people  that  wasted  so  much  blood  and  treasure  to  obtain  and  secure 
a  supply  of  the  useful  metals. 

The  late  Mr.  Joseph  Atkinson,  of  Swarland,  in  a  communicadoi^  on  this  subject,  remarks,  that  ''there  are 
r^maim  in  that  neighboprhbod  sufficient  to  evince,  that  the  footing  the  Ramans  had  north  of  the  Wall  was 
neither  30  trifling  nor  precarious  as  is  generally  believed.  To  the  north-west  of  Shieldikes  is  the  scite  of  a 
Roman  camp,  large  enough  to  contain  a  whole  legion,  with  their  auxiliaries ;  and  not  only  many  outposts  may 
be  traced,  but  the  foundation  of  a  way  is  clearly  visible,  leading  in  a  direct  and  straight  line  f^om  the  camp 
to  their  port  of  Druridge  Bay,  which  it  is  well  known  they  frequently  visit^  This  camp  they  must  have 
retained  for  many  years^— perhaps  centuries ;  and  I  conceive  their  principal  mo^ve  for  doing  so  to  have  been 
die  protection  tf  their  mining  parties.  To  this  place  the  produce  of  their  industry  would  be  brought,  as  a  depo^ 
and  from  whence  it  could  be  forwarded  with  the  greatest  safety  and  regularity  ;  the  C9mp  commanding  not 
o|kIy  a  view  of  the  bay  itself,  but  of  the  whole  length  of  the  way  leading  to  it" 


.  ROTHBUJIY  PARISH.  B$ 

their  i:!espect;^YG  task$>  and  to.  give  an  aooount  in  the  evening  of  all  that  has  been  done* 
He  may  be  ponsidered  under  the  farmer  as  having  a  kind  of  general  supmntenclanc^ 
of  the  lOOQMf^m.  It  is  evident^  that  to  be  properly  qualified  for  this  situation,  a  man 
must  be  able  to  read  and  imtei  be  acquainted  with  arithsaetic,  and  also  have  some 
eKfmmoe  and  Ipiowledge  of  the  theory  and  practice  of.  agriaulture.  Next  after  the 
stewmnis  are  the  hinds,  to  whcxna  belongs  the  manual  labour  of  the  farm,  the  oure  of 
the  implement^  of  husbandry,  honses,  cattle,  &e.  They  are  much  the  i^ame  with  the 
domestic  farm  servBnta  in  the  south  of  En^and,  e:^Gept  that  they  neith^  board  nor 
lodge  witii  the  ^anMer,.  b^t  may  be  either  married  or  single,  and  provide  for  themr 
fidves  in  the  eottages  at  the  onstead.  Last  of  all  are  tw  bondager^;  who  dwdl  in 
cottages  beloog^g  to  the  i^Euro,  at  the  onstead  or  neighboiuring  vUlaga.  They  have 
their  cottages. at  an  uvder  rent,  and  are  entitled  to ^he  produce  of  a  certain  qufuitity 
pi  poUtoeVr.  .  For  tbeie  advantage's  they  Bie  bound  to  fifid  a  person  when  required,-  to 
assist  m  cutting  the  ieon),  hay-fnaking,  hoeing  and  pulling  turnips,  spreading  the  ma* 
pure,  and  serving  the  thrashing  ins^ine,  at  lower  daily  wages  than  is  usual  in  thf 
eoiuntry.  The  bondage  sl^rvice  is  mostly  performed  by  the  female  part  of  the  family^ 
or  by  children.  The  ninds,  and  sometimes  the  stewards^  are  obligied  to  find  a  person 
for  bondage  wor^  on  the  same  terms.  The  wages  of  tlxe  hinds  and  Rewards  are  paid 
chjiefly  m  Kin4»  a^d  they  have  their  cottages  rent-fr^e,  with  hay  and  grass  for  one  or  two 
cows,  the  leading  of  iheir  coals  free  ^f  expense^  and  sometimes  a  small  sum  of  money. 
.  The  stmpo^ed  expediency  of  bandage  service  is  ably  stated  by  an  ingenious  eorres^ 
pondeht  m  Glendale  Ward,  who  seems  to  have  noticed  every  argument  which  can  hf 
urged  in  its  defence :-~ 

^vMany  objections,''  says  he,  ^'have  been  advanced  against  this  practice,  as  being 
injurious  to  tiie  interests  of  the  poor^  Allowing  it,  for  a  moment,  to  be  an  evil,  yet 
it  is  a  necessary  evil,  and  such  as  unavoidably  results  from  the  divisicHi  of  the  land 
into  extensive  £9f^%  In  thinly  populated  districts  like  Northumberland,  the  opera^i 
tions  of  husbi^adry  ipould  not  be  carried  on,  if  obliged  to  depend  on  the  precarious 
supply  of  day4abouresr8 :  it  would  occasion  a  very  pernicious  jealousy  and  competition 
among  the  flarmers,  and  would  exdte  among  the  lower  classes  such  ap  anxiety  for 
high  wages,  so  much  idleness,  epvy^  and  dissatisfaction,  as  would  by  np  means  be 
condudve  eillier  to  ttiepr  ^por^ity,  industry,  or  the  true  comforts  oi  life, 

''There  are,  however,  ^soix^  incoipyeniences  under  which  the  bond^ger  seems  to 
labour.  He  is  obliged  io,  BfiA  a  person,  whw  called  upon,  to  do  the  work  at  an  infe- 
rior  price,  aud  wh^>^  services  coijisequently  cannot  be  elsewhere  engaged  for  any  de» 
teruunate  period*  This  is  apparenuy  a  hardship ;  but  it  is  in  some  measure  done 
away  by  the  peculiar  circuiustances  of  his  situation,  for  .the  number  of  cottagers  bear, 
for  the  inost  part,  ,s»ch  aq  ex,act  pftopprtion  to  the  size  of  the  farms,  that  the  persona 
liable  to  be  otdled  upon  fpr  that  service  have  full  employment  from  their  own  masters, 
The  only  grievance,  therefore,  that  remains,  must  be  the  lowness  of  their  wages ;  but 
this  is  supposed  to  b^  <Nr,  at  l^ast,  ought  to  be,  fully  compensated  by  the  low  rents  of 
the  cottages,  and  other  advantages, 

'^  On  the  other  hand»  there  are  some  benefits  to  the  poor  arising  from  this  system. 
Their  rents  are,  as  it  were,  imperceptibly  paid,  and  they  do  not  feel  the  burden  of 
coUecting  a  sum  of  money  for  tiiat  purpose  j  and  it  is  well  lofiown  with  what  difficulty 
even  very  small  rents  are  pidd  by  the  jppor  in  towns  and  villages.    The  inferiority  of 

vol.,  Ji,  O 


fi4  COQUETDALE  WARl).— W.  D. 

their  wages  is  also  in  part  made  up  to  them  by  the  opportunities  which  they  have  of 
constant  employment,  either  from  their  own  masters,  or  at  the  neigfabourinK  farms. 
This  argument  will  have  the  more  we^ht,  when  it  is  recollected  that  the  bondage 
service  is  almost  exclusively  performed  by  women  and  children. 

*'  With  regard  to  the  stewards  and  hinds,  the  custom  of  paying  them  in  kind  is 
always  preferable.  It  seems  to  assure  them  a  comfortable  support,  independent  of 
the  variation  of  prices  in  the  markets ;  and  though  it  seems  to  deprive  them  of  the 
command  of  money,  it  preserves  them  from  the  temptation  of  the  ale-house.  And 
as  it  is  not  unusual  for  families  to  live  together  after  the  children  are  arrived  to  a 
state  of  maturity,  it  sometimes  happens,  that  the  steward,  hind,  and  bonda^er,  may 
be  sJl  members  of  one  family,  and  mhabitants  of  the  same  house.  When  this  is  the 
case,  they  have  been  known  to  accumulate  considerable  sums  of  money. 

'<  On  the  whole,  however,  facts  and  experience  are  the  safest  grounds  on  which  to 
form  our  opinions.  If  we  draw  our  conclusions  from  these,  it  wm  be  found,  that  the 
lower  classes  in  no  part  of  the  tmited  kingdom  live  more  comfortably,  or  in  sreater 
abundance,  or  are  better  dothed,  or  more  strong  and  healthy,  than  the  hinds  and 
bondagers  of  N(»*thumberland.'' 

In  answer  to  this  reasoning,  we  Jbeg  to  observe,  that  this  custom  is  by  no  means  so 
unavoidably  the  result  of  dividing  the  lands  into  extensive  farms,  as  is  Iiere  supposed ; 
for  if  the  certainty  of  securing  a  proper  number  of  labourers  were  the  real  motive  for 
continuing  bondage  service,  then  this  object  might  be  as  easily  accomplished  by  bind- 
ing the  cottager  for  a  year.  This  would  also  prevent  jealousy  and  competition  among 
the  farmers,  and  give  the  labourer  an  idea  of  the  rent  that  is  required  for  his  cottage. 

The  argument  c^ainst  high  wages,  on  account  of  its  being  productive  of  idleness 
and  dissipation,  may  certaimy  be  pushed  too  far.  But  the  expediency  of  granting 
high  wages  is  not  the  question ;  it  is  the  unfettering  the  labourer  in  husbandry  in  the 
disposal  of  his  labour.  Under  certain  circumstances  the  rate  of  wa^es  may  indeed 
fluctuate,  but  they  always  in  the  end  find  their  true  level.  There  is,  mdeed,  no  dan* 
ger  of  the  labourers  in  agriculture  combining  to  demand  extravagant  wages;  the 
project  is  liable  to  so  many  serious  difficulties  as  almost  to  be  insuperable:  that  it 
should  never  have  been  accomplished  is  therefore  not  at  all  surprising. 

It  is  a  most  curious  argument,  that  the  opportunities  which  the  TOudage  cottagers 
have  of  obtiaining  constant  employment  nearly  compensates  for  any  other  disadvan- 
tage they  may  suffer.  Now  the  farmer  never  agrees  to  find  regular  employment  for 
his  cottagers,  and  other  farmers  will  always  engage  free  labourers,  in  preference  to 
those  who,  at  the  busiest  time  of  the  year,  are  at  the  disposal  of  another.  It  is  also 
affirmed,  that  the  cottagers  are  much  benefited  by  performmg  bondage  service,  instead 
of  paying  their  rents  in  money ;  the  cottagers  themselves,  however,  are  very  indiffer- 
ent about  these  advantages,  and  seldom  omit  an  opportunity  of  relinquishing  them 
altogether.  But  it  may  be  asked,  do  farmers  give  their  bondage  cottagers  as  high 
wages  as  other  labourers  receive  ?  If  they  do,  the  advantages  supposed  to  accrue  to 
the  farmers  from  this  plan  cannot  exist ;  if  thev  do  not,  it  would  be  difficidt  to  prove 
that  the  bondage  cottager  undergoes  no  hardship.  This,  in  fact,  seems  decisive  of  the 
question. 

This  usage  does  not  corres^nd  with  any  principle  of  enlightened  policy,  being  of 
no  advantage  to  the  community,  and  really  injurious  to  the  poor.    Kay,  we  will  go 


ROTHBURY  PARISH-  55 

fiirther,  and  affirm,  that  the  present  restrictiotis  are  destructive  to  the  spirit  of  inde-* 
pendence,  so  essentially  necessair  in  generating  and  supporting  habits  of  industry* 
The  noble  example  of  his  grace  the  late  Duke  of  Northumberland,  in  abandoning  this 
injurious  usage,  is  worthy  of  imitation.  It  originated  -  among  a  barbarous  people ; 
and  if  persisted  in,  must  ultimatdy  diminish  the  number  of  cottagers,  and  drive  all 
the  labourers  into  crowded  towns,  where  their  utility  must  certainly  be  abridged.  In 
another  point  of  view,  wery  patriot  must  deprecate  whatever  measure  has  a  tendency 
to  diminish  the  number  ei  cottagers,  for-'— 

<*  Princes  and  kiBgs  xtMy  flourish  or  may  &de, 
A  breath  may  make  them  as  a  breath  hath  maile ; 
But  a  bold  peasantry,  their  oountry^s  pride, 
When  once  destroyed,  can  never  be  supplied.^ 

But  to  return  more  immediatelv  to  a  general  description  of  Rothbury  parish ;  the 
benevolent  bequests  of  the  Rev.  John  Thomlinson  first  daim  attention.  The  will  of  tihis 
good  man  is  dated  1719-20.  The  annual  rent  of  the  lands  which  he  bequeathed  for 
charitable  purposes  amount  at  present  to  £204 :  viz.  Sharperton  (Charity  Hall),  £100 ; 
Harbottle,  £24 ;  Todhills,  £40 ;  and  Elsdon,  £40.  Part  of  this  sum,  to  the  amount 
of  £20  per  annum,  was,  by  Thomlinson's  will,  to  be  paid  to  the  master  of  a  school 
which  he  built.  The  head  master  was  to  be  a  person  of  classical  education,  and  in 
orders,  and  his  assistant  of  approved  abilities.  But  these  directions  have  not  always 
been  strictly  attended  to.  The  remainder  belongs  to  the  poor  and  destitute  of  ue 
parish,  who  are  directed  to  be  relieved  at  Easter  and  Christmas  annually,  at  the  dis- 
cretion of  the  rector  and  churchwardens  for  the  time  being,  who  hold  the  lands  in 
trust  for  these  purposes.  During  the  residence  of  the  Rev.  E.  A.  H.  I>rummond, 
the  appropriation  of  this  charity  was  made  in  the  most  judicious  manner.  He  pro- 
cured a  discretionary  grant  of  £10  a  year  paid  to  Rothbury  school^  and  £5  a  year  to 
each  of  the  village  schools  in  the  parish.  This,  in  the  late  Dr.  Watson's  time,  was 
discontinued;  and  the  endowments  were  j>rincipally  applied  to  the  relief  of  poor 
housekeepers,  binding  out  apprentices,  and  similar  acts  of  charitjr.  The  present  mode 
of  distributing  this  charity,  under  the  direction  of  the  rector,  gives  general  satisfac- 
tion. During  the  severity  of  the  last  winter  (1828),  the  poor  were  supplied  with 
meal  at  half  of  the  market  price,  which  was  of  immediate  and  extensive  advantage  to 
theparish. 

The  free  school  of  Rothbury  is  an  airy  and  convenient  building,  with  a  good  jrar*  • 
den  attached.  The  master,  besides  a  house  and  garden,  has  a  sdary  of  £60.  The 
person  who  at  present  holds  this  situation  is  possessed  of  considerable  classical  attain- 
ments. This  school  has  been  lately  joined  to  the  Central  SchocJ,  and  is  conducted 
chiefly  upon  the  Madras  System,  which  alteration  has  not  been  received  with  general 
approbation.  The  parents  of  those  children  who  are  in  good  circumstances  are  ex-» 
pected  to  pay.  Since  the  union  of  these  schools,  another,  where  the  mathematics  and 
the  usual  Dranches  of  an  English  education  are  taught,  has  been  carried  on  with  con- 
siderable success  and  reputation.  Besides  this,  there  is  a  third  school  in  Rothbury, 
for  teaching  reading,  writing*  and  the  elementary  parts  of  arithmetic.    At  Caistron, 


56  COQUETDALE  WARD.--W.  D. 

«  » 

there  is  a  school  endowed  by  WiHiam  HaU,^  witii  a  bouse' for  die  mmter,  ai^d  the  in^ 
terest  of  £120  navy  5  per  oents.  There  is  another  sefaodl  to  IBUtikhmy  Fcrest^  called 
^  The  Forest  School,'*  where  the  master  bo^pka  a  houM  and  gaeden  and  nine  or  teo 
acres  of  land  rent-free,  under  the  Dul»  of  Nortfauinberhnd.  Both  these  md  a  tbiid 
school  at  Thropton  recdve  annnally  £s,  lOc  frobi  a  cbaritable  fysid,  of  whieh  the 
rector,  diurchwardens,  and  vestry,  are  trustees.  The  present  rector^  the  Rev,  L, 
Vernon,  states,  **  that  man^  of  ti»  poor,  who  eould  have  tbcar  dUdren  taiwht  ir^ek 
would  rather  pay  for  then*  instruction,  or  not  have  them  jed«eated  at  all»  lUueiBS  they 
were  instructed  in  their  own  method." 

Dame  Mary  Charlton  left  a  eeftam  paroel  of  land  to  the  pe<Mr  widows  of  Rothbury 
parish.  Lands  were  also  left,  in  the  yean  17^8  and  17fl9,  to  the  poor.  Isabel  Rob- 
son  likewise,  in  1778,  vested  a  rent-clMrge  in  themioist^  ati^d  churchwardens,  for  the 
benefit  of  poor  widows,  George  Fletcher*  was  also  a  beBefaotcar  to  this  parish,  having, 
in  1709?  left  a  handsome  «rent-diarge  for  the  school. 

.  •  •  • 

RoTHBURYf  is  cBstant  18  miles  south* west  froi^gi  Alnwick,  15  miles  north-west 
from  Morpeth,  M  miles  nordi  by  west  from  Newcaslde,  31  miles  north  by  east  from 
Hexham,  and  about  90S  miles  from  London. 

After  the  conquest,  Rothfaury  was  a  large  manor,  having  the  manors  of  Thr<^toa 
and  Sindier  annexed,  though  ik  itself  only  a  m^nber  of  the  barony  of  Warkworth^ 
In  the  6th  of  kmg  John,  laOfi,  Robert  Fitz^Roger,  baron  of  Warkworth,  wais  in- 
feolTed  by  that  monarch  of  tiie  manor  (tf  Rotibbury ,  which  then  bek>nged  to.  Robert 
de  Crammavill,  who  possessed  it  in  the  r^ign  of  kmg  Henry  III,  John  also,  at  the 
same  time»  granted  him  a  weekly  market,  to  be  held  o^  Tbunsday,  and  an  annuid  fair 
to  continue  three  <days,  viz.  Ihe  even,  and  tiie  day  of  &t^ ,  JVf attibew,  and  the  day  after* 
with  all  rights,  duties,  cmstoms,  tolla,  and  ^f  talUffes-  belonging  |i)  a  fair ;  also  a  free 
forest,  with  i^  liberties,  ifranchiseB,  and  ^rivMflges  bekm^ng  to  it,  except  the  goods  of 
fel<m8,' wkid),  at  that  tuiinilent  time,,  waarso  baopiieial  a  perquisite,  a^  to. merit  ^  xe- 
serration  in  llie  Toy  at  grant, '  ^ 

*  A  Can  ^^^9  W^i  rel4Uiv€  to  CoulnMi  School,  daied  1779. 

**  Also^  I  ghra  and  beqaeatk  Id  the  ininislier  snd  chcnohirafdeiM  o£  the  fwrish  of  Ikithbutj,  Ibr  tbe  time 
being,  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  twenty  pounds,  4»  be  pnid:  to  tbem  out  of  my  peviOQal  estfile  by  my  exei^ 
eutove,  withhi  six  toondis  liext  after  my  deCBSse,  opoa  tsm^i  and^  the  intent  and  poigpoae  t}ui(  tb»y  the  said 
minister  and  churchwardens^  for  the  time  being,  shall  and  do  pay  the  annual  or  yearly  sum  of  six  pounds  to 
•  the  schoohnaater,  Air  the  dms  being,. for  ever  hereafter,  of  the  aeveval  townships  or  vil^ges  of  CaisUon. 
WreighohiU,  Hepple^  Plottertcm,  Warton,  and  Bickeiton,  in  the  pariah.of  Hothbury,  for  the  teachixig  of  th^ 
ohildren  of  the  poor  inhdUtantaof  the  said  se«iei»l  townsbyps  or  idllagea  to  read,  Eoglish." 

* 

f  In  anclettt  ^eeds  and  records -the  name  of  this  place  is  spelled  dilfbrently.  It  is  wjritten  Rathhury,  Robim 
ry,  and  BoiUMirgf,  We  imagine  that  the  ifirs^  was  its  origin^  appellation,  and  was  probably  derived  from  the 
British  RhcUh,  signifying  ii  cleared  spoij  such  as  the  Celtic  inhabitants  dfthe  ]BntiBh  isles  usuelly  fixed  their 
h^bitatHMi  on.  Bath,  ip  the  Gaelic,  also  signified  a  sureti/ ;  hence  the  term  was  applied,  by  the  Gaelic  people 
of  North  Britain  and  Ireland,  to  the  villages  in  which  they  lived,  to  the  seats  of  their  ehieft,  and  toa  fortmB^ 
or  place  of  security,  fiodgson  siays  that  Rothbury  is  ^  a  name  probably  derived  fbom  its  beSng'tbe  bniying 
jplace  of  Rath,  or  Roth,  some  Dane  of  distinction  f  and  adds,  *'  there  is  a  large  barvonB  en  the  MxAmx  mar* 
gin  of  the  river,  opposite  the  town,  and  several  others  in  the  neighbourhood/' 


ROTHBURY  PARISH.  57 

Robert  Fitz-Roceor  Lord  Clavarh^,  haxon  of  Warkworth  and  Clavering,  great 
grandson  of  the  above  Robert  Fitz-Koga*,  died  4  king  Edward  II.  seized  of  the 
manor  of  Rothbiuy,  with  its  dependencies,  besides  other  large  estates.  His  grandson, 
Jbhn  dSb  Clavering,  Lord  Clavering,  &c.  being  doubtful  of  having  male  issue,  made  a 
feoffinent  long  b^ore  his  death  to  one  Stephen  Trafford,  whereby  he  vested  the  inhe- 
ritance of  this  manor  and  some  others  in  the  said  Stephen,  to  the  intent  that  he  should 
reconvev  them  to  him,  the  said  John,  to  hold  for  life,  with  remainder  to  king  Edward 
I.  and  his  heirs«  By  this  settlement  this  manor  and  many  other  estates  came  to  the 
crown,  of  which  this  and  some  other  lordships  were  given  by  king  Edward  III.  in  the 
second  year  of  his  reign,  to  Henry  Perc^  and  his  heirs,  after  the  death  of  Hawise,  the 
wife  of  John  de  Clavering,  who  had  it,  with  other  estates  of  her  late  husband,  in 
dower.  Hemy  being  thus  entitled  to  this,  entailed  it  upon  his  posterity ;  and  ac* 
cordingly  we  find  it  in  possession  of  his  son  Henry  at  his  death,  and  afterwards  as* 
signed  it  to  Joan,  his  rehct,  for  part  of  her  dower.  Upon  her  demise,  it  went  to  his 
son  Henry,  who  was  made  Earl  of  Northumberland,  and  continued  in  the  family  till 
Henry  Earl  of  Northumberland  was  attainted  by  the  first  parliament  of  king  Edward 
IV.  and  hi»  estate  being  seized  for  that  king's  use,  the  greater  part  of  it  was  given  to 
Creorge  Duke  of  Clarence  the  king's  brother ;  but  this  lordahip  was  given  to  Sir 
Robert  Ogle  (afterwards  Lord  Ogle)  to  hold  for  life. 

Rothbury  ib  delightfully  seated  in  a  sequestered  and  romantic  glen  on  the  north 
aide  of  the  river  M>quet.  It  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  a  lofty  ndge  of  steep  and 
i^gg^  rocks,  whidi  extends  to  the  distance  of  four  miles  from  east  to^west,  and 
among  whose  craggy  cliffs  a  number  of  goats  are  continually  gamboling :  one  narrow 
ofpening  admits  uie  turnpike  leading  from  Alnwick.  It  is  also  sheltered  from  the 
chill  bbsts  of  the  north  by  towering  hills  of  various  descriptions ;  and  on  the  south 
rises  an  abrupt  bank,  of  a  pyramidical  form,  covered  with  beautiful  verdure,  and 
crowned  with  a  stately  tower.  The  valley  opens  towards  the  west,  and  presents  a 
fine  prospect  over  many  extensive  and  fertile  naughs,  enclosed  with  hiUs  and  broken 
Tocks,  and  through  which 

<<  The  crystal  rivulet,  that  o^ev 

A  stony  channel  rolls  its  rajnd  maze, 
@warms  with  the  uhrer  fry.^ 

Indeed,  the  Coquet  is  one  of  the  pleasantest  trout-streams  in  the  county,  or  perhaps 
in  the  kingdom,  as  an  angler  may  proceed  westward  for  several  miles  without  having 
his  tackling  entangled  by  either  tree  or  shrub. 

The  town  is  wide,  aury,  and  tolerably  well  built.  It  consists  of  three  streets; 
MarkeMtreet,  Church-gate,  and  Ratten-row,  or  Bridge-street ;  the  whole  comprising 
150  houses,  and  745  inhabitants.  The  cross,  which  was  a  large  square  buildings  sup- 
ported by  pillars,  being  in  a  state  of  dilapidaticm,  was  pulled  down  a  few  years  ago. 
The  late  David  Stephenson,  Esq.  architect,  by  command  of  the  Duke  of  Northum- 
berland, executed  an  el^ant  plan  for  a  new  cross,  which  would  at  once  be  highly 
useftd  and  ornamental  to  the  town ;  but  the  scheme  remains  unexecuted.  Here  i»  an 
extensive  brewery  belongmg  to  the  executors  of  the  late  Henry  Ilderton,  two  other 
small  breweries,  and  eight  public  houses.    The  principal  inn  is  the  Three  Moons. 

VOL,  II.  P 


58  COQUETDAJ-E  WABD—^W.  D. 

Bothbury  is  nwdbi  IvequaiW  during  the  aummer  scaaon  by  Tldetud^narians^  in 
ordef  to  dnnk  goata'  whey,  and  enjoy  th^  salubriow  air  of  the  ptooe,  which  has  often 
wooderf ul  effecU  in  faracii]^  the  reW^  ton^  e£  the  nervous  system.  Hero  nature 
may  be  viewed  at  one  gl^nce^  in  aU  bw  nstiye  wiUne^s*  and  also  dedced  in  her  best 
atture.  The  a^oining  hoUs  aSbfd  pleasant  and  diy  wsUi:^  while  Ute  vale  ia  equailj 
favQvaaMe  for  contemplation  or  amua^onent  The  wat»  is  remarkaihhr  pure ;  and  me 
inhabitants  civil  and  attentive  to  Strang^.  Few  situali<ms,  therefore^  offiy  equal 
attracticms  to  those  who  are  inclined  to  retire,  for  a  season,  from  the  smoke,  the  bustle^ 
and  the  disteactkms  of  a  (Hrowded  town.  Gigs»  poneys^  asses,  &a  an  kept  for  tike  re* 
creation  an^  amusement  of  stran^ars. 

There  ape  four  shops  in  Rqimbury  for  the  sale  of  general  merdiandige ;  three 
grocers,  seven  batchers,  sii^  bakers,  two  saddlers,,  and  four  milliners^  also  have  i^ops 
here.  There  are  eight  master  taibrs,  five  master  shoraoakars,  and  eight  joiners  aaad 
cartwr^hts.  Two  medical  gentlemen  reside  ha!e.  The  weekly  mawet  is  held  on 
Friday,  for  butcher  meat,  poultry,  meal,  &c. ;  but  eom  is  sdldom  presented  for  sale, 
the  town  being  suppUed  from  the  neighbouring  fermen  and  miUers  I7  private  bar* 
gain.  Carriers  ke^  up  a  weekly  commumct&m  with  Newcastle,  Amwick,  Ara 
Here  are  four  fairs  in  the  year,  viis..  the  first  Friday  in  Easter  week ;  Whitsim- 
Monday ;  the  2d  day  of  October,  for  cattle,  mostly  steers  and  heifers ;  and  the  1st  day 
of  November,  fear  horses,  homed  eatde,  sheep,  and  articles  of  various  descriptions. 
The  fair  held  in  Ck^tober  is,  according  to  ancient  usage,  proclaimed  by  the  lord  of  the 
manor's  baUifl^  attesided  on  hovsebai^k  by  the  tenants,  and  fredioklers  bdonging  to 
tlie  .djoiBkuf  townships. 

'A  book-club  WB3  establisbed  here  in  1815,  aisd  is  very  wdl  supported :  the  Hbrarv 
is  small,  but  select.  There  is  also  a  very  re^piectable  association,  joined  with  the  parish 
of  AlwinUna,  for  the  prosecution  of  felons,  &c.  The  magistrates  hold  their  meetings 
at  the  Three  Half  Moons  inn ;  and  the  office  of  exdse  is  in  the  same  house. 

The  church,  which  is  dedicated  to  All-Saints^  appears  to  be  a  very  ancient  structure, 
and  was  formerly  much  larger.  This  is  evident  from  the  fragments  of  arches  still 
discoverable  in  the  steeple.  Foundations  of  buildings  have  also  been  discovered  about 
40  yards  to  the  westward,  which  seena  to  have  been  connected  with  the  body  of  the 
church.  It  is  built  in  the  form  of  a  eross,  with,  a  large  dock  and  two  bells  in  the 
tower.  On  one  side  are  the  remains  of  a  large  porch  that  belonged  to  the  township 
of  Cartington,  but  which  the  proprietors  refused  to  repair.  The  interior  of  the  churcn 
is  neat  and  spacious,  and  ad(»rned  with  respectaUe  mcmuments.  The  floor  within  the 
communion  rails  is  of  chfequer^work,  of  white  freestone  and  Uue  marble ;  and  the 
altar  has  a  most  venerable  appearance.  The  pedestal  of  the  font  is  worthy  of  observa« 
lion.  It  is  not  exactly  squire :  at  the  bottom,  where  it  appears  intended  to  be  fixed 
into  some  foundation^tone,  two  opposite  sides  aa«  I&  inches  in  bieadth,  the  other  14 
inches ;  but  where  the  scu^ture  begins,,  the  edges  of  the  stone  are  taken  o£f.  The 
work,  in  bass-relief,  on  the  west  side,  is  about  S6  inches  loi^  and  14  inches  broad, 
and,  it  is  presumed,  represents  our  Lord  sitting  in  judgment  The  principal  Cgure 
has  lost  its  head,  but  h<^s  a  scroll  in  the  left  hand.  On  each  side  is  the  figure  of  an 
angel  kneeling,  and  below  them  a  crowd  of  heads  lifted  up,  some  hands  clasping 
books,  others  elevated,  or  laid  upon  the  breast  The  other  sides  contam  ridb  ortia* 
mental  sculpture  of  fancy  figiures  interwoven  with  foliage,  sudi  as  are  ae^i  upon  the 


._! 


ROTHBUEY  PARISH.  SQ 


obelisk  in  Bewcastfe  dhuKh-yard,^  in  Cumberland.    From  their  similarity,  some  peo- 
jie  have  concluded  that  they  w»e  works  of  the  same  date. 

Against^a  piUar  by  the  south  door  is  a  man  standii^  in  armour^  cut  in  bold  relief 
in  stone^  with  a  pistol  in  his  right  hand,  and  a  powder^bag  at  bis  belt»  but  his  head  is 
broken  off.  Near  it  is  an  elegant  funeral  monum^it,  to  the  memory  of  George 
Fletcher,  Esq.  who  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  the  year  1710,  and  who 
died  on  the  25tib  of  January  in  that  same  year.  He  left  to  the  pmAi  oi  Rothbury 
£6  per  annum  lor  ever,  out  of  his  lands  at  Spital^  for  maintaining  %  sdiool  at  Roth« 
bury.  On  the  north  side  of  the  chancel  is  a  neat  mural  monument,  with  the  fbUoW- 
ioQg  inscription  :-^ 

^*  Nor  tbis  MonimMit 

Lyekk  the  Body  of  the  truly  ysrtaooo  Matron^ 

MARY,  ymSt  of  JOHN  THOMLINSON,  Rector  of  Rothbtvy, 

Who  departed  this  Life  Oet  SO,  1710, 
Aged  70  yeais. 

Also,  on  her  right  side 
Is  imenred  Hie  Body  of  the  said  Mr.  JOHN  THOMLINSON, 

A  WOTdiy  Bendkctor  to  thk  FnUb, 

Whe  was  Heeler  above  41  ysan. 

And  depaitad  tfaisr  Lifc  May  lldd,  1790^^ 

il«e«69^yen." 

B^ow  it  is  the  following  inscription,  <m  a  smaU  mural  stone  of  the  same  kind:-^ 

**  Benedictions  of  the  Rev.  Mr.  ThmiRnson  to  the  Parish  qf  Rothbury. 

TSharperton 22    0  0 

Estates.  ■<  Harbottle               .        .        .                 .  4  0  0^  .?^ 

(^TodhiUs 7  0  0 

To  the  School  there                                .                •  20  0  O 

Baildiiig  the  Schod-house              •  100  0  0 

To  the  Vicars  of  Wigton 13  0  0 

Further  Augmentation 250  0  0 

To  the  School  there                       .        .                .  100  0  0 

BuildingaCollegeof  Matrons  at  Wigton  200  0  0 

Towards  its  Endowment '  35  0  0 

"                       101  10  0 

Here  is  also  a  funend  monument  to  the  memory  of  the  Rev.  Jc^  iStiotton;  many 
years  curate  c^  this  pari^,  with  the  following  inscription  :-— 

'*  Learn  from  me 
How  vain  are  the  hopes  of  man- 
How  fluctuating  are  his  joys  ; 

Pkce  then  your  aflecCioDS 

On  the  great  Object  of  Lore^ 

Which  can  never  change; 

But  is  the  eternal  centre  of  hunMU  happiness." 


f 


60 


COQUETDALE  WARD.— W.  D. 


There  is  also  here  a  neat  tablet  to  the  memory  of  Colonel  Farquhar.  The  late  Cap- 
tain Farauhar,  of  AJnwiek,  a  relation  of  his,  gave  a  fire-engine  for  the  use  of  the  place» 
which  is  Kept  in  the  church-porch.  The  chancel  was  neauy  painted  and  ornamented 
under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  L.  V.  Vernon,  the  late  rector.  Several  elegant  funeral 
monuments  have  also  been  lately  introduced,  three  of  which  deserve  notice :  one  on 
the  south  side  of  the  chancel,  to  the  memory  of  Sir  John  Gordon,  Bart,  of  Park,  in 
the  county  of  Banff;  and  the  other  two  at  the  south  door,  one  to  Ann,  wife  of  T. 
Carr,  Esq.  late  of  Eshott,  and  the  other  to  the  late  T.  Storrer,  Esq.  of  Rothbury. 
The  church  is  about  to  be  embellished  with  a  handsonfe  organ.  The  church-yard  is 
spacious,  and  is  covered  with  remarkably  fine  and  dry  sou.  In  it  are  many  good 
tomb-stones,  the  lettering  of  which  appears  to  be  executed  in  a  superior  style. 

The  living  of  Rothbury  is  a  rectory,  valued  in  the  king^  books  at  £  58,  6s.  Sd.  and 
is  in  the  gift  of  the  bishop  of  Carlisle.  It  is  one  of  the  richest  livings  in  the  diocese 
of  Durham.  In  the  vear  1300,  it  was  no  more  than  £60  per  annum.  Sir  Ralph 
Sadler  recommended  the  **  parsonaige  of  Rothebury, . whiche  is  presently  in  the  hands 
of  one  of  the  prebendaries  of  Duresme^  with  the  yerely  fee  of  CC*  (£  200),  to  be  anex- 
ede  to  the  castill  of  Harbottell."  In  the  time  of  l)r.  Sharp,  formerly  rector,  and  arch* 
deacon  of  Northumberland,  it  was  about  £850 :  it  is  now  said  to  be  more  than  £  1200, 
including  the  glebe  the  rector  keeps  in  his  own  hand.* 

The  Kev.  John  Thomlinson  was  indefatigaUe  in  diefien^ng  the  rights,  and  securing 
the  profits  of  his  rectory ';  and  it  is  s/ddy  owiBg  to  his  unwearied  exertions  that  his 
successors  have  enjoyed  their  comforts  undisturbed.  He  was  not  actuated  by  cold 
and  selfish  motives.  When  he  took  possession  of  his  living,  he  found  every  thing  in 
a  state  of  dilapidaticm ;  hh  parishioners  still  retained  much  of  the  ignorance  and  bar- 
barity of  their  forefathers ;  and  as  he  was  determined  to  reside  among  them,  and  dis- 
charge his  duties  conscientiously,  it  was  necessary,  in  order  to  avoid  vexatious 
litigations,  to  have  his  rights  precisely  ascertained.  But  the  state  in  which  he  found 
the  afiairs  of  the  rectory  will  best  appear  by  the  following  extract  from  a  curious  MS. 
in  his  own  hand  writing,  and  for  which  we  are  indebted  to  the  kindness  of  Mr.  Ro- 
bert Robertson,  a  native  of  Rothjbury  parish,  but  now  residing  in  Newcastle. 


"*  List  of  the  Bectart  qf  Boikbufy  Jrom 
1.  John  Dr.  BurdoDx  who  died      J  3 10 


2.  John  Dr.  Ashbum^ 
5.  William  Dr.  Embleton, 

4.  John  Apdby^  .        , 

5.  Henrius  Harbrough, 

6.  Alexander  Cook« 
7«  John  Yelton,    . 
S.  Jotm  Clark,      • 
9.  Thomas  Mangus^ 

10.  Roger  Watson, 

11.  Edward  Mitchell, 

12.  George  Neville, 
IS.  Thomas  Talentine, 

14.  Charles  Kingsby, 

15.  John  Manby,  . 


1352 
1357 
1377 
1385 
1435 

1523 
1526 
1550 
1561 

15fi7 
1584 
1688 


1310  to  the  present  Time. 

16.  Doptor  Smith,  .        .        1635 

17.  Henry  Tr.        .        .        .        1643 
19.  Dr.  Shivthwell,        .  l673 

19.  John  ThomlinsoQ,    .        ^        1720 

20.  Thomas  Sharp,         .  1757 

21.  William  Biidmor»»   .        ,        1784 

22.  Edward  Eariel  JiUj  DrummoikL 
g3.  Geoige  Dr.  Watson,  who,  in  1795, 

exchanged  livings  with  the  above 
Edward  Eariel  Hay  Drummond. 

24.  Levison  Venables  Vemon. 

25.  Charles  Vemon,  who,  in  1822,  ex- 

changed livings  with  hi^  elder 
brother,  the  above  Levison  Vena^ 
bles  Vemon. 


ROTHBURY  PAEISH.  61 

<*  1.  At  my  cominff  to  Rothbury,  which  was  January  24, 1679.  It  was  not  easy  to 
detamine  whether  the  parsonage  house  and  chancell  incumbent  upon  me  to  repair, 
or  the  profitts  bdonging  to  the  parson  were  in  worse  drcumstances. 

^'  2.  The  parsonage-house,  besides  its  darkness  and  smokyness,  not  to  be  endured, 
had  (for  want  of  a  covering  to  keep  it  dry)  all  the  wood  of  it  p^ectly  rotten,  the 


Daring  the  reign  of  queen  Elisabeth,  the  living  of  Rothbury  was  converted  into  a  8inectu«>  and  n 
was  quite  neglected.  At  this  timej  the  celebrated  Bernard  Gilpin^  nephew  of  Tunstal,  bishop  of  Durhaoi, 
was  rector  of  Houghton-le-Spring.  His  own  extensive  parish  contained  no  less  than  fourteen  villages,  among 
which  he  laboured  incessantly  fcnr  the  religious  improvement  of  his  people ;  yet  notwithstanding  all  his  pain- 
ful industry,  he  thought  the  sphere  of  his  labours  too  confined.  Every  year,  therefora,  he  used  regularly  to 
visit  the  moat  neglected  parishes' in  the  north  of  England.  Frequently  lie  eame  ov«r  to  Rothbury,  where  he 
stayed  two  or  three  days,  enforcing  to  the  inhabitants  the  danger  of  leading  wicked  and  careless  lives,  ex- 
plaining die  nature  of  true  religion,  and  exhibiting  the  present  and  future  advantages  resulting  from  piety 
and  regularity  of  life.  Once,  when  Bfr.  Gilpin  was  at  Rodibury,  it  happened  that  a  quarrel  was  on  foot 
During  the  two  or  three  first  days  of  his  preaching,  the  contending  paities  observed  some  decorum,  and  never 
appeared  at  chnrdi  tc^ether.  At  length,  however,  they  met  One  party  had  been  early  at  church,  and, 
just  as  Mr.  Gilpin  had  begun  his  sermon,  the  other  entered.  They  stood  not  long  silent  Inflamed  at  the 
sight  of  eadi  other,  they  began  to  clash  their  weapons  (for  they  were  all  armed  with  javelins  and  swords), 
and  mutually  approach.  Awed,  however,  by  the  sacredness  of  the  place,  the  tumult  in  some  degree  ceased. 
Mr.  Gilpin  proceeded ;  when  again  the  combatants  began  to  brandish  their  weapons,  and  draw  towards  eadi 
other.  As  a  firay  seemed  near,  Mr.  Gilpin  stepped  from  the  pulpit,  went  between  them,  and,  addressing  the 
leaders,  put  an  end  to  the  quarrel  for  that  time,  but  could  not  effisct  an  entire  reconciliation.  They  promised^ 
however,  that  tiU  the  sermon  was  over,  they  would  make  no  more  disturbance.  He  then  went  i^;ain  into 
the  pulpit,  and  spent  the  vest  of  the  time  in  endeavouring  to  make  them  ashamed  of  what  they  had  done. 
His  behaviour  and  discourse  afiected  them  90  mudi,  that  at  his  further  entreaty  they  promised  to  forbear  all 
acts  of  hostility  while  he  continued  in  the  country.  And  so  much  respected  was  he  among  them,  that  whop 
ever  was  in  fiuur  of  his  enemy,  or,  in  the  usual  phrase^  of  his  deadly  foe,  used  to  resort  to  where  Mr.  Gilpu 
was,  esteeming  his  presence  the  best  protection.  The  following  anecdotes  are  illustrative  of  the  stete  of  rdi* 
gion  <m  the  Northmdbrian  borders  »— 

^'Mr.  Gylpjm  did  preach  at  one  chyrch  in  Redsdale,  where  ther  was  nayther  roynyster,  nor  bell,  nor 
bouke,  bot  an  old  bouke  whych  was  sett  forth  in  king  Edward's  tyme  and  a  old  Salter  tome  in  peds :  and  he 
sent  the  daike  to  gyve  warnyng  he  would  preache.  And  in  the  meane  tyme  Ihare  oamme  a  man  rydyng  to 
the  chyrch  style  havynge  a  dead  chyld  layd  afore  hym  over  hjrs  saddyll  cruche  and  cryed  of  Mr.  Gylpyn, 
not  know3mg  hym,  'Come  Parson  and  doo  the  cure;'  and  layd  down  the  corse  and  went  his  waye— -and  Mr, 
Gylpjm  did  berye  the  diylde  and  did  servyce  and  prechid ;  and  when  he  spoke  of  rchbynge  and  ttalynge  an 
old  man  stod  up  of  fourscore  yere  old  and  sayd,  '  Then  the  deil  I  gyve  my  sail  to  bot  we  ar  all  theves;'  and 
then  he  tould  them  that  he  was  not  usyd  to  {Mrediyng  and  the  old  man  sayd  they  had  never  .  .  .  afore; 
and  then  Mr.  Gylpyn  desyred  hym  hold  hys  peace  tyU  he  had  pveched  and  so  he  dyd.  There  was  a  great 
number  of  people  both  gentyllmen  and  others,  to  hew  him,  and  oomyng  fro  the  chyrch  he  qsyed  a  Read 
Hand  put  of  a  speare  poynte  in  defyance  of  deadlye  fisad.  And  Mr.  Gylp3m  dyd  ax  what  the  Read  hand 
mente  and  theye  tonlde  hym  that  it  was  defyaunce^  betwjnc  twoo  simames  and  Mr.  Gylpyn  desyred  ye  gen- 
tyllmen yt  was  theyre  to  helpe  to  agre  ye  partyes  and  so  Mr.  Gylpyn  and  they " 

The  disinterested  pains  he  thus  took  among  these  barbarous  people,  and  the  good  offices  he  perfbrmed, 
drew  from  them  the  sincerest  expressions  of  gratitude ;  and  his  name,  as  the  Apostle  of  the  NcMth,  was  highly 
revered  among  them,  as  the  following  circamstence  evinces:— By  the  carelessness  of  his  servant, 'his  horses 
were  one  day  stolen  (tradition  sajrs,  by  one  of  the  Snowdons).  The  news  was  quickly  propagated,  and  every 
one  expressed  the  highest  indignation  at  the  deed.    The  thief  was  rejoicing  over  his  prize,  when,  by  the  re- 

VOL.  II, — (24)  Q 


i 

J 


62  COQUETDALE  WAUD.— W.  D. 

floors  as  well  as  that  which  belonged  to  the  roof,  and  to  say  nothing  of  the  stable^  kc. 
actually  lying  in  their  ruins.  The  chanoeil  itself  was  but  little  better.  Its  great 
beams  and  lesser  timber  being  all  decayed  for  want  of  lead  to  cover  them ;  in  some 
places  there  wanting  whole  sheets,  in  others  pieces ;  and  where  there  did  not,  there 
was  such  a  number  of  faulty  places,  that  it  raind  in  there,  not  much  less  than  the  other. 

port  of  the  country^  he  found  whose  horses  he  had  taken.  Terrified  at  what  he  had  done,  he  instantly  came 
trembling  back,  confessed  the  fact,  retamed  the  horses,  and  declared  he  believed  the  devil  would  have  seised 
him  directly,  had  he  carried  them  off,  knowing  them  to  be  Mr.  Gilpin's. 

Mr.  Gilpin  was  originally  a  Roman  Cathcdic,  and  disputed  publicly  against  Hooper,  bishop  of  Worcester^ 
and  Peter  Martjrr,  by  whom  he  was  highly  esteemed.  After  a  patient  and  secret  investigation,  he  separated 
from  the  church  of  Rome.  He  was  apprehended  by  a  messenger  from  queen  Mary,  in  order  to  be  burnt  as 
a  heretic  at  London.  On  his  way  thither,  it  is  said,  he  broke  his  leg,  which  put  a  stop  to  his  journey.  The 
persons  in  whose  custody  he  was  took  occasion  to  retort  upon  him  an  observation  he  frequently  made,  "  That 
nothing  happened  to  us  but  what  was  intended  for  our  good,"  and  asked  him  whether  he  thought  his  broken 
leg  was  so  intended  ?  He  answered  meekly,  "  he  made  no  question  but  it  was."  And  indeed  so  it  proved 
in  the  truest  sense ;  for  before  he  was  able  to  travel,  queen  Mary  died,  and  he  was  set  at  liberty.  He  refused 
the  mitre,  and  various  honours  and  preferments,  that  were  offered  him.  He  was  kind  and  generous  to  aU, 
but  feared  the  face  of  no  man,  and  never  scrupled  to  reprove  vice,  even  in  the  person  of  the  highest.  He 
was  tall  of  stature,  slender,  and  of  an  aquiline  countenance.  His  dress  was  plain,  his  habits  frugal,  but  his 
diarities  were  unbounded.  '*'  Being  full  of  fiiith  unfained,  and  of  good  workes,  he  was  at  the  last  put  into 
his  grave,  as  a  heap  of  wheat  in  due  time  is  swept  into  the  gamer."— i$€e  lAfe  ofB.  Gilpin,  by  Carleion, 
Bishop  of  Chichester. 

Bishop  Pilkington,  in  the  reign  of  queen 'Elisabethi  describes  the  priests  of  this  Border  province  as  going 
'*  with  swords  and  daggers,  and  such  coarse  appardl  as  they  could  get,  not  regarding  colour  or  fkBhion.** 
However,  bishop  Barnes,  in  a  letter  (1575)  addressed  to  his  patron.  Lord  Burleigh,  lauds  the  people  of 
Northumberland  for  their  civil  obedience  and  exeellent  conformity,  and  himself  for  having  driven  out  "  the 
reconciling  priests  and  massers,  whereof  there  was  a  store,  but  now  they  be  all  gon  into  Lancashire  &c 
Yorkshire,"  he  proceeds  to  give  a  very  different  character  of  the  inhabitants  of  Durham :  "  I  assure  your  good 
lordship,  these  people  are  far  more  plyable  to  all  good  order,  than  those  stabbom,  churlish  people  of  the 
county  of  Durham,  and  their  neighbours  of  Richmondshire,  who  show  as  the  proverb  is,  "  Jackqf  Nctpes  Cha* 
rUi^'  in  their  hearts.  The  customes,  the  lives  o£  these  people  (Northumberland)  as  their  country  is,  are  truly 
salvage ;  but  truly  such  hast  to  amend  (though  it  be  for  some)  as  is  zelous,  and  yet  none  extremity  shewed 
to  any,  otherwise  than  by  threatening,  which  has  wrought  pannicum  timorem  in  their  minds,  and  in  die  dergy 
a  good  readiness  to  apply  their  travells  to  their  calling,  only  that  Augie  Stalndum,  the  church  of  Durham, 
exceedes ;  whose  stinke  is  grievous  in  tlie  nose  of  God  &  men,  and  which  to  purge  fiir  passeth  Hercules'  la- 
bours. The  malicious  of  this  country  are  marvailously  exasperated  against  me ;  and  whereas  at  home  they 
dare,  neither  by  words  nor  deeds,  deal  undutifully  against  me ;  yet  abroad,  &c.  they  deface  me  by  all  slan- 
ders, false  reports,  and  shameless  lyes ;  though  the  same  were  never  so  inartificial  or  incredible  according  to 
the  northern  guise,  which  is  never  to  be  ashamed,  however  they  bely  &  deface  him  whom  they  hate,  yea  thou^ 
it  be  before  the  honourablest"— ^«r^ee/  History  rf  Durham, 

Notwithstanding  the  bishop's  high  eulogiums  on  the  Northumbrians,  all  the  Borderers  were  very  indifierent 
on  religious  subjects.  Hence  James  VI.  was  wont  to  call  in  the  assistance  of  the  Scottish  Borderers  upon  all 
occasions  of  dispute  with  the  kirk.  These  people  retained  their  carelessness  about  religious  matters  to  a  late 
period,  as  we  learn  from  a  curious  passage  in  the  life  of  Richard  Cameron,  a  fanatical  preacher  during  the 
time  of  the  persecution.  After  having  been  licensed  at  Haughhead,  in  Teviotdale,  he  was,  according  to  his 
biographer,  sent  first  to  preach  in  Annandale.  He  said,  **  How  can  I  go  there  ?  I  know  what  sort  of  people 
they  are."    But  Mr.  Welch  said,  ''  Go  your  way,  Ritchie,  and  set  the  fire  of  hell  to  their  taib."    He  went ; 


ROTHBURY  PARISH.  6S 

**  S.  This  was  the  ocmdition  I  found  the  pars(»iage-house  and  the  chaneell  in,  when 
I  first  altered  upon  them ;  which  soon  appeared  to  be  in  worse  plight  than  I  appre- 
hended ;  for  I  had  scarce  been  two  months  resident  upon  the  pbce,  before  I  espied 
one  of  the  main  beams  in  the  ehanoell  broken  and  ready  to  tumble  down,  and  to  bring 
the  rest  or  greatest  part  of  the  dianoell  along  with  it ;  so  that  I  was  foret  to  set  that 
part  propt,  till  the  whole  was  uncovered.  The  covering  of  which  afterwar<k  I  was 
loict  to  put  in  more  wood,  every  where  else,  as  well  as  new  cast  the  lead,  which  and 
supplying  the  lead  that  wanted,  cost  me  upwards  of  an  £100. 

^^  4*  And  as  for  the  profitts  of  the  living  there  was  not  the  least  scrap  of  paper  to 
help  me  to  know  them ;  and  which  was  yet  worse,  thev  had  been  so  long  farmd  by  a 
layman,  as  that  perhaps  no  man  living  besides  himself,  sure  I  am  none  1  could  hear 
did  thoroly  understand  them.  And  1  was  not  to  expect  any  information  or  assistance 
from  him,  who  was  for  farming  the  living,  and  having  his  ends  of  me  as  he  had  of 
my  predecessor. 

"  5.  And  this  made  me  account  it  a  work  of  greater  difficulty,  to  retrieve  the  rights 
of  the  living  lost,  and  in  danger  to  be  so,  than  to  repair  the  ruinous  houses  and  cnan- 
cell,  and  the  charge  not  to  appear  much  less :  And  but  that  I  had  the  good  fortune 
to  retain  the  curate  that  I  found  there  for  a  year,  though  one  way  or  other  it  cost  me 
more  than  £80,  upon  promise  of  his  utmost  assistance,  who  had  considerable  relations 
in  the  parish,  perhaps  to  this  day  I  might  not  have  done  so  much  right  to  the  living 
as  I  did  in  one  year.  For,  though  he  was  far  from  being  so  true  or  usefid  to  me  as 
I  mi^ht  reasonably  have  expected,  yet  by  the  information  I  had  from  him,  and  made 
a  shift  to  pick  up  from  others,  die  very  first  year  I  made  considerably  more  of  the 
living  than  the  farmer  aforementioned  had  given,  or  was  willing  to  give  me. 

**  6.  But  yet  I  was  far  from  having  found  out  all  that  was  due,  there  being  several 
improvements  takmi  up  in  a  part  of  the  parish  called  Rothbury  Forest  (which  pays  a 
mdilus  of  £4, 11^.  for  the  tythe-ccnn  ana  hay  of  the  ancient  lands)  that  I  found  not 
out,  so  as  to  look  after,  till  some  years  afterwards ;  when  the  inhabitants  taking  up 
several  hundreds  of  acres  of  common,  aUedged  for  their  being  exempted  from  payment 
of  tytiies,  amongst  other  things,  the  improvements  afore-mentioned  not  paying  to  me 
or  my  piedecessor,  in  whose  tune  they  were  taken  up. 

"  7.  And  this  was  in  danger  of  proving  a  troublesome  and  expensive  business  to 
me ;  for  these  were  for  combining  with  the  other,  and  trying  the  matter ;  being  en- 
couraged by  the  standing  counsel  and  auditors  of  the  Countess  of  Northumbemnd, 
whose  tenants  they  were ;  all  of  which  concluded,  that  if  the  modus  for  the  ancient 
farms  would  not  screen  the  improvements,  yet,  at  least,  the  statute  for  encouraging 
husbandry  would  exempt  them  for  seven  years,  in  which  time  thev  might  so  order 
the  matter  as  to  make  the  tythe  scarce  worth  the  looking  after  for  tne  time  to  come. 

**  8.  But,  praised  be  God,  this  storm  was  averted  happily,  by  my  getting  three  or 
four  of  the  persons  principally  concerned,  who  happened  to  be  un&r  considerable 

and,  the  first  day,  be  preadied  upon  that  text^-^'  How  shall  I  put  thee  among  the  children/'  Sec  In  the  ap- 
pHcation  he  said,  **  Put  you  among  the  children !  the  offspring  of  thieves  and  robbers !  we  have  all  heard  of 
Annandale  thieves."  Some  of  them  had  a  merciful  cast  that  day,  and  tdd  afterwards,  that  it  was  the  first 
field-meeting  they  ever  attended,  and  that  they  went  out  of  mere  curiosity,  to  see  a  minister  preach  in  a  tent> 
and  people  sit  on  the  ground. 


64  COQUETDALE  WARD—W.  D. 

oUigations  to  me,  to  take  Hmr  tytiies  during  their  leases,  at  about  a  third  part  of  the 
value ;  in  which  they  were  followed  by  the  rest,  though  some  few  stood  it  out  till  I 
had  served  chequer  writs  upon  them.  And  these  things  if  I  can  so  bound  and  mark 
out,  as  that  my  Rev.  successors  may  know  them  not  to  bdbng  to  the  ground  covered 
by  the  modus  aforesaid,  (which  several  of  the  inhabitants  go  about  to  hinder)  it  will 
be  of  no  small  use  and  advantage  to  them." 

Mr.  Thomlinson  proceeds  next  to  give  an  account  of  the  tythes  payable  by  each 
township  of  the  parish,  to  whidi  he  adds  the  manner  of  redconing  with  the  parish- 
ioners at  Easter.     The  following,  he  itay s,  is  paid  by  the  rector  yearly  fcMr  his  rectory. 


••  ••  ••  •• 


•  •  « • 


•  •  *  •  •  * 


L.  a. 

d. 

6  16 

8 

0  16 

8 

1  18 

4 

£8    0 

0 

SOO    0 

0 

1    6 

6 

<^  First,  for  tenths 

Secondly,  to  the  Archdeacon  procurations  and  synodals 

Thirdly,  with  the  Bp.  visits,  besides  98.  to  the  Archdeacon 

Fourthly,  in  the  First-fruit  office  it  is  valued  at 

Fifthly,  in  the  county-book,  which  is  the  rule  for  taxes,  it  is  valued  yearly  at 

And  so  for  its  ancient  rent,  or  purvey,  as  called  in  Cumberiand 

**  It  is  now  joined  with  Felton  rectory,  in  the  setting  out  a  militia-horse,  and  is  charged  with  two- 
fifths  towards  it.    And  of  Ss.  paid  yearly  to  the  Duke  of  Somerset  (or  Green-Hue,  is  charged  with  4d.*^ 

The  Free  School  stands  in  an  airy  and  pleasant  situation  near  the  church.  In 
Market-street  there  is  a  remarkably  fine  spring  of  excellent  water,  said  to  be  suffi* 
ciently  powerful  to  turn  a  water-wheel. 

Though  the  Duke  of  Northumberland  be  lord  of  the  manor  of  Rothbury,  he  pos* 
sesses  very  little  freehold  property  in  the  town.  Rothbury  oommon  is  the  joint 
property  of  the  Duke  and  the  freeholders  of  Rothbury :  the  former,  it  seems,  claims 
one-sixteenth  share  thereof.  A  little  to  the  east  of  the  town  are  many  small  indo* 
sures  of  fine  productive  land,  and  which,  it  is  said,  did  belong  to  the  common :  but 
the  lord  of  the  manor  resigned  his  right  in  this  part  to  the  freehdders,  in  Heu  of  a 
certain  right  of  depasturage  which  they  had  through  a  part  of  the  Forest,  A  valua* 
ble  common  called  the  Cnimals,  the  joint  property  of  the  frerfiolders  of  Rothbury 
and  Snitter,  and  two  or  three  miles  west  of  Rothbury,  has  been  divided.* »  The 
dividing  and  stinting  of  the  common  belonging  to  Rothbury  is  regulated  by  the 
paym^it  of  what  is  called  a  "  borough-rent,**  formerly  apportioned  to  the  respective 
premises  at  that  time  there  situated,  and  which  will  even  now  admit  of  no  alteration. 

Previous  to  the  Union,  the  inhabitants  of  Rothbury  and  Redesdale  were  rendered 
peculiarly  fierce  and  active  by  constant  feuds  and  alarms.  Daring  and  subtile,  no 
vigilance  could  guard  property  from  theur  depredations;  nor  was  it  safe  to  travel 
amongst  such  a  people,  who  despised  law,  ana  spumed  at  every  species  of  control. 
£ven  long  after  the  majesty  of  the  laws  had  been  acknowledged  in  these  parts,  the 

*  The  rage  fbr  inclosing  has  perhaps  been  carried  too  fkr  in  dits  county,  as  well  as  in  most  other  parts* 
The  cultivation  of  bad  land  can  never  be  generally  beneficial.  This  consideration  may  afford  some  exoase  iait 
the  law  which  subjects  every  tract  of  common  to  a  special  inclosure  bill ;  but  which,  generally  speaking, 
itnposes  a  grievous  tax  on  agricultural  capital  and  industry.  For  instance^  the  bill  fat  indanng  Holy  Islands 
consisting  of  10^0  acres  of  ctanmonj  cost  \%^U  I 


^^^^ 


I 


UO^HBURY  PARISH,  65 

baibarous  traits  of  a  rude  age  Kmained  prominent  in  the  manners  of  the  inhabitants. 
Poaching,  drinkiiig,  gambMng,  and  fighting,  still  continued  the  favourite  amusements 
of  the  peojj^e  of  Rottibury.  Gaming,  in  fact,  was  carried  to  so  ruinous  an  extreme, 
that  there  are  instances  related  of  the  farmers  stopping  their  carts,  when  loaded  with 
sheaves,  until  it  was  determined  by  a  game  at  carets  into  whose  yard  the  com  should 
be  led.  Like  all  the  other  Bord»ers,  they  were  passionately  fond  of  music,  and 
warmly  patronized  their  pipers  and  wandering  minstrds.*  Amongst  other  very  old 
customs,  which  were  tenaciously  retained,  was  a  foot-ball  play  on  Shrove  TuaBdajr. 
All  the  males  of  Rothbury,  above  eight  years  old,  able  to  walk  the  distance^  were 
compelled  to  attend  the  tossing  up  of  ftie  ball,  at  a  certain  time  and  place,  or  be  fined 
one  shilling.  The  married  men  played  against  the  unmarried ;  and  the  sport,  which 
begun  in  fun,  often  ended  in  anger  and  desperation,  and  manv  were  severely  bruised 
and  maimed.  Some  individuals  lately  refused  the  payment  of  the  stipulated  fine  for 
non-attendance,  and  as  the  majority  failed  in  their  attempts  to  enforce  it,  this  old 
custom  will  probably  soon  fall  into  disuse.  Cock-fighting  was  also  an  amusement  of 
which  the  inhabitants  of  Rothbury  were  immoderately  K>nd ;  but  this  ancient  sport 
is  likewise  becoming  very  unpopular,  and  will  probably  be  soon  altogether  abandoned. 
In  fact,  if  we  except  the  warm  hospitality  which  still  distinguishes  all  the  Northumbri* 
MIS,  the  ancient  character  of  the  Borderers  can  no  longer  be  traced  in  the  inhabitants 
of  this  parish,  who  are  certainly  in  no  respect  inferior  to  their  neighbours  in  intelli* 

Knee,  sobriety,  and  ccxrectness  of  manners.     Several  of  the  natives  of  Rothbury 
ve  been  distinguished  for  talmts  and  enterpr]ze.f 

*  The  ballad  of  Eck^t  Marty  preserved  in  Bell's  Rhymes  of  Northern  iiards,  was  eompooed  by  the  late 
ancient  and  famous  northern  poet,  Bernard  Rumntjf,  a  mnsieian,  who  Ured  and  died  at  Rothbury.  He  was 
about  a  century  old  at  the  time  of  his  death. 

t  The  celebrated  Dr.  John  Brown  was  a  native  c£  Rothbury,  where  he  was  bom  November  5,  1715,  His 
fiitfaer,  who  was  descended  iVom  the  Browns  of  Colstown,  near  Haddingtm,  in  Scotland,  was  curate  her^^  but 
afterwards  removed  to  the  vicarage  of  Wigton  in  Cumberland.  At  a  grammar-school  in  this  place  the  sub* 
ject  of  this  memoir  received  the  first  part  of  his  education,  and  was  thence  removed.  May  S,  1732,  to  St, 
John's  college  in  Cambridge.  He  remained  here^  till  in  1735  he  took  the  degree  of  B.  A.  then  returned  to 
Wigton,  and  soon  after  went  into  orders.  His  first  settlement  was  in  Carlisle,  being  chosen  a  minor  canon 
and  lecturer  in  the  cathedral  there.  This  situation  he  afterwards  resigned,  on  being  reproved  for  omitting 
die  Athanasian  creed,  which  it  is  said  was  merely  accidental.  His  pride,  however,  was  hurt,  and  next  Sun-i 
day  he  read  the  creed,  out  of  course,  and  immediately  after  resigned.  In  17^9,  he  took  a  M.  A.  degree  at 
Cambridge.  In  the  rebeUion  of  17^>  he  acted  as  a  v^unteer  at  ^e  siege  of  Carhsk,  and  behaved  himself 
with  great  intrepidity ;  and  after  the  defeat  of  the  rebels,  when  some  of  them  were  tried  at  Carlisle  in  1746^ 
he  preached  two  excellent  sermons  in  die  cathedral,  '^oa  the  mutual  connection  between  rdigious  truth  and 
civil  freedom ;  and  between  superstition,  tyranny,  ineligion,  and  lieentiousoess,"  These  are  to  be  found  in 
the  volume  of  his  sermons.  Thus  distinynished,  he  fell  under  the  notice  of  Dr.  Osbaldeston,  who,  when 
raised  to  the  see  of  Carlisle,  made  him  one  of  hss  ehaplains :  he  had  before  obtained  for  him,  from  the  chapter 
of  Carlisle,  the  living  of  Mordand  in  Westmoreland,  It  was  probably  about  this  time  that  he  wrote  his  poem 
entitled  '**  Honour,"  to  shew,  tiat  true  honour  can  only  be  founded  in  virtue:  it  was  inscribed  to  Lord  Lons- 
dale. His  next  poetical  production,  l&eugh  not  immediately  published,  was  his  "  Essay  on  Satire,"  in  three 
parts,  afterwards  addressed  to  Dr.  Warburton,  who  introduced  him  to  Mr.  Allen,  of  Prior  Park,  near  Bath. 
While  at  Mr.  Allen's,  he  preached  at  Bath,  ApHl  92,  1750,  a  sermon  for  promotii^  the  aubecription  towards 

VOL,  II,  R 


ee  COQUETDALE  WARD.--.W.  D. 

The  resident  population  of  this  pleasant  little  town  amounts  to  891,  of  whom  41S 
are  males  and  478  females ;  and  132  individuals  are  employed  in  trade  and  manufac- 
tures. On  the  south  side  of  Rothbury,  the  river  Coquet  is  crossed  by  a  handsome 
stone  bridge  of  four  arches.  . 

the  general  hospital  in  that  dtf.  The  year  after,  appeared  the  "  Essay  on  Satire/'  prefixed  to  the  second 
vduine  of  Pope's  Works  by  Warburton;  with  which  it  still  continues  to  be  printed,  as  well  as  in  Dodsley's 
collection.  Brown  now  began  to  make  no  small  figure  as  a  writer,  and,  in  1751,  published  his  "  Essays  on 
Shafte8bor3r'8  Characteristics,"  Svo.  a  work  written  with  el^anoe  and  spirit,  and  so  applauded  as  to  be  printed 
a  fifth  time  in  1764.  This  was  suggested  to  him  by  Warburton,  and  to  Warburton  by  Pope,  who  told  War- 
burton  that,  to  his  knowledge,  the  Characteristics  had  done  more  harm  to  revealed  religion  in  England  than 
all  the  works  of  infidelity  put  together.  He  is  imagined  to  have  had  a  principal  hand  in  another  book,  pub- 
lished also  the  same  year,  and  called  "  An  Essay  on  Musical  Expression ;"  though  the  avowed  author  was 
Mr.  Charles  Avison.  In  1754,  he  printed  a  sermon,  "On  the  Use  and  Abuse  of  Externals  in  Religion:" 
preached  before  the  bishop  of  Carlisle,  at  the  consecration  of  St  James's  church  in  Whitehaven,  and  soon 
after  he  was  promoted  to  Great  Horkesley  in  Essex;  a  living  conferred  upon  him  by  the  late  Earl  of  Hard- 
wicke.  His  next  appearance  was  as  a  dramatic  writeif.  In  1755,  his  tragedy,  '' Barbarossa,"  was  produced 
upon  the  stage,  and  afterwards  his  "  Athelstan"  in  1756.  These  tragedies  were  acted  with  considerable  suc- 
cess, under  the  management  of  Garrick ;  and  the  former  long  remained  what  is  called  a  stock-piece,  notwith- 
standing many  critical  objections  offered  to  it  in  the  publications  of  the  times. 

Our  author  had  taken  his  doctor  of  divinity's  degree  in  1755.  In  1757 i  came  out  |iis  famous  work,  ''An 
Estimate  of  the  Manners  and  Principles  of  the  Times,"  Svo. ;  of  which  seven  editions  w&re  printed  in  little 
more  than  a  year,  and  it  was  perhaps  as  extravagantly  applauded,  and  as  extravagantly  censured,  as  any  book 
that  was  ever  written.  This  work  was  published  when  the  national  spirit  was  sunk  in  despondency,  and 
universal  dissatisfaction  prevailed.  Such  a  warm  and  severe  invective  against  the  English  character,  which 
Dr.  Brown  represented  as  sunk  in  effeminacy,  firivoli^,  and  selfishness,  was  therefore  wonderfully  popular. 
Amongst  the  many  answers  to  this  gloomy  satire,  the  best  was,  as  Voltaire  observes,  that  the  English  from 
that  period  began  to  beat  their  enemies  in  every  part  o£  the  globe.  In  175S,  our  author  published  a  second 
Volume  of  the  Estimate,  &a  and,  afterwards,  ''  An  explanatory  Defence  of  it,"  iec  Between  the  first  and 
second  volume  of  the  Estimate,*  he  republished  Dr.  Wdker's  ''Diary  of  the  Siege  of  Londonderry ;"  with  a 
preface,  pointing  out  the  useftil  purposes  to  which  the  perusal  of  it  might  be  applied.  He  was,  about  t^is 
time,  presented  by  the  bishop  of  Carlisle,  Dr.'Osbaldeston,  to  the  vicarage  of  St  Nicholas  in  Newcastle  upon 
Tyne,  resigning  Great  Horkesley  in  Essex ;  and  was  made  one  of  the  chaplains  in  ordinary  to  his  late  ma- 
jesty. These  were  all  the  preferments  he  ever  received;  and,  as  this  was  supposed  to  be  no  spiall  mortifica- 
tion to  a  man  of  Dr.  Brown's  high  spirit,  so  it  was  probably  this  high  spirit  which  was  the  cause  of  it ;  for 
duch  was  his  temper,  that  he  never  could  preserve  his  friends  long,  and  he  had  before  this  time  quarrelled 
with  Warburton  and  Lord  Hardwicke.  In  176O,  he  published  an  addidooal  dialogue  of  the  dead,  between 
"  Pericles  and  Aristides,"  being  a  sequel  to  a  dialogue  of  Lord  Lyttleton's  between  "  Pericles  and  Cosmo." 
His  next  publication  was,  "  The  Cure  of  Saul,"  a  sacred  ode ;  which  was  followed  the  same  year  by  a  "  Dis- 
sertation on  the  Rise,  Union,  and  Power,  the  Progressions,  Separations,  and  Ccnrruptions  of  Poetry  and  Mu- 
sic,"  4to.  This  is  a  pleasing  performance,  displays  great  ingenuity,  and,  though  not  without  mistakes,  very 
instructive  as  well  as  amusing.  "  Observations"  were  printed  upon  it  by  an  anonymous  writer,  and  Dr. 
Brown  defiended  himself  in  "  Remarks."  He  published  in  Sva  1764,  the  "  History  of  the  Rise  and  Progress 
of  Poetiy  through  its  several  Species ;"  being  the  substance  of  the  above  work  concerning  poetry  only,  for 
the  benefit  of  dassical  readers  not  knowing  in  music.  The  same  year,  lie  printed  a  volume  of  "  Sermons," 
most  of  which  had  been  printed  separately;  and  in  1765,  "Thoughts  on  Civil  Liberty,  Licentiousness,  and 
Faction ;"  a  piece  thrawn  up  with  great  parade,  and  asauming  a  scientific  form,  with  an  intention  to  censure 
the  oppofeers  of  administration  at  that  time ;  also,  a  sermon  on  the  "  Female  Character  and  Education,"  preached 


ROTHBURY  PARISH,       V  67 

There  is  a  place  near  Rothbury,  and  adjoining  the  west  road,  called  the  Be^^rs^ 
Ridge.  It  is  said  to  have  acquired  that  appellation  thus : — ^A  gendeman,  during  the 
17th  century,  and  in  a  time  of  great  scarcity,  permitted  the  poor  of  Rothbury  to 
pluck  the  peas  which  grew  on  the  ridge,  an  oner  which  was  gladly  accepted ;  but, 
wonderful  to  relate,  at  the  time  of  reaping,  it  was  found  to  bear  a  most  abundant 
crop !     This  story  is  still  credited  by  the  true  believers  in  Rothbury  parish. 

About  a  mile  toIow  Rothbury  there  is  a  corn-mill,  where  the  Coquet  had  formerly 
a  great  faU ;  but  it  was  lowered  to  facilitate  the  ascent  of  the  salmon  up  the  stream. 
A  few  yards  lower  down,  at  a  place  caUed  the  Thrum^  the  river,  for  about  60  yards, 
is  confined  between  two  freestone  rocks :  it  glides  with  silence  and  rapidity  through 
this  contracted  passage,  and  is  above  two  famoms  deep  even  in  dry  summers.  For- 
merly the  distance  between  the  rocks,  where  narrowest,  measured  only  one  yard,  and 
was  easily  stepped  over ;  but  the  passage  has  been  considerably  widened  at  the  top  a 

tbe  l6th  of  May,  1765,  before  the  guardians  of  the  asylam  for  deserted  female  orphans.  His  last  publication, 
in  1766,  was  a  ''Letter  to  the  Rev.  Dr.  Lowth/'  occasioned  by  his  late  letter  to  the  right  rev.  author  of  the 
''  Divine  Legation  of  Moses."  Dr.  Lowth  had  pointed  at  Dr.  Brown,  as  one  of  the  extravagant  flatterers  and 
creatures  of  Warburton ;  and  Dr.  Brown  defended  himself  against  the  imputation,  as  an  attack  upon  his 
moral  character.  To  do  him  justice,  he  had  a  spirit  too  strong  and  independent,  to  bend  to  that  literary 
subjection  which  the  author  of  the  Divine  Legation  expected  fh>m  his  followers.  He  insisted  upon  the  pre- 
rogative of  his  own  opinion,  to  asseni  and  diaent,  whenever  he  saw  cause,  in  the  most  unreserved  manner ; 
and  this  was  to  Dr.  Brown,  as  it  was  to  many  others,  the  cause  of  misunderstanding  with  Warburton.  Be- 
sides the  works  mentioned,  he  published  a  poend  on  "  Liberty,"  and  some  anonymous  pamphlets.  At  the 
end  of  his  later  writings,  he  advertised  an  intention  of  publishing  ''  Principles  of  Christian  Legation,"  but  was 
prevented  by  death.  He  ordered,  however,  by  his  will,  that  the  work  should  be  published  after  his  decease  ; 
but  it  was  left  too  imperfect  for  that  purpose.  The  last  memorable  circumstance  of  his  life  was  his  intended 
expedition  to  Russia.  While  Dr.  Dumaresque  resided  in  Russia,  1765,  whither,  having  been  chaplain  to  our 
factory  at  St  Petersburg  from  1747  to  176S,  he  had  been  invited  the  year  before  by  the  empress,  to  assist  in 
the  regulation  of  several  schools  she  was  about  to  establish;  a  correspondent  in  England  suggested  tlie  idea 
to  him  of  communicating  the  affair  to  Dr.  Brown,  as  a  proper  person  to  consult  with,  because  he  had  pub- 
lished some  sermons  upon  education.  This  brought  on  a  correspondence  between  Dr.  Dumaresque  and  Dr. 
Brown,  the  result  of  which,  being  communicated  to  the  prime  minister  at  St  Petersbui^,  was  followed  by  an 
invitation  firom  the  empress  to  T>r»  Brown  also.  Dr.  Brown,  acquainting  the  Russian  court  wHh  his  design 
of  complying  widi  the  empress's  invitation,  received  an  answer  from  the  minister,  signifying  how  pleased  her 
imperial  majesty  was  with  his  intention,  and  informing  him,  that  she  had  ordered  to  be  remitted  to  him,  by 
her  minister  in  London,  1000/.  in  order  to  defray  the  expenses  of  his  journey.  In  consequence  of  these  pro- 
ceedings, while  he  was  ardently  preparing  for  his  journey,  and  almost  on  the  point  of  setting  out  for  St  Pe- 
tersburg, the  gout  and  rheumatism,  to  which  he  was* subject,  returned  upon  him  with  violence,  and  put  a 
stop  to  the  affair,  to  his  no  small  mortification.  This  disappointment,  concurring  with  his  ill  state  of  health, 
was  followed  by  a  dejection  of  spirits,  which  terminated  in  his  putting  an  end  to  his  life,  at  his  lodgings  in 
Pall-mall,  Sept  83,  1766,  in  his  51st  year.  He  cut  the  jugular  vein  with  a  rasor,  and  died  immediately. 
He  had,  it  seems,  a  constitutional  tendency  to  insanity,  and  from  his  early  life  had  been  subject  at  times  to 
disorders  in  the  brain^  at  least  to  melancholy  in  its  excess.  Dr.  Brown  was  a  man  of  uncommon  ingenuity  • 
and,  besides  being  an  elegant  prose  writer,  he  was  a  poet,  a  musician,  and  a  painter.  It  must  be  admitted 
that  he  was  opinionated,  irritable,  and  suspicious;  but  these  defects,  which  arose  from  a  too  sanguine' tem- 
perament of  constitution,  were  amply  compensated  by  many  excellencies  and  virtues^— >£u;|p.  Brit.  Warhiar^ 
ton's  Letters.    Biog.  Diet,  vol,  viu    Gent.  Mag.  voL  IxL  and  IxU. 


68  COQUETDALE  WARD— W.  D, 

few  years  ago,  in  consequence,  as  we  are  told,  of  a  boy  having  been  drowned  in  at- 
tempting to  jump  across.  The  mountain  torrents  have  here  pierced  the  rocks  into 
numarous  holes,  some  of  them  resembling  little  furnaces,  or  caldrons. 

Old  Bathbuty  is  situated  north-west  from  Rothbury,  on  the  summit  of  a  lofty, 
barren  hill.  It  consists  of  a  circular  entrenchment,  with  a  double  fosse  and  rampier ; 
and  has,  beyond  dispute,  been  a  fort  of  the  ancient  Britons.  It  might  also  have  been 
used,  in  later  times,  as  an  asylum  in  times  of  public  danger,  where  the  inhabitants 
retired  with  their  goods  during  the  time  that  tne  Scotch  Borderers  were  plundering 
in  the  neighbourhood*  This  place  was  likewise  well  adapted  for  a  watch-hill,  as  it 
commands  a  very  extensive  prospect.  Near  to  this  old  fortification  is  a  large  cave  in 
the  side  of  the  hiU,  the  entrance  to  which  is  through  a  huge  crag-stone.  Such  hidings 
holes  have  been  used  by  the  most  ancient  people  in  every  country  and  in  every  age, 
and  have  been  discovert  in  almost  every  part  of  the  island.  In  some  instances,  our 
ancestors  have  constructed  their  subterraneous  safeguards  of  rough  stones,  without 
cement  of  any  kind ;  in  other  situations,  they  have  excavated  the  solid  rock ;  but 
more  commonly,  natural  caves  seem  to  haye  been  enlarged,  and  properly  barricadoed 
for  the  purpose.  In  later  times  these  caves  have  evidently  been  appropriated  as  relt 
gious  retreats, 

m 

Whitton  is  a  small,  but  pleasant  vUlage,  distant  about  half  a  mile  south  from 
Rothbury.  Whitton  Tower  stands  at  a  short  distance  west  from  the  village,  and  i& 
the  agreeable  residence  of  the  rector.  Like  many  other  parsonage-bouses  in  this 
county,  it  was  formerly  a  very  strong  castlet,  and  formed  part  of  a  range  of  towers^ 
which  extended  from  Hepple,  in  this  parish,  to  Warkworth.  They  are  now  all  in 
ruins  except  this  one,  which  has  been  always  inhabited.  The  Umfranville  arms  are 
still  preserved  on  the  west  front.  The  walls  of  the  tower,  at  the  foundation,  are 
eleven  feet  thick :  in  the  kitchen,  nine ;  in  the  bed-chambers  over,  six.  There  is  a 
famous  vaulted  cellar  attached  to  it,  where,  during  the  civil  commotions  of  the  county, 
the  cattle  were  undoubtedly  secured.  In  the  cellar  is  a  deep  well.  This  tower  is  an 
elegant  ancl  commodious  building:  it  was  successively  repaired  by  the  Rev.  John 
Thomlinson,  Dr,  Thomas  Sharp,*  and  the  Rev.  William  Birdmore,  canon-residentiary 
of  York ;  but  much  of  its  splendid  appearance  is  owing  to  the  spirited  improvements 
effected  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Drummond,  who,  in  the  years  1784  and  1785,  expended 
between  two  and  three  thousand  pounds  in  enlarging  the  building.  It  was  kept  in 
a  good  state  of  repair  by  the  latQ  incumbent,  Dr^  w  atson  ;f  and  the  Hon.  and  llev^ 

*  Dr.  Thomas  Sharp,  son  of  archbishop  Sharp  of  York,  hi  July,  1720,  was  eollatod  to  the  rectory  of  Rothn 
bury,  and  two  years  afterwards  he  obtained  the  archdeaconry  of  Northumberland.  He  left  three  sons,  wha 
were  chiefly  brought  up  at  Rothbury,  vis.  Dr.  John  Sharp,  who,  after  various  promotions,  became  also  arch-% 
deacon  of  Northumberland,  and  a  prebendary  at  Duiiiam,  and  died  in  179^*  This  amiable  man  had  the 
merit  of  arranging  and  establishing  Lord  Crewels  noble  charity  at  Barabrough.  The  other  sons  were,  Wil-^ 
liam,  many  years  an  eminent  surgeon  in  London,  who  died  in  1810,  aged  81 ;  uid  Granville,  the  celebrated 
ehampion  of  liberty  in  Britain,  and  the  formidable  enemy  of  slavery  abroad.  He  died  July  6,  1813^  and, 
like  Cato,  though  advanced  to  the  age  of  79,  he  pursued  his  studies  with  all  the  ardour  of  youth« 

f  Dr.  George  Watson  died  at  Whitton  Tower,  March  S9,  1818,  9ged  64  years.  He  was  in  the  commission 
of  the  peaooj  but  was  suspended  from  his  clerical  functions  for  his  lov^  of  illicit  amours^    An  imgry^  irxdecentt,^ 


ROTHBURY  PARISH.  69 

L.  V.  Vemon,  aon  of  the  archbishop  of  York,  the  late  rector,  made  many  unproVe- 
ments,  which  cost  upwards  of  three  thousand  pounds.  This  place  is  adorned  with 
fine  thriving  plantations,  and  a  beautiful  fish-pond.  The  glebe-lands  are  extensive 
and  remark^ly  productive. 

.  South  from  Whitton  Tower  stands  a  circular  observatory,  which  commands  a  most 
beautiful  and^  extensive  prospect.  It  was  built  by  Dr.  Sharp  in  a  severe  winter,  in 
order  to  give  employment  to  the  industrious  poor  in  the  neighbourhood,  from  which 
oiroumstance  it  acquired  the  name  of  the  Doctor's  Polly. 

m 

Thbopton  stands  about  two  miles  west  from  Rothbury,  on  the  south-west  decli- 
vity of  a  considerable  eminence,  and  at  the  north-east  confluence  of  the  Coquet  and 
Wreigh.  Gentlemen  fond  of  rural  recreations  could  find  few  situations  more  eligible 
than  this.  The  stone  bridge  over  the  Wreigh  fell  some  years  ago.  Before  it  was 
erected,  there  was  a  very  old  bridge,  which  foot-passengers  or  horses  could  only  pass. 
It  was  said  to  have  been  erected  at  the  expence  of  a  lady,  for  the  convenience  oi  the 
township,  and  that  people  might  not  be  prevented  from  attending  the  church  when 
the  waters  were  high.  The  foundation  of  the  present  bridge  was  laid  May  24,  1810. 
It  was  built  by  subscription.  Thropton  is  partly  inhabited  by  a  few  farmers  and 
their  labourers,  and  partly  by  freeholders.  Here  is  a  Roman  Catholic  chapel,  and  a 
Presbyterian  meetin^rhouse,  both  well  attended.  At  the  west  end  of  the  village 
there  is  still  a  stone  cross  standing  at  the  junction  of  thr^e  roads,  and  another  in  a 
similar  situation  at  the  e^t  end,* 

Caetington  stands  about  two  miles  north-west  from  Rothbury,  but  above  three 
miles  by  the  road,"  and  nearly  one  mile  and  a  half  north  of  Thropton.  This  place  is 
sheltered  on  the  east  by  a  high  ridge,  called  Cartington  Hill.  Uartington  Castle^  an 
ancient  and  venerable  pile,  which  was  strongly  bimt  in  the  castellated  form,  is  now 
rapidly  going  to  decay ;  a  small  part  only  continuing  to  be  inhabited.  Yet  its  massy 
walls  ana  extensive  ruins  are  sufficient  proofs  of  its  having  been  a  place  of  considerable 
strength  and  consequence.  Underneath  it  are  large  vaults,  no  doubt  used  by  its 
owners,  in  former  days,  to  secure  their  cattle  against  the  depredations  of  the  moss- 
troopers, and  other  freebooters  who  infested  the  country.  There  is  neither  date  nor 
armorial  bearings  upon  this  building,  to  point  out  when  or  by  whom  it  was  erected. 
The  late  occupier,  Mr.  Robert  Robson,  dug  out  of  the  ruins  a  stone,  with  the  date 
1030 ;  a  mutilated  figure  of  the  Blessed  Trinity ;  a  figure  of  St.  Anthony ;  the  top 

poetical  dispute,  between  the  rector  and  a  school-master,  is  preserved  in  Rothbuty.  Here  it  is  proper  to  ac- 
knowledge that  Dr.  Watson^  during  the  publication  of  the  first  edition  of  this  workj  furnished  several  paperf 
iUustratiye  of  the  history  of  the  parish. 

*  Mr.  James  Robson,  stone-mason,  of  Thropton,  was  leader  of  th^  ^M^nd  in  the  Pretender's  army  in  IJlSi* 
He  wrote  a  satire  on  women,  and  several  other  poetical  pieces,  while  confined  prisoner  at  Preston  in  Lanca- 
shire, It  is  said  that  he  s^ng  the  satire  at  an  iron-barred  window^  looking  into  a  garden^  where  a  lady  and 
her  maid  were  walking.  When  the  song  was  finished,  the  former  observed,  "  That  young  man  seems  very 
severe  npon  our  sex,  but  perhaps  he  is  singing  more  ^m  oppression  than  pleasure;  go  give  him  that  half- 
crown  j"  which  the  girl  handed  through  the  gnftiog  at  a  period  when  the  captive  poet  was  on  thepdnft  of 
starving, 

VOL.  11.  S 


70 


COQUETDALE  WARD.— W.  D. 


of  a  beatitifiil  Gothic  window,  &cc. ;  with  what  ap{iea]*s  to  have  been  a  font  for  holy 
water.  These  eircUmstiances  are  perhaps  sufiBcient  to  prove,  that  near  the  front,  or 
south  of  the  castle,  has  formerly  stood  a  church  or  chapel,  now  totally  buried  in  obli* 
vion.  The  castle  was  formerly  possessed  by  an  ancient  family  of  its  own  name,  which 
is  now  extinct  John  de  Cartington  was  knight  of  the  shire  in  1428,  1446,  and  1472. 
Cartington  afterwards  became  the  seat  of  Sir  Frands  RatdiiTe;  in  150S,  of  his  son^ 
Sir  Edward  Ratcliife,  knt.  who  was  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  1607 ;  and  of  Cuth^ 
bert  Ratcliffe,  who  was  also  sheriff  of  the  said  county  in  1526 ;  from  which  family 
was  descended  the  late  unfortunate  James  Ratcliffe,  Earl  of  Derwentwater.    This 

Slace  afterwards  came;  into  the  possession  of  Roger  Widdrington ;  then  of  his  son; 
ir  Edward  Widdrington^  who  was  created  a  baronet  of  Scotland,  and  ajPterwards  of 
England,  16  Charles  1. 1642.  He  raised  a  troop  of  horse  for  Charles  I.  but  had  his  estate 
sequestered  by  parliament  in  1652.  His  daughter  and  co-heiress.  Lady  Mary,  relict 
of  Sir  Edward  Charlton,  of  Hesleyside,  baronet^  founded  near  the  castle  an  alms- 
house tor  four  poor  widows  of  the  Roman  Catholic  religion.  From  the  secluded 
manner  of  their  life,  they  are  usually  called  Nuns  by  the  country  people.  After  this, 
Cartington  was  possessed  by  a  Talbot^  who  signalized  himself,  but  was  killed  at  the 
siege  of  Buda.  His  son,  John,  being  concerned  in  the  rebellion  in  1715,  fled  from 
Chester.  Mr.  Giles  Alcock,  of  Newcastle,  next  purchased  the  estate,  which  is  now 
the  property  of  J.  C*  Beck,  co.  of  Cumberland,  and  Perdval  Fenwick,  Esq.  of 
Newcastle.* 

Snitter  stands  upon  a  conical  mount,  three,  miles  north-west  from  Rothbury,  be- 
tween the  Wreigh  and  Lorbottle  Bum.  It  is  occupied  by  freeholders,  and  their 
tenants.  Here  is  a  very  handsome  house,  which  was  begun  by  the  late  William 
Pringle,  Esq.  and  finished  by  his  brother,  Edward,  whose  son,  William  Pringle,  Esq. 
is  the  present  possessor.  The  lands  in  the  neighbourhood  are  of  the  most  excellent 
quality ;  and  the  hedge-rows  are  uncommonly  high  and  vigorous. 

Trewitts,  High  and  Low. — ^On  the  west  side  of  the  river  Wreigh,  and  at  the 
bottom  of  a  declining  steep,  a  mile  north-west  from  Snitter,  lies  Low  Tbewitt.  It 
is  an  old  village,  and  is  the  property  of  Messrs.  Henry  and  John  Boag.  HroH 
Trewitt  stands  on  an  eminence,  distant  above  a  mile  north  by  east  from  Low 
Trewitt  Trewitt  House^  the  resid^ice  of  John  Smart,  Esq.  is  situate  on  the  extre- 
mity of  the  parish,  near  tiie  road  from  Rothbury  to  Netherton,  and  is  distant  five 
miles  north-west  from  the  former  place.  It  is  an  elegant  and  commodious  erection ; 
and  the  adjoining  lands,  which  are  of  an  excellent  quality,  have  been  greatly  improved 
by  the  present  proprietor.! 

The  Trewitts  were  in  possession  of  Sir  Ephraim  Widdrington,  in  the  time  of  king 
James  I.  He  was  descended  from  the  family  of  Cartington.  High  Trewitt,  in  the 
time  of  king  Charles  I.  belonged  to  the  Claverings  of  Callaly,  and  was  forfeited  by 

*  Mr.  M'Donald,  of  New  Lambton,  co.  of  Durham^  has  kindly  communicated  several  particulars  relative 
to  this  place. 

t  Mr.  Smart,  whtma  skiii  and  anknir  iir  antiqoarum  pursuits  sre  well  known,  has  evinced  such  a  warm  in- 
terest in  advancing  the  purposes  of  this  work,  as  merits  the  best  acknowledgments  of  the  Publishers. 


ROTHBUBY  PARISH.  Tl 

tlieir  attachment  to  the  house  of  Stuart:  it  was  sold  during  the  protectorate  of 
Oliver  Cromwell ;  and  is  now  the  property  of  Mr.  Atkinson  and  Mr.  Swart*  One 
moiety  of  Low  Trewitt  belonged  to  Bnnkbum  priory. 

Warton. — ^This  village  lies  between  the  Wreigh  and  the  Coquet,  and  is  distant 
three  miles  west  by  north  from  Rolhbury.  It  is  famed  in  the  legendary  tales  of  the 
neighbouring  inhabitants,  as  being  the  residence  of  a  choice  race  of  warriors,  who 
were  the  dread  of  the  Scottish  Borderers,  Even  so  late  as  the  middle  of  the  last 
century,  four  brothers  lived  here,  of  the  name  of  Potts,  who  usually  kept  the  peace 
at  all  public  sports,  when  there  was  ill  blood  between  the  peonle  of  Coquet  and 
Redesoale.  The  land  in  the  neighbourhood  is  commonly  called  '^  tne  core  of  Coquet," 
from  the  super-excellence  of  its  soil.  It  is  the  property  of  John  Robson  and  Robert 
Spearman,  Esqrs. 

Flotteetok  lies  about  half  a  mile  south-west  from  Warton.  It  was  the  manor 
of  Robert  de  UmfranviUe,  Earl  of  Angus,  38  king  Edward  I. ;  and  is  now  the  pro* 
pwty  of  Christopher  Wealands,  Esq.  It  was  formerly  a  large  place,  and  was  oecu* 
pied  by  a  number  of  little  farmers ;  but  now  it  is  farmed  by  one.  The  soil  is  of 
various  qualities,  part  of  it  only  indifferent ;  but  the  place  has  the  advantage  of  a  pit 
of  rich  marie,  and  several  excellent  springs  of  water. 

Caistron. — This  pleasant  village  stands  upon  the  brink  of  the  Coquet,  one  mile 
south  by  west  from  Flotterton.  It  was  formerly  the  property  of  three  gentlemen, 
all  of  the  name  of  Hall,  to  distinguish  whom  they  were  denominated  Duke,  Lord, 
and  Lawyer.  A  descendant  of  the  first  bequeathed  a  certain  sum  to  be  paid  annually 
out  of  his  estate  towards  the  support  of  a  schoolmaster  in  the  village.  Caistron  is 
now  the  property  of  the  heirs  of  the  late  General  Ord,  of  Weetwood ;  Mr.  Ramsay ; 
and  a  tenement  purchased  by  Queen  Anne's  Bounty,  to  augment  the  living  of  the 
chapelry  of  Birtley  on  the  Tyne. 

Wreiohill  is  distant  one  mile  west  by  south  from  Flotterton,  and  five  miles  west 
from  Rothbury.  It  is  situated  on  the  south^-west  side  of  a  mountain,  whose  verdant 
summit  overtops  all  others  in  this  extensive  parish,  except  Simonside.  Being  placed 
on  the  extremity  of  the  parish,  near  the  western  entrance  to  the  fertile  valley  of  the 
Coquet,  it  seems  to  have  suffered  more  severe  and  repeated  calamities  from  hostile 
Borderers  than  any  other  village  in  the  vicinity.  The  spirited  opposition  of  the  in- 
habitants of  Wreighill  to  the  Scottish  freebooters  exdted  their  resentment,  and  drew 
forth  threats  of  the  most  cruel  revenge.  Accordingly,  on  Wednesday  the  25th  of 
May,  1412,  a  strong  band  appeared  before  the  place.  A  fierce  contest  ensued,  when, 
overpowered  by  superior  numbers,  the  people  of  WreighiU  were  defeated,  and  few 
escaped  the  keen  pursuit  of  the  enemv.  The  village  also  was  totally  destroyed: 
hence  arose  the  sorrowful  saving,  which  nas  even  descended  to  the  present  generation, 
"  The  woeful  Wedne$day  (ffihe  WreckhiU*'* 

*  Wrdgfiill  was  formerly  called  fVreck^hill,  on  aceoant  of  the  dreadfal  eonteats  of  which  k  was  the  scene. 
Such,  at  least,  is  the  etymon  that  tnulition  has  assigned  to  the  name  of  this  place. 


72  COQUETDALE  WARD.— W.  D. 

In  1665,  this  village  was  vinted  by  a  calamity  still  nuMre  dreadful ;  the  whole  po* 
pulation  being  nearly  swept  away  by  the  plague.  A  Miss  Handyside  receiyeTa 
small  package  from  a  young  gentleman  in  London,  which  was  no  sooner  opened  than 
(like  Pandora's  box)  the  pestilence  sprung  out,  and  spread  itself  over  the  whole  place, 
where  not  one  escaped  the  contagion,  and  very  few  survived  its  effects.  The  first 
victim  was  the  young  lady  to  whom  the  present  was  sent  The  few  that  survived 
interred  the  dead  in  such  places  as  it  was  supposed  neither  plough  nor  spade  would 
turn  up :  however,  since  the  planting  of  potatoes  on  steep  banks  became  so  common, 

freat  quantities  of  human  bones  have  been  dug  up,  very  entire,  but  exceedingly 
rittle.  These  are  supposed  to  have  been  the  remains  of  such  as  died  of  the  plague. 
Human  bones  have  also  been  found  in  ether  parts  of  this  lofty  hill,  which  seem  to 
belong  to  a  people  of  a  more  early  age.  A  shepherd  perceived  a  large  flat  stone  upon 
the  crown  of  a  fine  limestone  mount,  which  he  succeeded  with  some  difiiculty  in 
overturning,  and  on  digging  up  the  mould  beneath,  discovered  the  bones  of  a  remark- 
ably large  numan  skeleton,  which  on  exposure  to  the  air  crumbled  into  dust.  The 
sepulchre  was  an  oblong  square,  4  feet  long  by  2^  feet  broad,  walled  on  all  sides  with 
freestone ;  it  was  8  feet  in  depth,  the  rock  forming  the  bottom.  Those  acquainted 
with  the  history  and  antiquities  of  their  native  country,  will  easily  perceive  to  what 
people  this  sepulchral  tumulus  belonged. 

There  is  a  tradition  among  the  inhabitants,  that  a  large  signal-post  stood  once  on 
the  top  of  Wreighill ;  and  even  at  the  present  time,  as  we  are  informed,  the  frag- 
ments of  the  post  form  the  joists  of  a  bullock-byre  at  this  place,  and  the  footstep- 
holds  are  very  entire.* 

"*  Wreighill  is  distinguished  for  behig,  the  birth-place  of  that  prodigy  of  genius^  Mr.  George  CoughraiH 
who^  while  a  striplings  excelled  all  his  competitors  in  the  mathematical  sciences^  and  soared  beyond  the  readi 
of  the  hoary-headed  philosopher.  This  celebrated  mathematician  was  bcrni  on  the  24th  day  of  August,  1752, 
and  was  the  youngest  of  three  sons  of  Mr.  John  Coughran,  a  farmer,  whose  forefathers^  for  many  genemtlonsi 
had  followed  the  same  occupation  at  Wreighill.  His  mother  was  the  daughter  of  Mr.  William  Snowdofn^  a 
farmer  of  Hepple^  who  belonged  to  the  same  family  as  the  renowned  swordsman^  Robert  Snowdon.  The 
attachment  of  this  wonderful  youth  to  books  appeared  at  a  very  early  age,  when  he  was  consigned  to  the  care 
of  an  excellent  young  man,  who  acted  in  the  capacity  of  a  private  preceptor  to  the  fXmily.  In  this  situation 
our  young  student  seemed  perfectly  happy ;  his  attention  was  unremitted,  and  his  progress  surprising.  At 
length  the  teacher  candidly  informed  his  father  that  he  could  instruct  his  son  no  fartjier^  and  that  if  he  wa^ 
inclined  to  permit  the  bey  to  follow  the  bent  oi  his  genius^  he  must  look  out  for  a' more  able  master :  but  his 
father  considered  him  as  sufficiently  qualified  for  the  plough^  which  he  had  determined  as  the  most  proper 
profession  for  his  sons.  Young  Coughran  was  accordingly  sent  to  the  fields,  where  he  was  equally  distin^ 
gMislied  for  skill  and  industry.  Still  his  aspiring  genius  was  not  repressed*;  and  every  moment  of  relaxation 
was  devoted  to  his  &vourite  studies.  At  night  also  his  lamp  frequently  burnt  out  while  conversing  with  the 
immortal  Euclid,  Newton,  Simpson,  Emerson,  M'Laurin,  and  others,  with  whose  grand  principles  he  became 
intimately  acquainted,  His  perseverance  was,  perhaps,  unequalled ;  but  his  progress  supported  his  spirits, 
and  he  always  returned  to  the  spade  or  the  plough  with  the  greatest  chearfulness.  The  first  production 
which  he  ventured  to  send  to  the  press  was  an  answer  to  a  mathematical  question  which  bad  appeared  in  the 
Newcastle  Courant,  then  conducted  by  Mr.  Saint,  which  was  given  in  preference  to  many  others.  This  flat* 
tering  distinction  induced  him  to  propose  a  problem  of  his  own  in  the  same  newspaper ;  but,  with  the  mo-p 
desty  inseparable  from  true  genius,  he  gave  it  to  his  friend,  Mr.  William  Wilktuj  in  whose  name,  and  through 
ythose  medium,  it  was  propo6ed|.    €k>ntintting  his  correspondence,  tbe  pabUc  cimosity  w^  gr^tly  ^cited| 


.  I  .  vltOTHBURY.BABISH.  73 

Wnigli-hill  i^  a  fkie  dry  soil :  the  south  side,  lidiioh  is  about  half  a  imle  in  extents- 
is  inctraSent  upon  limestone ;  and  Hie  north  side  lipon  freestone.  It  is  the  property 
of  Robert  de  Lisle,  Esq.  of  Acton  House,  excepting  a  small  part  whidi  belongs  to 
Miss  De  Echant. 

He^ple  Ites  on  the  north  side  of 'the  Coquet,  about  five  miles  west  from  Rothbuiy, 
and  near  the  boundary  of  the  parish.  About  the  middle  of  the  last  century^  this  vu- 
lage  consisted  6f  fifteen  detidiied  farmsteads,  besides  several  strong,  ancient  Houses, 

and  every  means  was  used  to  discover  the  ingenious  stranger.    Me.  Coughroii  could  not  long  be  concealed, 
and  soon  after  he  obtained  the  silver  mtdal  given  by  the  proprietor  dftlie  BntisH  Oracle;  "*  '' 

The  Rev.  Dr;  Maskdyne,'  Hbtn  astrohiwaer-royal  at  the  observatory  of  Greenwich,  had  published  a  treatise 
on  navigation/*  hititttied/*''1^9^n!i1i6d  Epbem^ris/'  which  was  severely  criticised  by  Captain' Heatb;  author  of 
the  British  Paliadiudi;  A  contiroversy  ensued  between  these  two  very  able  mathematicians,  which  terminated 
in  an  amicable  agreement  to  refer  the  subject  in  dispute  to  the  dedaion  of  Mh  Coughron.  He  was  a  Stranger 
to  both;  but,  conscious  of  his  dwn  aInlHies,  he  accepted  the  high  oflSteeof  umpire,  and  decided  in  favour  of 
Captain  Heath.  On  Mr.  Coughron  being  told  by  a  friend,  that  by  his  imprudeni  decision  he  forfeited  all 
hopes  of  royal  fkvbur,  he  answered,  with  becoihing  dignity,  ^^  Truth  is  my  study,  and  demonstration  tny  de- 
light." His  cautious  friend  was*,  however,  mistaken,  as  soon  afterwards  a  gentleman  iromi'the  royal  obsd^va^ 
tory  came  to  Newcastle  (to  wfajeh  pli^oe  Mr,  Goii^hnm  bad  removed),  and  enquiry  ior  the  giwM  mtxAntsMti' 
cian.  On  being  introduced  to  Mr^  C.  he  si^d,  ^'  Sir,  be  pleased  to  excuse  my  iotrasiptt,  the  nakne  hiSB  -pairiad 
me— you  cannot  be  the  gentleman  I  want."  ''Sir,"  answered  Mr.  C.  "my  assistance  is  at  yoar.Mhdoeb-' 
**  I  want  Coughron,  the  mathematician.''  *'  J  soia«|ii9ea  anniae  myself  witli  that  seience,  sir,"  said  therdther. 
The  gentleman  stood  astonisbed  for  a  moment;,  when  he  esctaimed-*''  God  blesa  my  8Dulr««  Child  l**^ 
-  At  this  time>  the  "  Ladies'  Diary"  was  republished  by  Mr.  Hutton,  who  has  ebiadned.so  many  honbun  for 
his  transoendant  talents;  but  Mr.  Coughrcm  was  t)ie  real  compiler^  *  It  seems,  however,  that  the  ftiendsh|^oC 
thesfe  two  geniuses  was  but  of  short  oontiauaiDioe.  Thfe  real  cause  of  the  breach,  will  best  appear  from  iImI 
following  remark,  addreerfed  to  Mr.  Hutton  (the  late  Dn-Hotton)  by  Mr.  Hedley,  then  a  motheniaticiaii  in' 
Newcastle  :-^''  As^  Sir,  you  !never  could  brook  an  equal,  it  is  no  iwonder  to  find  you  shudder  at  the  sight  i^  a 
superior/'  By  his^  other  ^htem^aties  Mr.  Coughron  wa^  treated  with  the  utmost  delioacy  a^d  refepect,:iioii 
did  tiiey  refuse  t6  d»  justice  to  fan  aurprising  attainments.  The  editor  of  the  '^  British  Palladium,*^  in  an 
address  to  his  correspondents,  says,  "  All  those  who  wish  to  wear  laurds  should  win  them  Uke  Mir.  Gesige 
Coughron,  to  whom  nothing  appears  too  difl|cult  for  his  penetration  to  accomplish."  The  Rev.  Charles  Wild- 
bore,  who  excelled  in  die  kbstruse  sciences^  in  a  letter  addressed  to  Mr.  Saint,  of  Newcastle,  and  dated  De^ 
cember  21,  171$,  expresses  himself  thus: — "I  have  long  contended  with  Mr.  Coughron  for  the  superiority  in 
this  sdblirne  scieitce ;  but  the  sapHng  sage  soars  po  aloof  with  his  skilfUl  scholiums,  &e.  that  I  am  now  under 
the  necessity  of  resigning  to  him  the  bays'.''  But  before  this  letter  was  received,  the  unparalleled  Coiighron 
mas  a  cajd  cqrpse  !  On  the  first  day  of  January,  17^4,^  he  sickened  df  the  stnall-pox,  and  on  the  gtli  day,  tie 
died,  ivK  the  21st  year  of  his  age.  The  exit  of  this  fine  genius  ^as  I6ng  and' severely  lamented  by  the  lover^ 
of  science,  who  had  begun  to  consider  him  as  the  brightest  ornament  of  the  age,  and  the  jus^  pride  of  our 
country.  At  the  time  of  his  death  he  resided  in  the  Broad-chare,  Newcastle.  He  left  his  valuable  papers  to 
Mr.  Brown,  a  clever  self-taught  mathematician,"  and  the  father  of  Mr.  George  Brown,  i|t  the  present  time  a 
teacher  of  Navigation,  &c.  in  Newcastle.  Previous  to  his  death,  he  was  enga^d,  cm  very  liberal  terms,  by  !pr. 
Maskelyne,  who  highly  esteemed  and  respected  him,  to  be  his  calculsltor.  He  hac]  obtained  no  less  thap  ten 
prizes  for  answering  questions  in  ipluxions  alone.  He  challenged  all  the  tnathematicians  of  his  tiir^e  to'aii« 
'  Bwer  the  prize-question  in  the  Gentleman's  Diary  fbr  1772,  which  was  not  accepted,  and  the  solution  was 
j^ven  by  himself;  to  which  he  added,  "  Many  other  properties  of  this  curious  problem  might  be  deduced 
^om  the  forgoing  investigation,  but  I  am  afraid  of  ezoeeding  the  Umlts  of  the  Diary."    This  &ct  alone 

VOL.  11.  T 


u  coQuirriiALE  wardl-^w.  d. 

Qtid  tt  long  lev  of  oattageft  tiien.  crundilm^  inio'  dccajr.  Sctoa  ^tei;.  ihfl  muobpf  o£ 
fancMNS  WM  reduced  to  fthtee ;  aad  is  1811,  botii.  HsmK  Mid  Hiepri.ll  Dskeaks 
ean^ained  but  27  inhabited  houaes.* 

evinces  his  superiority  in  the  mathematical  science.    Mr.  John  Richards,  collector  of  the  customs  at  Darlings 
tm^ pKUidxed  a poetie taibute foJuavteoi^ify  in  tk«  T«mi mtCtH^nSKg  Mfigwiii^ Ihoia ^4)j^  tfaft fi^^ 
stipa^ff  ffie  takiBB  :-^ 

'' Ye  lov^era  of  seieefie^  lataenl^  A  eonggisaeur  crowned  QOBipl^». 

Since  Coughron  no  more  can  impart  And  worthy  the  Seraphims'  song« 

What  deep  VI  dark  nature  lies  pentu 

In  mines  scsKapeavaded  b^wf^»   ,  Bach. acti«t  bis  aid  dici  implercii 

.  Fn^uNiodng,  him  prince.  oCtha  train  ii 
fi|y  bci^  C4X0a^p  hmk  be  was  htedy  Noq«  cfwdd  to  auicb  excellenoe  soati^ 

.  Where  fir^  ha  did  Natiixe  define  As.  witness  bit  Cicrttf'*  oi^(A«P&mi€« 

Sut  hopt^t  'by  Minerva  waf  led> 
.To  traffic  bia  ston^i^.on  the  Tjga^  When  Ne;«toa  was  e^oal  in  ag^j^ 

In  knpwledg«i»  peihaps,  Isss  profbonct; 
His  gimua  and  judgmiont  wei^e  gimt.  But  pmetiee  made  perfect  that  sgfe^ 

Bis  reaspning  faculties  stroq|;;  And  tander'd  his  talents  renown'd.'* 

Aftet'Ui  *Htb/ tie  iteUpWiMrth  of  the  Tweed,  in  their  pwUie  praHe^  chiaied  the  henear  to.  Scotland  of 
bnAsg  gsven  imo-birtb;  snA  tha  mistab^  tbcogb  naidhid',  coatifivedl  krbe  repeated  bi^msgnHMS  and  odite 
iMtiodfical  works. 

Mbn  Coughron,  the  diksl  brother  of  die  ywwAlbl  BMthematician,  wae  dislingalsbed  «  a  sIcilAl  gnsier 
and  an  enlightened  eultiveier.  He  fionedf  LcagibnalibgCen  HbU^hitt  far  upwards  of  twenC^  years,  pvcviouB 
t» wUdi  he  ooeapicd  Heb^e*  Hill,  which  he  quitted  in  ITM,  a^appears  by  seme  cempllnientary  Irenes  eem- 
jtasedon  the  ceoasMn  by  James  Wflaen,  the  Hexham  poeC^  who  fbim  vesided  at  Caweey  itefc.  Doruag  baa 
b4ter  yean,  Mr  Cooghron  kept  a  public  boose  in  North  8llieMs;  bnt  removed,  abovt  Ac  year  1^14^  to 
Waibs,  wbete  be  cbed,  leaTing  a  widow  and  sevonal  flhe  dkaghtersi  He  was  bi^y^  esteemed  lbrbi»bmni^ 
kdge  aqd  honesty,  and  waa  often  engaged-  in.valung  lasid,  and  in*  arbilraiiug  between  yanxlsooie? im^« 
boni^i.  Beii^  of  a^  Hmly,  eheerfbl  dispesilhia,  and  peasesstny  an  inoiiiaiMtible'  fbad  of  anecdele^  bia 
caneersatioQ  was  aleoy s  intcreeting  and  annting.  Fran  bis  oemmonioalions  the  editer  obtained}  modi  v*» 
liHMfr  intonalfien  tespecthig  mai^  parte  ofi  the  c0uitti|F. 

*  A  little  to  the  south-west  oCHepple  were  some  old  houses,  formerly  occupied  by  coUiera  employed  in  an 
^oimng  pit ;  but  on  the  wonking^of  the  colliery  being  abandoned,  the  workmen  removed^  and.  their  cottages 
were  immediately  oocupied  by  a  party  fjijatnt.  "  About  the  year  17S2,  or  1793,"  says  Mr.  R.  Robertson,  "  the 
lete  Waker  Trevelyan,  £s(]^  who  distinguished  himself  mucb  in.  this  business,  accompanied  by  several  other 
CMQpinty  magistratesj  and  a  largje  posse  of  ccmstables,  pniceeded  to  the  spot,  where  ibey  set  fire  to  the  houses, 
^d  burnt  them^  to  the  ground,  amidst  the  plaudits  of  an  immense  canoourse  of  spectators."  He  also  adds, 
that  the  Sunday  morning,  preceding  this  circumstance,  he  counted  17  stout  young  fellows,  stript  and  jumping 
on  the  green  before  the  houses,  some  c£  whom,  he  believes^  were  found  thene  by  the  magistrates.  In  North* 
limberland,  the  Gypsies  and  other  wandering  vagabonds  are  called  Fans.  The  editor  once  met  with  a  note 
written  in  the  margin  of  a  book,  which  stated  that  they  obtained  thiA  appellation  from  a  family  of  the  name 
of  Fhtl,  which  belonged  to  Rothbury,  and  were  famous  in  their  profession*  The  writer  imagined  that  the 
two  />  were  drept  in  this  word,  as  in  HaU»  which  is  called  Haw  in  thie  county.  It  is  certain  that  Johnnie 
JPaw,  who  styled  himself  Lord  and  Earl  of  Little  Egypt,  entwed  Scotland  at  the  head  of  a  considerable  gwff 
of  Gypsies,,  with  whom  king  James  I V.,found  it  necessary  to  enter  into  a  tn^atgf .    In  more,  recent  tinies,,  old 

»AUatt«tirlhB 


KOTBBUmY  TAjsam^      .  W 

Hcpple  wm  kdd  in  thcM^e  by  tile  amm^  payxaimt  of  BQs.  by  the  ancestors  of 
Wiffiam  Bndoli  m  whose  time  king  John  ehai^iped  that  service  into  one  kouht's  &e. 
in  Hmiy  JlVs  tine,  it  bdonged  ta  "*  too  Tayflehoya ;"  and  it  continued  in  Uie  Tail- 
bo»  fuaSy  down  to  the  latts^r  end  of  the  teatgn  of  king  Edwaird  III.  when  it  eame 
into  the  possession  oS  the  O^es*  Sir  Biobevt  Og^e,  baron  of  Bothal,  settled  this 
manor,  and  some  other  parts  of  his  estate,  after  this  manner : — ^Beiiig  possessed  of  the 
estate  descendai  to  Yim  fipom  his  ancestors,  he  within  twa  day»  infeoffed  WiUiam 
Thimbleby,  derk,  an4  sone others  in  them,  ta  himaelf  during  his  life ;  acud,. after  his 
decease,  this  manor  and  town  to  remain  to  his  son.  Sir  Rdbert  Ogle  the  yomiger, 
knight^  and  to  the  heirs  male  of  his  body,  and,  for  want  of  such  issue,  to  his  own 
right  heirs.  After  his  decease,  his  son.  Sir  Rob^  inherited  his  estate ;  and  after  his 
death,  Joan,  his  relict,  had  a  moiety  of  this  manor  assigned  her  fm:  her  dowry,  with 
some  other  estates.  Ris  son  Robert,  upon  the  death  of  J<Mn  his^^  mother,  b^g  pos- 
sessed of  this  whole  manor»  obtained  of  king  Henry  Y I.  a  c^axt&t  of  ftve^wanen  for 
all  his  demesne  lands  here.  He  was  afterwards,  viz.  Iff  Henry  VI.  advanced  to  the 
dignity  and  degree  of  a  baron  of  this  realm,  and  died  seized  of  this  manor,  with  its 
members.  Ogle  and  Shilvington,  9  Edward  IV.  leaving  them  to  his  posterity.  It  was 
held  by  Cutnbert  Lord  Ogfe,  10  queen  Elizabeth.  It  was  lately  in  the  possession  of 
the  X>uke  of  Portland^  and  now  belongs  to  Sir  John  Buchanan  Riddle. 

About  half  a  centiuy  ago,  the  extenor  walls  of  a  strong  and  stately  tower  were  still 
standing,  tolerably  entire^  and  which  had  probably  been  the  manor-house  of  the  pro- 

{»rietors  of  Hepple ;.  as  it  is  said  the  court-leet  of  Hepple  lordship  wa3  held  here  in 
brmer  times,  until  the  castle,  being  ruined  by  the  Scots,  was  totally  abandoned  by 
the  lorct  whe  removed  hi&  erart  to  Great  Tosson,.  where  the  tenants  of  Hepple  and 
the  demesne  annually  eonveni^  to  this  day.  In  erecting  a  few  farmsteads  some  time 
ago,  an  atteftipe  was  made  t^  demolf^  thie  remaining  fragments  of  this  strong  toweri 
Bat  the  sebcrae^  aflteE  repeated  triali,i  wa»  sdiinquished  by  the  worimen,  who  found  it 
eaabsr  feer  cut  stonea  from  the  hardeat  q^^icry  than  to  separate  these  from  the  cement! 
IQiis  oa^e  was  prebably  t^  first  of  the  cham  of  forts  wnich  extended  £rom  thence  to 
WwfcworthK  and  whdeh  was  intended  lx>  fonn  a  barrier  s^gainst  the  ineessant  and  de- 
structive ineiirsuHi»  oi  the  warlike  Borderers. 

UpM^  a  ftoe  smnmit,  cidled  the  KirkMUr  about  half  a  mile  west  of  Hepple,  stood 
a  ekafidii  thr  remaiBa  of  which  were  removed,  about  the  year  1760^  and  applied  to  the 
purpose  of  building  a  farmstead,  wbieh  is  erected  near  the  sacred  spot  TJntQ  thia 
tinBe  Hie  chapel  was^ooeaaiondly  used  aa  a  phu%  of  sepulture  by  five  of  the  adjoining 
vdh^pEB^  partieidarly  for  atrangms  and  unwktened  cnildren.  This  cbapd  k  said  to 
have  been  destroyed  by  the  moss-troopers.  When  its  remains  were  erased  in  the 
year  before  mentioned,  the  font  and  the  pedestal  were  in  good  preservation;  and 
many  mutilated  monuments  weie  iound  faotiti  within  and  without  the  walls  of  the 
holy  buUding. 

WtU  Faw,  or  Faa,  was  king  or  leader  of  a  gang  of  Border  Gypsies.  His  descendants  (says  a  writbr  in  the 
iSIh^  Mug.  iai6>  BOW  take  the  name  of  Fall,  from  the  Messrs.  Falls  of  Dundee,  who,  they  pride  themselves 
kk  sayiagv  aae  of  tfarsame  stock  and  lineage*  It  is  not  improbable,  but  that  in  former  years,  the  Gypsey, 
F^  or  F(0v  gmgt  wer»  ia  Aehabit  of  rendeftvousiBg  at  Rothbury,  it  being  well  adapted  for  the  head  quar* 
ttrs  «f  llw  atiriliiig  tsibe. 


76 


COQUETDALE  WARD— W.  D. 


'<  In  the  chancel/'  writes  a  correspondent^  /'the  fragments  of  a  tombstone,  with  its 
supporters,  were  discovered,  and,  what  is  curious,  was  standing  in  a  nor/ft  and  Mutii 
direction.  This  tnonument  was  much  defaced  (apparently  wxae  owing  to  acts  of 
wantonness  than  to  the  slow  corroding  teelh  of  time),  and  it  was  with  extreme  difii*.* 
culty  that  the  following  parts  of  the  inscription  were  decyphered  :— 


'  Here  Kes     .    .    Countew  of 

•    .    .    who  died    ......    her  aga 


God  grant    •    .    patience    •    .    endur^. 

•    .....    fvee  from  offence ; 
What  neither  skiU  nor  care  can  cure, 

.    ,•.....    ^    .    go  hence.. 

I  lov'd  my  lord^  obey'd  my  king^ 
And  kept  my  conscience  cl^arj, 

Which  death  disarmeth  of  his  sdng,. 
And  Christians  all  endear^ 

My  puissant  posterity 

Still  the  fbrlocn'd  befriend ; 


Feace^  pleasvre,  and  prosperity^ 
My  tenantry  attend.. 

.    <•*•...    thinks  Bt, 
•    .  '  not    .    .    tear  abound^ 

When  you  my  mortal  port  commit 
To  consecrated  ground. 

There,  lay  ray  head  to  Long-Acres/ 
Where  shearers  sweetly  sing ; 

And  feet  towards  the  Key-heughf  scares^ 
Which  fox-hounds  ^use  to  ring. 

Farewel !  survivors  in  the  gross  1 

When  you  behold  my  bust. 
Lament  your  late  liege  lady's  loss^ 

The^  blending  with  the  dust.' 


'*  In  my  early  years  I  copied  the  above  inscription  from  the  manuscript  of  an  old 
gentleman,  and  which  was  probably  the  only  co^y  that  had  been  preserved.  I  wish 
that  the  old  spelling  had  been  exactly  given,  as  it  might  have  asristed  in  fixing  the 
era  when  the  monument  was  erected.  During  the  seven  years  that  I  was  at  school 
upon  the  spot,  I  heard  many  traditional  tales  related  of  this  noble  lady.  An  old  dirge 
states  her  to  have  been  the  very  mirror  of  meekness ;  affable  to  every  one,  and  con- 
sequently idolized  by  all :  she  is  also  represented  to  have  been  a  heroine  on  horseback, 
unrivalled  in  the  chase,  and  warmly  devoted  to  athletic  exercises  ;^  biit  above  all,  she 
is  praised  for  relieving  the  oppressed.  Previous  to  her  death,  it  is  added,  she  com- 
posed her  own  epitaph,  and  gave  orders  for  the  attitude  In  which  she  was  interred. 
But  the  worda  of  this  doleful  ditty  are,  I  fear,  for  ever  lost." 

About  lOOpaces  west  of  the  sate  of  this  chapel  are  the  traces  of  several  buildinffs^ 
where  Old  Heppk  formeriy  stood.  It  is  said  to  have  been  destroyed  dunng  ue 
Border  wars.^ 

*  An  extensive  field  so  called^  distant  about  900  paces  due  nordi^ 

t  A  famous  fastness  among  the  scattered  cliiFs  of  a  huge  rock^  one  of  ^e  first  nurseries  for  foxes  in  the 
county,  or  perhaps  the  kingdom ;  about  three  miles  due  south.. 

X  Hepple  was  the  native^  place  of  the  renowned  RcibM  Snowdon,  who,  in  the  l6th  year  of  his  age,  fought 
and  slew  John  Grieve^  a  celebrated  Scotch  champion^  in  a  pitched  battle^  with  small  swords  upon  Gami/e-P«rfi^ 
on  the  Borders.  This  circumstance  appears  to  have  taken  place  some  time  before  the  Union.  This  Robert 
Snowdon  had  a  blaoik  horse^  which  he  valued  greatly :  it  was  one  night  stolen,  when  he^  accompanied  by  twa 


KOTHBUKY  PARISH.  77 

At  a  short  dutance  to  the  north-west  of  Hepple  there 
is  a  British  entrenched  strong-htdd,  called  Metcbeater. 
The  subjoined  drawing  will  convey  a  correct  idea  of  die 
form  and  strength  of  Uiis  ancient  hill  fortress.  The  in- 
terior length  of  the  entrenchment  is  140  yard^  and  the 
breadth  90  yards.  The  breadth  of  the  inner  ditch  is  18 
feet,  and  of  the  exterior  ditch  15  feet.  Each  of  the 
rampiers  is  15  feet  in  height,  and  6  feet  in  breadth. 
The  hill  being  very  stee^  and  difficult  of  access  aa  l^e 
north-west  siae,  the  fort  lias  had  but  two  ditches  in  that 
part  Most  ctf  the  entr^ichments  have  been  levelled, 
and  it  is  only  on  the  north-west  side  that  they  remain 
in  any  degree  of  good  preservation.  The  foundatifflis 
of  the  ancient  buimings  are  very  perceptible  within  the 
entrenchment.  But  afi  traces  of  this  remarkable  castra- 
metation  will  soon  be  obliterated,  as  excavations  for 
Kme  are  proceeding  in  the  heart  of  the  works.  On  the 
opposite  side  of  the  Coquet  is  the  militaiy  station  called 
Harehaugh,  described  in  the  account  of  Holystone  cha- 
pelry.  West  of  Hepple,  and  near  the  scite  of  the  old 
chapel,  a  number  of  urns  have  been  found.  Hetchester, 
as  its  name  imports,  was  in  subsequent  times  occupied 
b^  the  Ilomans, 

ftienda,  pursued  the  thief  to  the  Scottlcb  Borders;  where,  from  a  wretched  hovel,  his  voice  wu  answered  by 
the  neig-hing  of  his  favourite ;  on  which  the  unsuspecting  Snowdon  dismouuted,  and  rushed  into  the  house ; 
but  while  in  the  act  of  unloosing  his  horse,  he  was  nm  through  the  body  by  a  concealed  Msassin.  The 
family  of  the  Snowdons  were  all  di|tingu)shed  for  their  intrepidity  and  duterity  in  the  petty,  but  fierce  feudf 
of  those  turbulent  tim^s, 

Hepple  was  also  the  place  of  residence  of  Wiliiam  JUtfn,  the  noted  vermin  hunter.  He  was  bom  at  Bel- 
lingfaam  in  1704,  and  was  first  roarried  to  a  girl  of  Gypsy  stomp,  and  after  ber  death  to  the  daughter  of  a 
dergyman,  wbo  resided  on  the  Borders  of  Scotlawl.  He  constantly  kept  a  kennel  containing  ten  doge.  Of 
.  different  sises  and  breeds,  each  properly  calcalated  and  duly  di»ciplined  for  the  destruction  of  some  particular 
spedci  of  animals.  He  was  peculiarly  attached  to  one  dog  among  his  valuable  pack,  called  Peackem,  and 
which  he  had  trained  to  bunt  ottera.  So  confident  was  he  of  this  animal's  sagacity  and  perseverance,  that  ha 
used  to  say,  "  If  ever  Peackem  spoke,  he  could  sell  the  otter's  skin."  A  gentleman,  whom  he  esteemed  as  bis 
best  friend,  offered  him  (by  way  of  experiment)  £0  guineas  for  this  animal;  but  which  Allan  resolutely  r^ 
fused.  He  was  generally  known  throughout  the  county,  being  engaged  to  keep  most  of  the  gentlemen's 
fisb-ponds  free  from  all  kinds  of  noxious  vermin.  He  also  excelled  in  the  arts  <^  5sbing,  basket-making,  and 
bagpipe  playing,  Living  on  the  banks  of  the  Coquet,  he  drew  great.ptft  of  his  siibeUtmca  trnm  it,  and  de« 
spised  the  man  who  suffered  want  on  the  banks  of  that  fine  river..  He  accumulated  the  sum  of  40(U.  by  his 
various  vocations;  but  lending  it  to  a  person  who  afterwards  became  insolvent^  he  was  reduced  to  a  parish 
pittance  in  the  evening  of  his  days.  So  attached  wss  be  to  the  Coquet,  that  he  composed  two  tunes;  the  one, 
"  We'll  a'  to  the  Coquet  and  wqo,"  and  the  other,  "  Salmon  tails  up  the  water."  Iliese  favourite  tunes  he 
always  played  with  enthusiastic  tuumati<ai.  He  was  a  perfect  stranger  to  lett^s,  vulgar  in  his  manneis,  and 
uncouth  in  bis  conversation ;  but  his  conceptions  were  keen,  and  his  answers  and  remarks  wonderfully  shrewd 
^d  highly  amusing.  In  the  language  of  sportsmen,  ke  died  game  ,■  for  when  nature  seemed  exhausted,  and 
VOL.  II.  U 


is  COQUETD ALE  WARD-^W,  D. 

Debdon. — ^This  township  includes  the  north  part  of  Rothbarjr  fere«t  Debdon 
HiU  and  tJragend  HiUy  between  the  Black  Burn  and  Debdon  Bum,  exhibit  a  most 
^eary  and  desolate  aspect  «f  heathy  hills  and  rugged  and  naked  ditiBi.    Oft  tibe  north 

his  pious  nei^boon  were  kindly  admonishing  him  of  the  awful  conseqaetices  of  dying  unprepared^  with  all 
his  sins  upon  his  head^  he  exclaimed^  with  some  deg^reeKif  peerishness^  ''Pshaw !  hand  me  tlie  pipes^  and  ril 
give  you  DoningUm  Lads  yet !"  Nor  would  he  be  pacified  antit  they  were  brought,  when  h^  expended  his 
last  breath  in  attempting  to  sound  his  bagpipes.  It  is  about  dO  years  dnoS'  he  died.  The  contents  of  his 
kennel  were  bequeathed  to  Mr.  Bell  (then  steward  lo  tbe  late  Lord  Ravenswortli^  of  Eslingeon  IfaH),  and 
who  oDoe  had  thoughts  of  writing  his  life.  ' 

The  notorious  James  Allan  was  the  youngest  of  six  sons  of  the  abore  Wiiiiatn.  He  was  bom  mj72jMO» 
at  a  Gypsy  camp  or  rendezvous  in  Rothbury  Forest.  Frotm  cbse  appltcatioiiy  assisted  by  a  just  and  accuvate 
ear  for  music,  he  became  celebrated  for  his  perforaianees  ^  the  Northumberland  small  |ripes  ;  and  the  supa* 
rior  sweetness  of  his  melody  always  procured  him  a  w^come  reoeptioaat  fiurs^  weddings,  and  merry  meet* 
ings.  He  was  remarkably  strong  and  athletic,  and  excelled  in  feats  q£  running,  jumping,  climbing,  wrestling* 
riding,  and  swimming.  His  hace  expressed  a  disposition  to  sharpness  and  cunaingj  while  his  keen  dark 
eyes,  acute  features,  pnomptitade,  and  effrontery,  imparted  a  look  strongly  indicative  of  roguery.  He  was 
extremely  vain,  and,  like  other  fops  of  the  Gypsy  tribe,  fond  of  gaudy,  flaunting  dress  and  ornaments. 
Though  he  enjoyed  goiod  living,  his  habitual  caution  saved  him  from  habits  of  intoxication.  He  was  hasty 
and  revengeful;  but,  wanting  courage,  he  always  effected  his  purposes  by  art  and  stratagem.  Like  his 
father,  he  had  few  competitors  in  field  sports,  and  excelled  so  much  in  the  art  of  training  dogs,  that  he  some- 
times succeeded  in  learning  them  to  steal  with  nearly  as  much  dexterity  as  himself.  Theft  he  did  not  seem 
to  consider  as  any  crime  >  and,  when  detected  in  any  of  his  pilfering  tricks,  he  stood  before  his  accusers  un- 
abashed, as  if  he  inherited  the  right  of  plundering  his  neighbours.  He  was  eminently  successful  in  his  illicit 
amours,  and  had  a  great  many  wives,  two  of  whom  are  yet  living ;  but  he  seldom  evinced  any  concern  for 
hie  "Ofl^iring.  He  freqoently  enlisted,  as  an  ^igiUe  mode  of  raising  supplies,  and  id  ways  deserted  at  the 
iearltest  oppcHtunity.  On  one  occasion,  being  pursued  by  a  recruiting  party  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Hexham, 
on  passing  -a  stile,  tbe  drummer  cut  him  with  his  sword  upon  the  wrist  Allan  viewed  the  wound  with  emo- 
tion, and  looking  at  Uie  drummer  with  minstrel  pride,  exclaimed,  **  Ye  hae  spoiled  the  best  pipe  hand  in 
England  V  This  accident  prevented  the  repetition  of  such  swindling  tricks.  He  was  twice  acquitted  of 
diarges  of  felony  at  the  assises  at  Neweastie,  but  was  at  length  convicted  of  horse<-steBling,  and  received  sen- 
tence of  death.  His  punishment  was  i^erwards  mitigated  to  perpetual  imprisonment ;  and  after  he  had  re- 
mained in  confinement  at  Durham  for  nearly  seven  years,  his  pardon  was  signed  by  the  prince  regent :  but 
be^Nre  it  arrived,  death  had  k>osened  his  bonds.  The  long  and  chequered  life  of  this  filmed  piper  was  closed 
on  the  18th  of  November,  IS  10.  Innumerable  anecdotes  of  this  singular  dmracter,  and  a  detailed  account  of 
his  marvellous  adiievements,  mostly  written  by  Mr.  Andrew  Wight,  a  printer  in  Nortii  Shields,  was  pub- 
lished by  Mackensie  and  Dent  in  18 IS.  It  is,  however,  extremely  difficult  to  ascertain  the  degree  of  authen- 
ticity which  ought  to  be  attadied  to  many  of  the  surprising  adventures  related  by  his  biographer. 

Here  it  may  be  proper  to  observe,  that  the  Northumberland  pipe  is  blown  with  bellows,  and,  from  its 
constnietion,  the  music  which  it  plays  is  aceompanied  by  such  peculiar  ornaments  as  neither  violin  nor  even 
organ  can  imitate,  but  in  an  imperfiset  manner.  It  has  but  nine  notes,  the  highest  being  D  in  ah.  This  an- 
cient pipe  is  now  almost  superseded  by  the  small  pipes.  By  stops  and  keys  it  plays  in  the  way  called  by  the 
Italians  skieeaie,  and  cannot  isflur.  Some  of  these  instruments  have  fbur  drones ;  and  it  is  surprising  what 
viability  is  displayed  by  some  performers  on  the  improved  small  pipes.  The  wild,  melancholy,  and  warlika 
sound  of  lihe  HigMand  pibroehs  is  well  known.  Tlie  ancient  Northumbrian  music  possesses  ^e  same  wild 
and  spirited  characteristics.  An  ingeniquft  gentleman  of  North  Shields  says,  that,  ^Twenty-fire  years  ago, 
James  AlUm  played  te  me,  aft  Elsdon  court  baron,  a  port  pibroch  on  the  regimental  Northumberland  bag- 
pipes, to  tihe  atiftonMiment  and  terror  of  sotne  of  die  spectetors."  . 


KOTHBURY  PARISH-  99 

ade  of  tfae  nMid  leading  firom  Aln^ck  to  Rothbury  are  JDebdim  WelU:  The  princi* 
pal  spring  has  a  strong  current,  and  is  exceedingly  cold  even  in  the  hottest  weather. 
These  waters  were  formerly  held  in  high  estimation,  and  were  much  resorted  to,  par- 
ticularly by  people  having  feculent  scorbutic  eruptions,  and  were  used  both  for 
bathing,  and  drinking  wim  Epsom  salt  The  late  Dr.  Thomas  Sharp  waa  at  consi* 
derable  expence  in  enclosing  the  wells,  and  erecting  a  convenient  bath ;  but  .a  native 
ddkaoy  still  prevented  most  people  firom  availing  themselves  of  the  benefits  to  be 
derived  from  these  waters,  the  situation  being  so  much  exposed  to  passengers  on  the 
road.  It  would  certainly  be  worthy  the  Duke  of  Northumberland's  ]ib^:^ty  to 
build  a  convenient  house  here,  if  the  qualities  of  these  springs  be  really  so  excellent 
as  are  generally  represented.  Near  to  this  place  are  many  excavations,  from  which 
the  late  Captain  Readhead,  of  Rothbury,  obtained  large  quantities  of  ochre;  but 
die  great  expence  of  carriage,  as  we  aie  informed,  induced  that  gentleman  to  aban* 
don  the  und^tsdcing.  IMnhm  F^dling-mill  is  only  about  thrcenquarters  of  a  mile 
east  of  Rotiibury.  Not  far  from  this  place  is  the  famous  Miever's  WeU^  wheri^ 
many  a  riever  of  the  Forest,  or  of  Hepple  barony,  has  refreshed  himself  when  driving 
the  cattle  from  the  neighbourhood  of  Warkworth  or  Shilbotde.*  All  the  preceding 
places  are  situated  on  tne  north  side  of  the  Coquet,  except  Whitton,  which  contains 
the  rectory. 

• 
Paupbehaugh  stands  on  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  parish,  and  on  the  north 
brink  of  the  Coquet  This  place,  which  is  the  property  of  the  Duke  of  Northumber- 
land, consists  or  three  farmholds ;  and,  what  is  curious,  ev&j  inhabitant,  except  one 
servant,  is  an  Armrtrpug',  and  belongs  to  the  same  £unily.  A  new,  level,  and  conv^ 
nient  road  winds  along  the  margin  of  the  river,  from  Wddon  Bridge  to  Rothbury^ 
It  was  lately  formed,  at  the  expence  of  £1400,  principally  through  the  spirited  and  per- 
severing exertions  of  Mr.  Smart,  of  Trewitt  House.  Healy  lies  at  a  short  distance 
north-west  from  Pauperhaugh^  but  presents  nothing  remarkable. 

Newtown  stands  south  of  the  Coquet,  and  about  one  mile  west  from  Whitton, 
upon  the  northern  declivity  of  a  ridge  of  rocks,  which  extend  westward  the  whole 
length  of  the  parish  on  the  south  side  of  the  river.  It  is  the  joint  propertv  of  Messrs. 
J.  and  J.  Railstone.  Here. the  crystal  streams  of  Cowet-wells  unite,  after  dashing 
down  the  rocky  steep,  and,  passing  Tosson  miU,  are  lost  among  the  waters  of  the  Co- 
quet. Carterside^  which  is  situated  between  Whitton  and  Newtown,  belongs  to 
(jolonel  Judgson  and  the  Duke  of  Northumberland.  At  a  little  distance  south  from 
this  place  is  a  ridge  of  linletftone,  which  is  wrought  with  great  ease  and  advantage ; 
and  about  half  a  mile  foither  to  the  south  is  Irhittan  Demn^  under  whidi,  it  is  pie^ 
sumed,  runs  a  valuable  vein  of  lead  ore.  Some  partial  attempts  have  beai  made  to 
open  the  mine,  which,  for  want  of  suificient  skill  and  capital,  miscarried.    However, 


^  Tbm  waasX  noted  «f  these  bold  and  daring  thieves  was  Gawen  Readhead,  outlawed  temp,  queen  Elisabedi, 
and  who  resided  hi  a  lai^  hoUow  oak,  on  the  Briakbom  estate.  The  field  it  grew  in  is  sdll  caHed  Gawen's 
PieM ;  and  it  was  of  such  hoge  dimensionB^  that  the  tenants  wintered  in  it  half  a  dosen  calves  in  the 'begin- 
ning of  the  kst  taimf,  Tnditioa  wft  that  he  was  as  notnrioos  a  moss-trooper  as  any  Armstrong  or  Elliott 
i^Iiddesdale^  «r  the  fiiever  of  WesOMmiflat 


80 


COQUETDALE  WARD— W.  D. 


there  is  little  doubt  but  a  spirited  adventurer  might  here  obtain  a  viduable  source  of 
wealth)  as  the  ore  which  has  been  found  is  of  a  .very  rich  quality. 

Great  Tosson  stands  at  the  distance  of  about  half  a  mile  west  from  Newtown,  on  a 
spot  where  the  worst  and  best  kinds  of  soil  come  in  contact :  on  the  south  side  are  black 
and  barren  mountains ;  and  on  the  north,  fine  loamy  lands.  This  place  formerly  con* 
tained  many  houses,  though  now  reduced  to  two  farmsteads.  Here  are  still  the  remains 
of  a  strong  and  stately  tower,  which  all  the  rage  for  devastation  has  not  been  able  totally 
to  destroy.  The  limestone  here  is  of  a  very  strong  quality,  and  a  eonsid^able  quan- 
tity is  prepared  at  the  kilns  for  sale.  This  place,,  with  the  mountain  of  Sitmnrnde,  is 
the  property  of  W.  Ord,  Esq.  of  Nunnykirk ;  but  A.  Atkinson,  Esq  of  Liorbottle, 
has  a  freehold  here,  and  there  is  a  farm  purchased  with  Queen  Anne's  Bounty,  for 
the  augmentation  of  the  chapelry  of  Ancroft  The  mountain  of  Simonmde^  which 
hes  south  of  Tosson  Hill,  consists  of  a  ridge  of  hills,  stretching  east  and  west.  The 
principal  hill  is  1 287  feet  above  the  level  of  t£e  Coquet.  It  has  a  l^k,  bleak  appearance^ 
and  is  wholly  covered  with  heath.  At  its  south-west  base  is  a  morass  of  many  acres 
extent,  callea  the  Boddlemos. 

On  the  eastern  extremity  of  the 
range  of  Simonside  Hills,  and  by 
Newton  Park,  is  Burgh  HUl^  upon 
which  may  stUl  be  distinctly  traced 
a  very  curious  specimen  of  British 
castrametation,  with  a  triple  ram- 
pier.  The  annexed  sketch  is  from 
a  drawing  belonging  to  Mr.  Smart, 
and  executed  by  Mr.  E.  Smith,  of 
Rothbury.  It  contains  7  acres,  1 
rood,  and  10  poles.  A  is  a  dyke, 
and  the  line  marked  B  shews  the 
limits  of  a  com  field,  £h>m  which 
a  road  runs  westward  through  this 
old  fortification.  It  is  one  of 
the.  largest  ancient  encampments 
in  the  county,  and  commands  a 
very  extensive  prospect,  including 
Alemouth  ana  Druridge  Bay, 
where  the  Saxons  and  Danes  were 
accustomed  to  land  on  their  pre- 
datory expeditions.  Between  this 
military  station  and  Simoniside,  a 

British  road  passed  from  Netherwitton,  and  proceeded  by  Tosson,  Warton,  and 
High  Trewitt,  to  Alnham,  Another  ancient  road  led  from  the  east,  and  traversing 
Brmkbum  estate,  and  part  of  Hothbury  Forest^  passed  the  KJever's  Well,  and  then 
proceeded  by  Trewitt  to  Ahiham.  A  thurd  road  stretched  from  the  North  Tyne  by 
Bellinghwn,  Elsdon,  and  the  Woodhouse  Beacon,  to  Holystone,  where  it  united  with 
the  road  from  Bremenium,  or  Rochester,  on  the  river  Reed,  and  massed  through  Borw 


ROTHBURY  PARISH.  81 

rowton  and  Netfaerton  to  Alnham.  These  three  great  roads,  being  united  at  Alnham, 
were  carried  up  past  the  Castle  Hill  to  the  fcnrtified  British  village  formerl^r  described 
at  the  junction  oi  the  rivers  Breamish  and  Linhop^passed  the  firuidical  circle  called 
Tiaee  Stone  Bum,  and  proeeeded  below  Langley  Ford  to  Kirknewton.  These  an- 
cient trackways  may  be  traced  by  the  deep-wOTn  ruts  in  the  soil,  and  were  quite  dis- 
tinct firoHi  the  B[oman  causeways  which  succeeded  them.  The  former  were 
merely  &iftways»  running  through  the  woods^  and  winding  on  the  sides  of  the  hills. 
They  were  never  raised,  and^  as  the  Rev.  T.  Lemon  observes,  had  a  peculiar  feature^ 
the  reason  ot  which  is  not  known*  of  being  divided  during  their  course  into«severai 
branches,  running  parallel  with  the  bearing  of  the  original  road.  These  roads 
appear,  however,  to  have  been  sufficiently  soUd  for  the  passage  of  cattle  and  chariots. 
In  short,  the  more  dosety  the  remains  of  the  ancient  Britons  are  examined  in  this 
county,  the  mora  reason  we  have  to  admire  their  skill  in  the  choice  of  military  sta- 
tions, md  fo  the  disposhioB  of  their  principal  roads. 

Rye-^Hill,  the  property  of  W.  Readhead,  Esq.  is  seated  on  an  eminence  which 
overlooks  the  fertile  haugfas  of  the  Coquet,  three  miles  west  from  Rothbury,  and  one 
mile  south  of  the  river*    The  prospect  from  this  place  is  rich  and  pleasing. 

Little  Toseov  stands  pfeaaantly  on  a  risii^  ground,  about  a  mile  to  the  south, 
west  fh>m  Rye^HilL  It  b  the  property  of  Thomas  Clennellt  Esq.  of  Harbottle 
Castle,  and  indudes  a  large  fiurm,  wbkix  stretches  towards  Simonside  HilL 


BicKEftTON  is  distant  one  mfle  west  trom  Little  Tosson,  and  five  miles  from  Roth* 
bury.  It  stMids  upon  a  pleasant  level,  the  moor-lands  forming  a  semicircle  on  the 
south  and  west,  and  the  Coquet-hau^hs,  with  other  rich  pastures,  on  the  north  and 
east.  Formerly  this  vfflafie  was  the  joint  property  of  four  persons,  all  of  the  name 
of  Snowdon,  whose  bastUe  buildings  are  yet  standing ;  but  none  of  the  family  have 
any  property  here  at  pesent. 

Fallowlees  is  situated  north  of  Rougfalees  Bum.  The  lough  called  FaUawlees 
Lot^k  lies  a  UtUe  to  the  north.  Hesle Y  Himsx  township  lies  between  the  Forest 
Bum  and  Magtin  Bum,  which  Sonm  the  southern  boundary  of  the  parish,  Hol- 
LiKGHiLL  stands  at  a  short  distance  north  from  the  Forest  Bum  bar.  All  the  south- 
east part  of  Ihe  parish  is  dotted  vriA  neat  famwhouses  and  comfortable  cottages.* 


*  After  the  account  of  this  porith  wim  written^  a  ewwmmeeliw  was  leceived  flom  Mr,  SmArt^  of  Trewitt, 
who  writes  08  fdllows :~"  I  fomaA  a  mfdl  ImmIl,  moMei,  Nertbiunberland  Antiquities,  in  the  Bridsh  Mu. 
seum^  giving  an  accoont  of  Caittngton  Caitk  being  defended  bjr  the  neighbouring  gently,  among  whom  were 
the  Selbys,  ChiTerings^  Horsleys,  Wlddrtngtons,  In  the  time  of  Charles  L  against  Qie  parliament  fcnrces,  headed 
by  Tempest  and  other  gentlemen  of  the  eounly  of  Dwham^  aad  the  Oreys  and  other  gentlemen  of  Northum- 
berland. After  a  few  hoars'  resistance,  the  ehronkle  condodes  with  sayings  they  surrendered  at  discretion ; 
and  their  horses,  taken  in  an  endosuM,  wvse  aM  eanSed  off/  This  gentleman  also  observes,  that  Whiiion 
Tower  came  into  the  posseadon  of  the  Percys  by  the  nMnrii^  ef  Henry,  the  first  Lord  Percy,  with  the  widow 
of  Earl  Gilbert  Umftanvflle,  who  died  IMl  j  hut  hellM  not  been  able  to  \nru  the  time  when  the  exchange 
took  place,  of  the  old  hril  wnA  glebe,  which  lay  hitsrmifid  Aneagh  the  demesne  of  Rothbuiy,  for  Whitton 
Tower  and  the  present  |jplebe  lend.    It  is  worthy  (tinmuk,  Umi  the  only  remains  ef  the  Feudal  Systemin  the 

VOL.  £L  X 


82  COQUETDALE  WARD.— W.  D. 


KIDLAND  LORDSHIP. 

The  extra-parochial  lordship  of  Kidland  is  induded  amongst  the  constableries  of 
Rothbuiy.  It  includes  a  large  tract  of  country,  extending  from  Rowhope  on  the 
Borders,  east  to  Hollop,  a  distance  of  11  miles;  and  from  the  western  extremity  of 
Cheviot  to  the  bottom  of  Kidland  Lee,  about  eight  and  a  half  miles.  This  extensive 
district  consists  of  a  number  of  loftv  verdant  liUls,  of  a  conical  f(»rm;  yet*  when 
viewed  from  the  top  of  Cheviot,  or  from  its  rival  in  height,  the  Cushit  Law,  they 
appear  like  a  number  of  beautiful  hillocks  rising  gradually  in  exact  arrangement 
The  glens  which  divide  these  hills  are  of  every  variety  of  form,  and  eidubit,  m  sum- 
mer, all  that  is  picturesque  in  the  most  beautmil  mountain  scenery. 

Neither  freestone  nor  limestone  are  found  in  Kidland ;  but  whinstone,  of  eveiy 
variety,  is  vctv  plentifiiL  Here  the  Cheviot  breed  of  sheep  are  found  in  their  full 
perfection.  The  sweet  green  herbage  on  which  they  depasture  seems  to  be  peculiarly 
favourable  for  breeding  this  useful  and  beautiful  race  of  animals.  Here  they  are 
never  attacked  by  the  rot^  and  are  seldom  subject  to  any  other  disease  excepting  what 
is  called  the  Pining;  and  that  can  easily  be  cured  by  removing  the  strag^ers  so 
aSected  for  a  few  weeks  to  a  soil  incumbent  on  freestone. 

The  weight  of  the  fleece  is,  on  an  average^  8  lb. ;  and  the  wintering  stock,  from  its 
assured  soundness,  always  sells  higher  in  propottion  to  its  weight,  than  that  belonging 
to  any  other  store-grounds  in  the  county :  yet  the  many  advanta^  that  apply  to 
those  healthy  sheep-walks  is  frequently  mixed  with  evil.  In  winter,  the  storm  often 
bursts  unexpectedly  upon  the  huls,  and  the  flocks  which  escape  the  drifting  snow  are 
compelled  to  seek  shelter  on  the  slope  of  steep  hills,  and,  if  a  sudden  thaw  succeed, 
great  numbers  are  swept  into  the  burns  below,  where  they  inevitably  perish.  Every 
precaution  is  employed  to  prevent  such  fatal  accidents,  but  frequently  without 
effect. 

Of  these  sheep  farms,  the  flocks  (if  no  particular  circumstance  occurs)  are  only  ga- 
thered or  counted  twice  in  the  year,  viz.  at  shearing  time  and  the  salving  season :  the 
latter  practice  is  now  never  performed  amimg  the  aged  sheep,  and  but  rarely  among 
the  young.  The  sheep-farmers  have  abandoned  the  absurd  custom  of  milking  their 
ewes,  and  of  throwing  their  manure  into  some  bum  during  a  flood.    Their  dung  is 

county  is  preserved  here ;  for  the  rector^  as  lord  of  tlie  manor,  commands  the  freeholders  to  work  so  many  days 
at  the  hay  and  com  harvest  Dr.  Thomas  Sharp,  in  a  paper,  intituled,  ^^The  Case  of  the  Whitton  Farms,"  says, 
"  I  find  in  a  letter  of  Dr.  Manby's,  formerly  rector  of  Rothbury  (about  the  year  1630),  that  the  Whitton  te- 
nants did  conceal  from  him,  and  probably  destroy,  a  charter,  belonging  to  the  rector;  ever  since  which  time, 
these  tenants,  or,  as  they  call  themselves,  freeholders,  have  answered  to  the  court  of  another  lord  of  the  mancM*, 
at  Bowls  Green  near  Morpeth."  But  the  rector's  right,  as  lord  of  the  manor,  is  not  now  disputed.  Warton, 
a  township  of  Hepple  barony  (see  page  71)9  in  the  beginning  of  the  last  century  belonged  to  the  Portland 
family,  Gilbert  Park,  Esq.  and  the  Potts  family,  connected  with  the  Widdringtons  of  Colt  Park.  It  now 
belongs  to  Lord  Ravensworth,  Mrs.  Crawford,  and  Robert  Spearman,  Esq.  Hepple  barony  was  sold  by  the 
Eiuke  of  Portland,  in  1803,  for  80,000/.  to  Sir  John  Buchanan  Riddle^  Bart  of  Riddle  House,  in  Roxburgh- 
shire. He  still  retains  Hepple  township,  Rimpside  Wood,  and  ISOO  acres  of  heath,  &c.  The  only  instance 
of  remarkable  longevity  at  present  in  the  parish  is  a  woman  at  Whitton,  named  Isabella  Bum^  now  in  tlie 
104th  year  of  her  age.    She  is  grandmother  of  Mrs.  Ramsay,  of  Netherwitton. 


ROTHBURY  PARISH.  88 

now  applied  to  enrich  their  meadows*  It  is  not  uncommon. to  see  here  several  years' 
growth  of  hay  standing  in  as  many  stac^  all  of  which  is  sometimes  consumed  during 
one  severe  winter.  Lately,  howevw^  in  such  seasons,  it  has  become  usual  to  convey 
the  sheep  to  turnips  iQ  the  lower  lands. 

The  inhabitants  of  this  district  retained  many  of  the  peculiar  customs  and  manners 
oftiieJBorderers  longer,  perhaps,  than  those  of  any  other  part  of  the  county.  Their 
houses  were  alWaysbuilt  in  a  tow  glen,  by  the  side  of  a  rivulet,  and  were  formed  of 
whinstone,  daubed  with  mud,  mixed  pernaps  with  a  small  pr^mcartion  of  lime.  The 
farmers  usually  paid  their  rents  yearly, -.on. St.  Andrew*s  day,  at  i^ewcastle,  when  they 
generally  provided  groceries,  which,  ^ith  a  stock  of  salted  beef,  whiskey,  and  a  few 
other  necessary  artides,  served  them  until  the  long  and  dreary  winter  was  past,  and  they 
seldom  visited  any  other  market  until  ihe  succeeding  summer.  Like  all  other  people 
devoted  to  a  tame,  languid,  and  insipid  occupation,  they  were  fond  of  strong  liquors, 
which  exhilarate  the  spirits,  and,  by  a  temporary  madness,  vary  the  unifomti  circula- 
tion of  thought.  Cards  also  was  a  favourite  pastime  when  they  met  in  parties.  On 
the  north  brink  of  the  Coquet  is  a  whinstone  rock,  on  which  stood  formerly  a  whis- 
key-house, called  Slyme-foot^  which  was  the  winter  rendezvous  of  all  the  iteighbourinff 
sheep-farmers :  here  they  resigned  themselves  to  gambling  and  hard  drinking ;  an<i  • 
lost  m  a  whirl  of  dissipation  to  all  care  and  recollection,  the  days  passed  by  unheeded, 
while  llieir  servants  travelled  to  and  fro  t6*  receive  orders  and  transmit  intelligence. 
These  ruinous  excesses,  however,  at  last  reached  the  ears  of  the  late  Dr.  Thomas 
Sharp,  rector  of  Rothbury,  and  archdeacon  of  Northum^berland,  who  threatened  the 
offenders  with  ecclesiastioBl  punishment  if  they  did  not  desist,  and  weekly  attend 
their  respective  places  of  worship.  His  it^ilnctions  had  the  desired-  effect ;  and  since 
that  time  no  such  riotous  assemolies  have  been  held ;  while  the  superi<ff  knowledge 
and  correct  conduct  of  the  present  sheep-farmers  have  operated  to  produce  a  corres- 
pondent change  in  the  character  of  their  servants. 

The  shepherds  in  Kidland  are  peculiarly  attached  to  their  dogs ;  and  not  without 
reason,  for  the  sagacity,  activity,  and  discrimination  of  these  animals,  are  truly  sur- 
prising, and  would  scarceW-  be  credited  \^  those  who  have  not  had  an  opportunity  of 
observing  their  actions.  On  setting  out  in  a  morning,  the  dog,  without  receiving  any 
instructions,  takes  a  round  to  scour  the  skirts  of  his  limits ;  in  doing  which  lie  is 
careful  to  detect  and  drive  any  stranger  that  may  attempt  to  intrude  within  his 
liberties,  and  to  reclaim  such  stragglers  as  have  wandered  from  his  own  flock.  *  His 
master  has  nothing  to  do  but  to  repair  to  a  certain  station,  where  the  industrious  ani- 
mal never  fails  to  meet  him.  If  aU  be  well,  he  returns  cheerfully ;  but  if  a  dead 
sheep  be  within  his  tract  (which  he  discovers  by  the  smell),  he  approaches  his  master 
in  a  dejected  manner,  and  leads  him  to  the  spot  where  the  carcase  lies. 

One  of  the  most  interesting  objects  in  Kidland  is  MUkhope  HiU^  on  the  south^sides 
of  which  are  the  traces  of  entrenchments,  which  were  probably  formed  by  the  primi- 
tive inhabitants  of  this  district  Opposite  to  the  east  comer  is  a  tremendous  steep, 
over  which  a  sheet  of  water  dashes  with  terrific  fury.  This  obscure  and  rugged  spot 
is  a  safe  asylum  for  innumerable,  flocks  of  carrion  crows,  and  other  voracious  birds, 
that  prey  upon  the  lambs  in  the  yeaning  season. 

Jnemmerkirk  stood  on  the  north  side  of  the  Alwine,  at  the  foot  of  the  Ctishit  Imw^ 
whose  lofty  summit  seems  lost  among  the  clouds ;  Milkhape  Big  sheltered  it  on  the 


U  COQUETDALE  WARD—S.  D. 

eadt,  and  Heigh  Big,  on  the  west  The  atuation  is  nngiilaily  romantic^  and  iti 
beauty  is  ccMisiderably  unproved  hj  a  pleasant  and  fertile  :^t  of  land  which  adjoins 
the  water.  The  kirK  is  now  in  nuns,  and  its  oomplete^  destruction  is  accelerated  in 
consequence  of  part  of  its  stones  being  annually '^nployed  in  repauring  a  neighbouring 
sheep-pool 

Tne  beautiful  sheep-walks  in  Kidknd  were  formerly  the  scene  of  ccmstant  theft 

and  snuiiuef  and  were  occupied  with  little  mao&L    When  the  descendants  of  Diek  cf 

tihe  dow^  and  Kinmont  Willie,  and  Jock  a  the  Side,  ware  labouring  in  the  Toeation 

.  of  their  fathers,  the  flocks  and  herds  of  thek  neigfaboiurs  were  always  in  jeopardy. 

This  state  of  *^  rief  and  felonie"  is  well  described  in  a  Border  ballad  :— 


*«  Rookhope  ttandf  in  a  pleasant  place.  But  lunnwr  thiefat  drives  tken  away. 

If  tbe  fitbe  fliieres  wad  let  it  be;  That  feaia  adtber  heavtn  nor  bcU? 

Bat  away  they  steal  ^ur  goods  apace. 

And  ewr  an  iU  deaUi  may  they  dee  I  Tbeii  fai  at  tLooldko/jpe  head  they  oenaii^ 

Th^  rim  tbe  fiirest  hut  a  aoile^ 

Ah  met  is  not  this  a  pitiful  ease.  They  galher'd together  in  four  houra 

That  mea  dase  not  driva  their  gocNh  to  the  ftll.  Six  hundred  aheep  within  a  while.** 


£v«i  so  kte  as  the  year  l€Sl,  Kidland  lordship  was  let  for  £5  a  year.  In  173I«  it 
let  for  £400  a  year;  and  a  few  years  ago,  it  was  let  by  the  iHrqirietor,  Sir  ThoGoaa 
Legard,  Bart,  of  Yoricshire,  fcNr  £8000  par  annum ;  and  besides  this  estate  there  are 
several  small  frediolds  in  this  lordship.  The  astonishing  rise  in  the  value  of  these 
sheep-ffums  is  priiiGipally  to  be  attributed  to  the  increased  security  of  possestdon,  and 
tbe  various  and  multiplied  blessaigs  of  intenuJ  peaee,* 


SOUTH   BlVISIOIf. 


ELSDON  PARISH, 


This  extensive  parish  includes  the  whole  of  the  south  division  of  Coquetdale  Ward* 
It  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  Rothbury  parish,  on  the  north-east  and  north  by  Holy- 
iitone  and  Ahvinton,  on  the  north-west  by  Roxburghshire,  on  the  south-west  by  Fal^ 
stone  and  Bellingham,  and  on  the  south  by  Corsenside.  From  Reed  Square,  on  the 
Borders,  it  extends  above  18  miles,  in  a  Kne  east  by  south,  to  Darden  jLough ;  but 
the  breadth  is  scarcely  one-third  of  the  length.  It  is  divided  into  six  wards,  viz, 
Elsdon  ward,  Monkridge  ward,  Otterbum  ward,  Rochester  ward,  Troughend  ward, 
Woodside  ward,  and  iRetmshooe,  extra-parochial ;  and  contains  3S3  houses,  and  1855 
inhabitants.  This  large  paristi  is  but  very  tikiinly  peopled.  The  lands  being  il! 
adapted  to  the  growth  of  grain,  agricultural  pursuits  attract  little  attention,  further 
than  to  meet  the  wants  of  their  own  families.  Indeed,  the  whole  parish  a  few  years 
ago  contained  little  else  than  large  neglected  heaths^  and  extensive  morvs&es,  wM^ 

•  See  Northumberland  and  Newcastle  Mag.  vol.  i.  p.  235. 


ELSDON  PARISH.  85 

exhibited  the  most  desolate  appearance.  But  the  spirit  of  improvement  has  lately 
changed  the  face  of  these  imciutivated  wUds,  and  large  tracts  of  barren  moor  have 
been  inclosed,  and  converted  into  grazing  ground,  for  the  rearing  and  feeding  of  both 
cattle  and  sheep.  Since  the  low  grounds  were  drained,  the  former  mortality  amongst 
the  sheep  has  greatly  decreased.  The  old  grass  lands  here  are  also  of  excellent  qua. 
Uty,  and  are  used  with  advantage  for  the  feeding  of  black  cattle ;  and  for  grazing 
milch  cows  they  cannot  be  exceeded,  the  abundance  and  quality  of  the  grass  render-* 
ing  the  produce  of  the  dairy  greater  than  in  almost  any  other  part. 

Kedesdale  was  anciently  covered  with  wood,  which  has  long  ago  been  extirpated.* 
In  the  forests  of  the  Reed  and  Tyne,  those  brave  and  dexterous  archers  were  reared, 
who  often  tried  their  skill  with  the  bold  foresters  of  Ettrick  Forest. 

"  In  Redesdale  his  youth  had  heard  Announcing  Jedwood's  axe  and  spear. 

Each  art  her  wily  dalesmen  dared.  And  Lid'sdale  riders  in  the  rear; 

When  Rooken-edge  and  Redswair  high  And  well  his  venturous  life  had  proved 

To  bugle  rung  and  blood-hounds'  cry.  The  lessons  that  his  childhood  loved.** 

Rokebtf,  canto  m .  s.  S. 

Hedesdale,  at  the  conquest,  was  given  to  Robert  de  Umfranville,  on  condition  of 
keeping  it  free  from  wolves  and  thieves.f    The  former  were  soon  and  easily  reduced  ; 

^  At  the  era  of  the  Roman  invasion,  Northumberland  was  probably  in  its  natural  state^  with  the  defenceft 
of  hill  forts,  and  the  communiciitiQiis  of  tract  ways ;  tibe  inhabitants  feeding  on  the  milk  and  flesh  of  their 
cattle.  Even  after  the  Romans  erected  their  wall,  settled  their  stations,  made  their  roads,  and  planted  their 
villas,  cultivation  seems  to  have  been  confined  principally  to  the  fbrtile,  sheltered,  and  protected  vale  of  the 
Tyne.  The  extension  of  husbandry  was  reserved  for  the  Saxons;  but  still  the  forests  and  woods  constituted 
At  once  the  chief  beauty  and  riches  of  the  country.  Numerous  herds  of  swine  and  cattle,  and  a  very  hardy 
race  of  horses,  found  food  and  shelter  in  the  woodlands.  Long  after  the  Norman  conquest^  this  county  was 
covered  with  natural  wood.  These  were,  however,  destroyed  in  the  savage  contests  that  so  long  desolated 
the  county;  and  "  what  of  wood  the  waste  of  war  had  spared^  when  inveteracy  prompted  destruction,  more 
recent  rapacity  has  felled." 

Besides  the  extensive  Forests  of  Redesdale,  Cheviot,  Rothbury,  Earsdon,  Lowes,  Allendale,  and  Knarefr« 
dale,  many  places  derive  their  names  from  their  woods*  For  instance,  we  have  Screnwood,  where  a  single 
tree  does  not  now  grow,  Reedswood,  Scotchwood,  Lipwood,  Harwood,  Chesterwood,  Norwood,  Stobswood, 
Pegswood,  Clarewood,  Hogswood,  Ratchwood,  Coltingwood,  Babswood,  Sidwood,  Weetwood,  Kingswood, 
Donkley wood,  Westwood,  Broadwood,  Moorwood,  Threapwood,  Wilkwood,  Lilswood,  Eastwood,  Highwood, 
Featherwood,  Hianswood,  Toddlewood,  Edgewood,  Galewood,  Hillywood,  Widdrington  (Woodrington)  and 
Woodbum,  Woodside,  Woodhalls,  and  Woodhouses.  There  are  also  Oak  wood,  Oakpool,  Oakerland,  Oakey* 
side,  Oakaleon,  and  OakhalL  Many  places  are  named  Shaws,  from  the  Saxon  Shaw,  meaning  a  copsewood ; 
and  there  are  many  compound  appellations,  as  Stagshaw,  Birkshaw,  Longshaw,  Sportyshaw,  Fairshaw,  Bucki 
•haw,  Hangingshaw,  Ramshaw,  Elishaw,  Henshaw,  Pondershaw,  Akenshaw,  Gallyshaw,  Shawdon,  &c.  Ash 
trees,  Ashington,  Harewillows,  and  many  places  named  Hezleys,  Birks,  Hirsts  (a  small  wood),  and  Ellera 
(alders),  indicate  their  ancient  growth  and  appearance.  Many  wooded  valleys,  which  the  Saxons  termed 
Deans,  still  retain  much  of  their  sylvan  scenery.  Several  parts  have  been  lately  much  improved,  and  en-« 
riched  with  extensive  plantations ;  but  many  of  the  hiDs  are  covered  with  scrubby  firs,  which  add  little  either 
to  the  value  or  the  beauty  of  the  land. 

t  "  Upon  search,  it  was  found  in  one  of  the  books  of  knights'  fees,  in  the  custody  of  the  king's  remam-^ 
brancer,  that  Gilbert  de  Humfranvill,  in  14ji8,  held  Biddesdale  per  r^alem  poUstaiem,  by  royal  power^ 

YQL.  II. — (25)  Y 


S6  COQUETDALE  WAttD.— S.  D. 

but  the  latter  retained  their  ground  in  this  quarter  until  a  very  recent  periods  Tke 
cairns  of  stones  scattered  over  the  whole  dale,  and  the  large  stones  that  have  been  er€!Ct- 
ei,  attest  the  many  battles  and  skirmishes  that  in  remote  times  have  taken  place  in  this 
district.  The  Saxons  and  Danes,  who  successively  emigrated  into  the  woods  and 
mountains  of  Redesdale,  uniformly  adopted  the  independent  habits  and  maraudings 
pursuits  of  the  British  inhabitants.  Contemning  the  restraints  of  law,  and  indifferent 
to  the  quarrels  of  kings,  they  lived  by  plundering  their  richer  and  less  warlike  neigh- 
bours. When  the  executive  i>ower  became  sumdently  strong  to  repress  these  disor- 
ders, the  turbulency  of  disposition,  and  aversion  from  restraint^  wnich  had  always 
distinguished  the  men  of  Redesdale,  were  displayed  in  their  fondness  of  litigious  suits^ 
In  the  former  part  of  the  last  century,  the  county-court  at  Ahiwick  was  constantly 
crowded  with  the  people  of  Elsdon.  At  this  time,  al3o,  the  most  inveterate  animosity 
existed  between  them  and  the  inhabitants  of  Rothbury,  as  was  before  hinted,  on 
mentioning  the  family  of  Potts,  of  Warton.  At  all  public  meetings,  the  prowess  of 
both  parties  was  displayed  in  a  desperate  match  at  au^h,  and,  whatever  was  the 
result,  each  party,  hke  the  mighty  armies  of  the  European  empires,  generally  claimed 
the  victory. 

The  lands  in  Elsdon  parish  were  formerly  divided  among  a  number  oi  little  free- 
holders ;  but  the  general  propensity  of  the  descendants  of  the  Northumbrian  Border^ 
ers  for  ^mbling  and  pubhc  sports,  was  continually  involving  th&n  in  ^nbarrassments, 
and  their  estates  gradually  passed  into  the  possession  of  the  more  prudent  gentl^nen 
of  the  law.  To  such  a  length  was  their  improvidence  carried,  that  a  correspondent^ 
of  the  strictest  veracity,  informed  us,  that  he  was  personally  acquainted  with  upwards 
of  forty  freeholders  in  Elsdon  parish,  who  neither  themselves  nor  their  descendants 
are  now  possessed  of  an  inch  of  ground ! 

Martin  Hall,  in  1708,  left  by  will  £24  to  the  poor  of  Elsdon,  which  was  converted 
into  a  rent-charge,  and  vested  in  Colonel  Reed,  previous  to  the  year  1786.  John 
Hedley,  in  1746,  left  £40  for  the  same  purpose.  A  dividend  of  3s.  Qd.  in  the  pound 
upon  this  donation  was  received,  many  years  ago,  by  Gabriel  Goldbum,  without  any 
security  for  principal  or  interest.  In  1748,  10*.  per  annum  was  left  by  Cuthbert 
Fenwick,  for  the  education  of  the  poor ;  but  which  was  never  so  applied^  and  the 
person  who  now  possesses  the  lands  pleads  the  Mortmain  Act.  There  is  a  school  in 
every  ward  of  this  parish  except  Monkridge ;  and  another  at  Bymess,  for  the  gratui- 
tous instruction  of  twelve  children.  The  Kev.  Thomas  Singleton,  rector,  says,  "  The 
poor  of  Elsdon  make  great  sacrifices  to  obtain  the  means  of  education  for  tneir  chil^- 
dren :  but  the  number  allowed  to  attend  the  Bymess  school,  free,  is  seldom  collected ; 

There  was  no  species  of  tenure  in  England  known  by  the  name  of  royal  poller.  I  do  humbly  apprehend, 
that  in  this  case  the  tenure  was  barony,  accompanied  with  a  full  power  c^  a  Lord  Marcher  foreagainst  Scot- 
land, like  that  baronial  power  which  was  anciently  vested  in  the  Earl  of  Chester,  for  the  time  being,  or  some 
other  great  Lord  Marcher,  foreagainst  Wales."  (Madox,  Bar,  Ang.p,  244.)  In  the  lOth  of  queen  Eliza- 
beth, 1567,  this  ^*  province"  belonged  to  the  crown.  Sir  John  Freeman  Mitford,  iji  the  ancient  Northumbrian 
fiimily  of  that  name,  is  a  large  proprietor  in  Redesdale,  and  was  advanced  to  the  peerage  by  patent,  dated 
February  15,  1S02,  by  the  title  of  Baron  Redesdale  of  Redetdak  in  the  County  qf  Northumberland;  but  the 
Duke  of  Northumberland  is  lord  panunount  of  the  district,  fiir  which  he  holds  a  couit-leet  at  Elsdon.  Bedes* 
dale  includes  the  whole  of  Corsendde  parish,  in  Tynedak  Ward. 


ELSDON  PARISH.  87 

Yior  do  the  shepherds  seem  to  shew  any  great  inclination  to  avail  themselves  of  the 
bp^rtunity ;  partly  because  the  chapel  is  situated  in  the  most  unfrequented  part  of 
the  parish,  and  partly  from  an  unaeemmtaUe  prejudiee  amongst  the  lower  ranks 
against  any  thing  which  is  given  ubiohOdy  gratuitomsly^  It  is,  perhaps,  to  be  re^ 
gretted  that  the  "  prejudice**  c^ahist  receiving  what  is  given  "  gratuitously,"  has  de- 
dined  so  much  in  England.    This  feeling  is  the  source  of  industry  and  independence. 

Elsdon,  or  Elsden,  is  distant  SI  miles  west«nmrth-west  from  Morpeth,  and  29 
miles  north-west  from  Newcastle*  It  is  pleasantly  situated  upon  a  plain^  dedininff  to 
the  east  and  south,  through  which  runs  a  fine  rivulet,  called  Elsdcm  Bum,  which  laUs 
into  the  Reed.  It  is  a  strangling  built  town,  indosing  a  considerable  space  of  ground, 
and  containing  SI  inhabited  nouses,  induding  three  public  houses,  many  of  which  are 
tolerably  well  built  Here  is  a  ftir  on  the  S6th  of  August  for  a  few  cattle,  and  some 
articles  of  merchandize.  The  church,  whidi  is  dedicated  to  St.  Cuthbert,  stands  on 
the  west  side  of  the  village.  It  is  a  small  andent  structure,  and  has  once  been  much 
larger  on  the  north  side,  '^  In  dearing  away  the  earth  recumbent  affainst  the  north 
transept,  the  bones  of  upwards  of  one  hundred  persons  were  lately  found,  regularly 
deposit^  in  double  rows,  the  skull  of  one  altematdy  lying  between  the  tiiigh-bones 
of  another.  Behind  the  dianoel  was  also  found  a  tomb-stone»  with  a  cross  and  a 
sword  carved  upon  it ;  the  monument  of  a  young  man,  as  appeared  by  the  beautiful 
freshness  of  his  teeth.*'*  The  living  is  a  rectory,  in  the  gift  of  the  Duke  of  North- 
umberland, and  is  valued  in  the  king^s  books  at  £20 ;  though  the  real  value  was  latdy 
estimated  at  about  fSOOO.f    The  reetoryJumse  stands  at  a  small  distance  from  tfaie 

^  Beauties  of  England^  vol.  xii.  part  i.  page  145. 

t  The  Rev.  Louis  Dutens  (or  DuckiUonJ,  A.  M.  and  F.  R.  S.  Historiographer  to  his  Majesty,  and  Hono- 
rary Member  of  the  French  Academy  of  BeUes  Lettres,  held,  during  a  considaBble  period^  this  yalaalilo 
Kving.  He  was  a  French  adventurer,  of  a  limited  edacation,  and  of  very  ordinary  talents;  yet  by  the  ''arts 
of  subservient  assiduity  and  persciveiing  cajokBoent,"  he  was  eminently  suocesaful  in  promoting  his  own  inte^ 
rests  and  aggrandisement.  He  wrote  severnl  literary  and  antiquarian  trifles^  and  published  an  account  of  his 
own  life,  under  the  tide  o£  **  Memoirs  of  a  Traveller,  now  in  Retirement"  The  Edinburgh  Reviewers  (voL 
vin.  p.  347)  conclude  an  analysis  of  this  work,  which  first  appeared  in  the  French  language,  in  these  words: 
''Upon  the  whole,  our  opinion  of  this  work  and  of  its  author  is  nearly  the  same.  Neither  the  merits  of  the 
one,  noir  the  life  of  the  other,  daim  any  considerable  portimi  of  our  req>ect  Of  the  various  capacities  in 
whidi  he  has  appeared— «s  an  author  of  fimgotlen  books — an  attendant  upop  the  rich  and  great— « leader  of 
tiieir  children  round  the  tour  of  Europe--*  dergyman-^  charge  d'affcure$'''4bit  historian  of  his  own  life  and 
time— and  a  measurer  of  the  poat-roads  on  the  Cooitinent— we  chiefly  value  him  in  his  last  function.  ^  ^ 
*  *  *  His  life  has  been  one  that  ftequently  brings  kaming  and  wit  mto  eontempt,  by  subjectmg  those 
pure  and  estimable  gills  to  the  cqiriees  of  rank,  and  the  vulgar  influence  of  wealth ;  and  that  Mr.  Dutens  can 
only  now  daim  oar  respect  in  his  quality  of  a  wonMn^  odomelar,  which  may  have  been  serviceable  in  its 
day."  Mr.  Dutens  was  most  liberally  patrouiaed  by  the  Northumberland  family;  and  one  of  his  opulent 
friends,  Mr.  Mackenaio  Stuart,  brother  of  Lord  Bisfee,  bequeathed  him  property  to  the  amount  of  15,000A 
''The  parishioners  at  Elsdon,**  says  a  writer  in  the  Newcastle  Magazine  for  April,  1823,  ''expressed  much 
dissatisfaction  when  they  learnt  that  a  fiireigner  was  established  wk  their  minister,  and  on  his  first  visit  to  take 
possession  of  his  benefice,  his  appearance  confirmed  the  dislike;  but  in  preaching  the  first  sermoi^  the  dis- 
content rose  to  clamorous  of^Kwition,  one  and  all  dedaru^p  tbcgf  had  net  nfldavslood  «  single  word  of  his  dis* 


88  COQUETDALE  WARD^S.  D. 

church,  and  commands  a  veiy  fine  piospect.  It  is  a  6trong  ancient  tower,  with  a  cir- 
cular staircase  at  one  comer.  Its  lowest  story  is  spanned  with  one  large  arch.  On 
its  front  is  the  Umfranville  arms,  underneath  which  is  a  mutilated  inscription,  in  this 
form :  "  it«  IB«  He  ttbt  f"  which  Hutchinson  reads,  Robertus  or  Rofferus  Dom.  de 
Rede,  and  which,  he  imagines,  refers  to  Umfranville,  Lord  of  Frudhoe,  who  died 
about  the  year  1325.  The  rectory  was  lately  much  repaired  and  greatly  improved.. 
It  is  surrounded  by  a  fine  shrubbery  and  thriving  plantations. 

The  lordship  of  Elsdon  was  in  the  possession  of  Luke  Clennel^  of  Clennel, 
Esq.  18  king  Edward  I.  in  which,  and  in  his  lordship  of  Clennel,  he  then  had  a  mant 
of  free-warren.  In  the  reign  of  king  Edward  VI.  it  was  in  the  possession  of  Sir 
Ralph  Grey,  of  Chillingham,  and  of  his  son,  Thomas  Grey,  10  queen  Elizabeth,  then 
a  minor ;  and  lately  of  Charles  Howard,  Es^j.  of  Overacres,  whose  son  sold  it,  with 
the  patronage  of  the  rectory  of  Elsdon,  and  his  paternal  seat  and  estate  of  Overacres,^ 
to  the  first  Uuke  of  Northumberland,  to  whose  noble  family  it  now  belongs^ 

This  town  stands  two  miles  east  from  Watling-street,  and  lays  claim  to  a  very  high 
antiquity.  It  is  supposed  to  have  been  a  Roman  town  in  the  time  of  M^  Aurelius 
Antoninus;  and  General  Roy  states  it  to  have  been  the  first  of  a  chain  of  forts 
between  Watling-street  and  its  eastern  branch,  called  the  Devil's  Causeway ;  the  se^ 
cond  having  been  on  the  Coquet,  behind  Hepple,  on  a  hill  now  called  Hetchester. 
The  Mote  Hill  stands  at  a  little  distance  north-eaat  from  the  town.  It  is  of  a 
conical  shape,  and  appears  to  have  been  so  formed  by  art.  It  is  surrounded  by  a 
jnoat,  which  was  ten  yards  deep,  and  which  is  only  in  part  filled  up.  On  the  north 
side,  where  the  defence  is  weakest,  it  has  been  strengthened  by  a  breast-work.  Mr^ 
Wallis  thinks  that  it  has  been  used  as  a  watch-hill,  and  for  the  purposes  of  sepulture. 
The  ancient  uses  of  these  hiUs,  and  the  derivation  of  the  term  Mote  MiU^  has  been 
already  examined.  (See  vol.  i.  p.  340  and  378.)  During  the  time  of  the  Romans, 
this  mount  has  been  used  both  for  the  purposes  of  religion  and  sepulture.  The  bones 
of  animals,  which  were  supposed  to  have  been  used  in  sacrifice,  have  frequently  been 

course^  and  a  petition  to  the  bishop  for  relief  was  the  theme  of  every  tongue.  Although  well  informed  of  all 
that  was  passings  he  appeared  to  know  nothing  of  the  matter,  but  freely  mixed  among  the  pecq»l€  with  the 
most  winning  and  chearful  condescension,  and  in  going  round  the  parish,  he  personally  invited  to  dine  with 
him,  at  the  Old  Castle,  as  many  of  the  higher  class  as  his  table  would  accommodate.  On  the  appointed  day, 
as  they  arrived,  they  were  shewn  into  a  room,  and  when  the  whole  had  met,  he  entered  the  room  with  ex-» 
pressions  of  the  utmost  surprise  at  seeing  them  there,  declaring  that  he  had  no  reason  to  expect  the  hoeoiir  of^ 
a  visit  from  any  one  of  them  on  that  day.  One  of  them  very  warmly  appealed  to  himself  if  he  had  Uiioft  ip 
person  invited  tiiem  to  dine  with  him.  *  Oh,  yes  V  returned  the  clerical  humourist,  *  Oh,  yes  V  ny  ^^  gool 
friend,  I  did  invite  you,  and  you,  and  you,  to  my  dine,  but  you  all  say,  every  one  of  you  8ay>  you.  no-  underii 
stand  one  word  I  speak.  Oh  ho !  very  goot,  when  I  preach  you  from  my  pulpit,  you  no  understand  my 
speak,  but  when  I  invite  you  to  my  goot  dine,  you  very  well  understand !'  it  was  instantly  perceived  that 
the  play  off  was  a  good-humoured  joke  upon  themselves,  and  a  hearty  laugh  at  each  other  was  the  |H«]ude 
to  the  dinner  bell.  By  similar  practices  of  pleasing  ehearfulness,  he  in  time  conciliated  his  parishioners,  and 
still  more  by  being  commendably  moderate  in  the  exaction  of  his  tithes,"  Mr.  Dutena  died  in  London,  May 
S,  1819,  in  the  8dd  year  of  his  age. 

*  Mr.  Hedley  says  that  acer,  or  4ker,  now  used  for  a  certain  space  or  measure  of  ground,  formerly  signified 
a  field.    Overacres  is,  therefore,  Saxon  for  €he  Upper  Firids. 


£LS]X)N  PARISH.  89 

foHnd  bilried  in  this  hill,  besides  small  urns,  containing  the  ashes  of  burnt  bones,  and 
some  imperfect  Roman  altars.  '^From  its  name,  however,"  observes  Mr.  Hedkv, 
**  it  is  evident  that  the  Mote  Hill  (which  I  believe  to  be  the  most  perfect  and  remark* 
able  earth-work  with  this  appellation  to  be  found  in.  Northumberland)  was  afterwards 
in  the  occupation  of  the  ^xons.  Hence,  probablv,  its  name,  £J^-don,  from  the 
Anglo-Saxon,  eMe^  old,  and  dun^  or  dcm^  a  hill,  or  K>rt  upon  a  hill ;  referring  to  its 
ancient  occupation  by  the  Romans,  ^/^-bury,  in  Scotland,  is  translated  by  Baxter, 
anti  qua  arx.  It  may,  however,  have  been  the  Hun^  or  fort,  of  EUa ;  a  common 
name  among  the  Saxons."*  Fabidous  tradition  relates  that  a  giant,  called  Ella,  resided 
here,  and  committed  great  ravages  in  the  neighbourhood. 

Two  Roman  altars,  inscribed  to  the  local  deity,  Matu- 
nu8,  were  discovered  at  this  place;  and  two  others,  dedi-     1.  dec  matvno... 
cated  4o  M.  Aurelius  Antoninus.    Mr.  Horsley  has  given        peg  salvte. 
the  annexed  inscriptions  found  here.    No.  S  was  removed 
to  Durham,  where  it  now  is.     The  lines  which  are  want-    2.  B...NO  generis 
ing  have  been  evidently  struck  out  with  a  tool ;  which  is        hvman.  impe 

usually  observed  to  have  been  practised  on  revolutions  in        rante  c 

the  empire,  or  upon  the  person's  f^ng  into  disgrace  who        

is  mentioned  in  the  inscription.      Tnis  particularly  is        aug.  pr.  pr.  posvit 
thought  to  have  been  done  with  rektion  to  Geta,  by  the        ac  dedicavit 

order  of  his  brother  Caracalla,  in  some  other  inscriptions  in        c.  a.  acil 

Britain.    The  author  of  Britannia  Romana  cannot  think 

that  the  name  of  Geta  has  been  upon  this  altar ;  for  this  neither  agrees  with  the  letter 
C,  yet  very  plain  and  visible,  nor  with  the  sequel  of  the  inscription,  which  is  tery  dear 
and  distinct.  Bono  generis  £[umani  Invperante  Caipumio  Agricola  Legato  Awu^taU 
Prapraetare  posuit  ac  dedicavit  Coins  Aubis  Aciliue.  The  first  words  in  the  fiiui  line 
are  undoubtedly  AuguetaU  Propraetore,  which  makes  it  certain,  that  Legato^  and  the 
name  of  the  lieutenant,  have  gone  before,  according  to  the  usual  form.  Supposing 
Calpumius  Agricola  to  be  the  name  that  has  been  designedly  erased,  he  believes  that 
as  the  letters  will  exactly  fill  up  the  empty  space,  so  mat  supply  wifi  suit  very  well, 
both  with  what  goes  before  and  what  fduows.  Imperante  Valpurmo  Agricok^  he 
takes  to  be  the  same  with  sub  Caipumio  Agricola,  or  ^erhsL'psJussu  Calpumii  Agrico^ 
lae,  which  so  frequently  occurs  in  such  sort  of  subscriptions.  There  i&  some  difficulty 
in  forming  a  notion  of  the  meaning  of  an  altar  erected  Sano  generis  humani ;  but  this 
may  seem  as  intelligible  as  an  altar  erected  Bano/fatOi  Bono  eeentid,  &c.  and  perhaps 
has  mudi  the  same  meaning.  There  are  coins  with  Saius  Generis  humani  upon  them. 
If  the  conjecture  concerning  Caipumius  Agricola  be  admitted,  it  will  then  follow, 
that  this  inscription  belongs  to  the  time  of  M.  AureUus  Antoninus,  whose  legate  this 
AgficoiayrB&  \  and  consequently  that  the  Romans  were  in  his  time  possessed  of  this 
station. 

Some  have  thought  that  both  No.  1  and  2  are  fragments  of  the  same  stone,  and 
that  they  should  be  read  thus : — Deo  Mahmopro  salute  et  bono  generis  humani  irnpe^ 

rante  Geta  Augusta  sub legato  augusfa6  propratore  posuit  ac  dedicavit  Caius 

Auhbs  AciUus Mr.  Horsley,  however,  did  not  entirely  coincide  in  this  readings 

for  the  reasons  above  given,  and  because  these  two  altars  <^d  not  seem  to  him  to  bQ 
fragments  of  the  same  stone. 

VOL,  II.  Z 


90  COQUETDALE  WARD— S.  D. 

The  ODuntry  around  Elsdon  consists  of  valuable  grazing  ground*  To  the  east  lies 
a  tract  of  sterile,  bleak,  and  dismal  moorlands,  on  which  is  the  noted  crag  of  Key- 
heugh,  and  that  named  Cloven*crag,  at  the  distance  of  about  half  a  mile  m»n  each 
other.  Near  the  former,  on  the  border  of  Rothbury  parish,  is  Darden  Lough,  in 
which  leeches  used  fo  be  caught.  About  a  mile  south-west  of  Elsdon  is  a  lofty  emi- 
nence called  CroUawJaw^  which  commands  an  extensive  prospect  of  the  vale  of  Reed. 

WooDSiDE. — This  township  includes  an  extensive  tract  <^  land  of  various  qualities, 
mostly  tillable,  lying  to  the  northward  of  Elsdon.  It  was  formerly  oove^  with 
wood,  of  which  httle  now  remains.  Coal  has  been  found  in  various  parts  of  this  dis- 
trict. The  buildings  are  mostly  what  are  called  PeeU^  and  were  formerly  inhabited 
by  their  respective  proprietors. 

About  thirty-five  years  ago,  a  ffreat  crime  was  committed  here.  The  profligate 
leader  of  a  Faw  gang^  accompanied  by  two  female  associates,  entered,  under  cover  of 
the  night,  ^into  the  house  of  an  old  single  woman,  named  Margaret  Crozier,  who  was 
reported  to  be  possessed  of  some  money,  and  after  murd^ing  ner  in  th^  most  shock* 
ing  manner,  plundered  the  house,  and  retired  undiscovered.  This  horrid  act  roused 
the  indignation  of  the  public ;  the  notorious  William  Winter  (whose  father  and  bro* 
ther  were  executed  together  at  Morpeth  a  few  years  before)  and  his  two  companions 
(of  the  name  of  Clark,  of  a  family  equally  notorious)  were  suspect^  and,  in  oonse- 

3uence  of  the  activity  of  the  kte  Walter  Trevelyan,  Esq.  apprehended  and  con- 
emned,  on  the  clearest  evidence.  The  bodies  of  tne  misguided  ^Is  were  ffiven  to 
the  surgeons  for  dissection,  and  that  of  Winter  was  hung*  in  chams  near  the  place 
wh^e  the  barbarous  deed  was  conunitted*  This  loathsome  spectacle  at  length  fell 
into  pie6es,  and  another  gibbet^  on  which  the  rude  figure  of  a  nian  in  wood  is  sus- 
pended, now  occupies  its  place.  v.  r 

^  Ottebburn  is  a  remarkably  pleasant  village,  situated  on  the  north  side  of  the 
liver  Reed,  three  miles  west  from  Elsdon.  its  name  is  derived  £rom  the  rivulet 
called  Ottet^  which  runs  by  the  west  side  of  the  village.  This  place  is  famous  for 
being  the  scene  <^  one  of  the  most  bloody  and  best  contested  actions  that  was  ever 
fought  between  two  gallant  armies,  led  on  by  chiefs  renowned  for  valour,  honour, 
and  generosity.  The  natural  partiality  of  native  historians  has  induced  them  to  re- 
present the  combat  in  different  lights ;  but  fortunately  we  have  a  very  circumstantial 
narrative  of  the  whole  affair  from  Sir  John  Froissart,  an  esteemed  French  writer,  who 
lived  at  that  time,  and  who  compiled  his  account  from  the  testimony  of  respectable 
persons  of  both  the  rival  nations.  He  appears  to  be  unbiassed,  and  relates  the  parti- 
culars of  this  noted  action  with  the  highest  encomiums  on  the  valour  of  the  combat* 
ants  on  both  sides.  We  shall  therefore  adopt  his  narrative,  from  the  modem 
translation  of  Mr.  Johnes,  omitting  some  unimportant  digressions,  and  adding  a  few 
illustrative  notes  and  remarks. 

<<  In  the  1 2th  king  Richard  II.  the  distracted  state  of  the  English  kingdom  invited 
the  hostilities  of  the  French.  Accordingly,  the  barons  and  knights  of  Scotland  se» 
cretly  assembled  their  men  at  arms  in  the  forest  of  Jedburgh,  amounting  to  upwards 
of  41,000.  The  main  body  directed  its  march  to  Carlisle,  and  the  Earls  of  Douglas, 
Moray,  and  March,  were  detached  into  Northumberland,  at  the  head  of  300  picked 


I 


ELSDON  PABISH.  91 

lancesy  and  9000  ehoioe  infimtrr.  The  Eftrl  of  Douglas  and  his  oompanions  wtte 
eager  to  perform  some  deed  of  arms.  Riding  at  a  good  paoe  through  the  roads, 
without  attacking  town,  castle,  or  house,  arrived  on  the  lands  of  the  Lord  Percy,  and 
crossed  the  river  Tyne,  without  any  opposition,  at  the  place  they  had  fixed  on,  about 
three  leamies  above  Newcastle,  near  to  Brancepeth,  where  they  entered  the  rich 
county  of  Durham,  and  instantly  began  their  war,  by  burning  towns  and  slaying  the 
inhabitants. 

''  Neither  the  Earl  of  Northumberland,  nor  the  barons  and  knights  of  the  country 
had  heard  any  thing  of  their  invasion :  but  when  intelligence  came  to  Durham  and 
Newcastle  that  the  Scots  were  abroad,  which  was  indeed  visible  enough  from  the 
smoke  which  was  every  where  seen,  the  Earl  of  Northumberland  sent  his  two  sons  to 
Newcastle ;  but  he  himself  remained  at  Alnwick,  and  issued  his  orders  for  every  one 
to  repair  thither  also.  .^Before  his  sons  left  him,  he  said,  *  You  will  hasten  to  New- 
castle, where  the  whole  eountry  will  join  you :  I  will  remain  here,  for  it  is  the  road 
they  may  return  by :  if  we  can  surround  them,  we  shall  do  well ;  but  I  know  not  for 
certain  where  they  now  are/  Sir  Henry  and  Sir  Ralph  Percy  obeyed  their  father's 
CHiders,  and  nOtde  for  Newcastle,  accompanied  by  the  gentlemen  and  others  fit  to  bear 
arms.  In  the  mean  time,  the  Scots  continued  destroying  and  burning  all  before 
them,  so  that  the  smoke  was  visible  at  Newcastle.  They  came  to  the  gates  of  Dur- 
ham, where  they  skirmished,  but  made  no  long  stay,  ana  set  out  on  their  return,  as 
they  had  planned  at  the  beginning  of  the  expedition,  driving  and  carrying  away  all 
the  booty  they  thought  worth  their  pains.* 

^'  The  three  Scottish  lords,  having  completed  the  object  of  their  expedition  into 
Durham,  lay  before  Newcastle  three  days,  where  there  was  an  almost  continual  skir- 
mish. The  sons  of  the  Earl  of  Northumberland,  from  their  great  courage,  were 
always  the  first  at  the  barriars,  when  many  valiant  deeds  were  done  with  lances  hand 
to  hand«  The  Earl  of  DcAigks-  had  a  long  conflict  with  Sir  Henry  Percy,  and  in  it, 
by  gallantry  of  arms,  won  his  pennon  (or  colour),  to  the  great  vexation  of  Sir  Henry 
and  the  other  En^sh.  The  JSarl  of  Douglas  said,  <  I  will  carry  this  token  of  your 
prowess  with  me  to  Scotland,  and  place  it  on  the  towa*  of  my  castle  at  Dalkeith,  that 
it  may  be  seen  from  far.'    *  By  God,  Earl  of  Douglas,'  replied  Sir  Henry,  *  you  shall 

*  In  the  old  ballad  entitled  *'  The  Battle  of  Otterbunie/'  the  progress  of  this  expedition  is  thus  de^ 
soribed:— 

"  Yt  felle  abowght  the  Lamasse  tyde,  Thev  did  our  Ynglyssh  men  grete  wrange. 

Whan  husbonds  wynn  ther  haye^  To  battell  that  were  not  bowyn. 

The  dowghtye  Dowglaase  bowynd  him  to  ryde. 

In  Ynglond  to  take  a  praye:  Then  spake  a  beme  upon  the  bent. 

Of  comforte  that  was  not  colde. 
Over  Ottercap'  hyll  they  came  in.  And  sayde.  We  have  brent  Northomberland, .  / 

And  so  dowyn  by  Rodelyffe  cragge.  We  have  all  welth  in  holde. 

t7pon  Grene  Leyton  they  lyghted  dowyn, 

Styrande  many  a  stagge :  Now  we  have  haryed  all  Bamboroweshyre, 

All  the  welth  in  the  world  have  wee ; 
And  boMely  brente  Northomberlondc^  I  rede  we  ryde  to  Newe  CasteU, 

And  haryed  many  a  towyn ;  So  styll  and  stdlwurthlye." 


\ 


92  COQUETDALE  WARD.^S.  D. 

not  even  bear  it  out  of  Northumberland  i  be  assured  you  shall  never  have  this  pennon 
to  brag  of.*  *  You  must  corie  then/  answered  Earl  Douglas,  *  this  night  and  seek  for 
it.  I  will  fix  your  pennon  before  my  tent,  and  shall  see  if  you  wiU  venture  to  take  it 
away.*  As  it  was  now  late,  the  skirmish  ended,  and  each  party  retired  to  their  Quar- 
ters, to  disarm  and  comfort  themselves.  They  had  plenty  of  every  thing,  particularly 
flesh  meat.  The  Scots  kept  up  a  veiy  strict  watch,  concluding,  from  the  words  of 
Sir  Henry  Percy,  they  should  nave  their  quarters  beaten  up  this  night :  they  were 
disappointed,  for  Sir  Henry  was  advised  to  defer  it. 

*'  On  the  morrow,  the  Scots  dislodged  from  before  Newcastle ;  and,  taking  the  road 
to  their  own  countiy,  thev  came  to  a  town  and  castle  called  Pontclau  (Ponteland),  of 
which  Sir  Haymon  d' Alphel,  a  very  valiant  knight  of  Northumberland,  was  the  lord.* 
They  halted  there  about  four  o'clock  in  the  morning,  as  they  learnt  the  knight  to  be 
within  it,  and  made  preparations  for  the  assault.  This  was  done  with  such  courage, 
that  the  place  was  won,  and  the  knight  made  prisoner.  After  they  had  biunt  the 
town  and  castle,  they  marched  away  for  Otterburn,  which  was  eight  English  leagues 
from  Newcastle,  and  there  encamped  themselves.  Thb  day,  they  made  no  attack ;  but 
very  early  on  the  morrow,  their  trumpets  sounded,  and  they  made  ready  fdr  the  assault, 
advancing  toward  the  castle,  which  was  tolerably  strong,  and  situated  among  marshes. 
They  attacked  it  so  long  and  so  unsuccessfully,  that  they  were  fatiffued,  and  therefore 
sounded  a  retreat.  When  they  had  retired  to  their  quarters^  the  cniefs  held  a  council 
how  to  act ;  and  the  greater  part  were  for  decamping  on  the  morrow,  without  attempt- 
ing more  against  the  castle,  to  join  their  countryinen  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Carlisle. 
But  the  can  of  Douglas  overruled  this,  by  saying,  *  In  despite  of  Sir  Henry  Percy,  who 
the  day  before  yesterday  declared  he  would  take  from  me  his  pennon,  that  I  con- 
quered by  fair  deeds  of  arms  before  the  gates  of  Newcastle,  I  will  not  depart  hence 
for  two  or  three  days ;  and  we  will  renew  our  attack  on  the  castle,  for  it  is  to  be 
taken :  we  shall  thus  gain  double  honour,  and  see  if  wiM)hi  that  time  he  will  come 
for  his  pennon :  if  he  do,  it  shall  be  well  defended.*  Every  one  agreed  to  what  Earl 
Douslas  had  said ;  for  it  was  not  only  honourable,  but  he  was  the  principal  com- 
mander ;  and,  from  affection  to  him,  tney  quietly  returned  to  their  quarters.  They 
made  huts  of  trees  and  branches,  and  strongly  fortified  themselves.  They  placed 
their  baggage  and  servants  at  the  entrance  of  the  marsh  on  the  road  to  Newcastle, 
and  the  cattle  they  drove  into  the  marsh  kmds. 

"  But  to  return  to  Sir  Heniy  and  Sir  Ralph  Percy,  who  were  greatly  mortified 
that  the  Earl  of  Douglas  should  have  conquered  their  pennon  in  the  skirmish  before 
Newcastle.  They  felt  the  mqre  for  this  disgrace,  because  Sir  Henry  had  not  kept 
his  word ;  for  he  had  told  the  earl,  that  he  should  never  carry  his  pennon  out  of 
England,  and  this  he  had  explained  to  the  knights  who  were  with  him  in  l^ewcastle : 
but  when  news  was  brought  that  the  Scottish  army  did  not  consist  of  more  than  8000 
men,  including  all  sorts.  Sir  Henry  Percy  was  greatly  rejoiced,  and  cried  out,  *  To 
horse !  to  horse !  for  by  the  faith  I  owe  my  God,  and  to  my  lord  and  father,  I  will 
seek  to  recover  my  pennon,  and  to  beat  up  their  quait^s  this  night/    Such  knights 

*  Probably  Sir  '' Aytnerus  de  Athele/'  who  was  sherilTof  Northumberland  in  13S1.  Pontdand,  aa  part  of 
the  Mitford  barony,  was,  at  this  time,  a  possession  of  Sir  Thomas  Percy,  by  his  marriage  with  Elizabetli, 
co-heiress  of  David  Strabolgie^  Earl  of  AthoI.^*J9tfa«<»ef  of  England, 


ELSDON  FABJSH.  98 

and  iquiies  in  NewcMtJe  as  learnt  tfaiB  were  willing  to  be  of  the  party,  and  made 
them^dives  ready. 

**  The  bisliop  of  Durham  was  expected  daily  at  that  town ;  for  he  had  heard  of  the 
imiption  of  me  Scots,  and  that  mey  were  before  it,  in  which  were  the  sons  of  the 
earl  of  Northumbedand  pr^aring  to  oBct  them  oombat.  The  bishop  had  eirilected  a 
number  of  men,  and  was  hastoiing  to  their  aumtanoe ;  but  Sir  Henry  Percy  would 
not  wait,  for  he  was  acoompanied  hy  600  speans,  of  knights  and  sqitires,  and  upwards 
of  8000  in&ntry,  whidi,  he  aaad,  would  be  more  than  enough  to  nght  the  Soots,  who 
were  but  SOO  lances  and  9000  others.  When  they  were  all  assembled,  they  left 
Newcastle  after  dinner,  and  took  the  field  in  good  array,  following  the  road  the  Scots 
had  taken^  making  for  Otterbum,  whidi  was  eight  dhort  leagues  distant ;  but  they 
oould  not  advanoe  very  fast^  that  their  in&ntry  might  keep  up  with  them. 

*^  As  the  Scots  were  supping,  some  indeed  were  gone  to  sleep,  for  they  had  laboured 
hard  during  the  day  at  toe  attack  of  Oie  castle,  and  intended  renewing  it  in  the  cool 
of  the  morning,  the  Enghsh  arrived^  and  mistook,  at  their  entrance,  the  huts  of  the 
servants  for  those  of  their  masters.  They  forced  their  way  into  the  camp,  wfaidi  was, 
however,  tolerably  strong,  shouting  out«  <  Percy !  Percy !'  In  audi  cases,  you  may 
suppose  an  alarm  is  soon  given,  and  it  was  fbrtunate  icx  the  Scots  the  English  had 
made  then*  first  attadc  on  their  servants'  quarters,  which  diecked  them  some  little* 
The  Scots,  expecting  the  English,  had  prepared  accordingly ;  for,  while  the  lords 
were  arming  tnems^es,  thev  ordered  a  oody  of  their  infantry  to  join  their  servants 
and  keep  up  the  skirmish.  As  their  men  were  armed,  thev  formed  themselves  under 
the  pennons  of  the  three  principal  barons,  who  eadi  had  his  particular  appointment. 
In  UMS  mean  time  the  night  advanced ;  but  it  was  ^iflSdently  light,  for  the  moon 
shone,  and  it  was  the  month  of  August,  when  the  weather  is  temperate  and  serena 

^  When  the  Scots  were  quite  ready,  and  pronerly  arrayed,  they  kf t  their  camp  in 
silence,  but  did  not  maich  to  meet  the  Englioi.  They  skh1:ed  the  side  of  a  moun« 
tain  which  was  hard  by ;  for,  during  the  preceding  day,  they  had  well  examined  the 
country  around,  and  said  among  themselves,  ^  Should  the  English  oome  to  beat  up 
our  quarters,  we  will  do  so  and  so,'  and  thus  settled  their  plans  ^forehand,  which  was 
the  saving  of  them ;  for  it  is  of  the  greatest  advantage  to  men  at  arms,  when  attack-ed 
in  the  nig^t,  to  have  previously  armnged  their  mode  of  defence,  and  well  to  have 
weighed  the  chance  of  victory  or  defeat.  The  English  had  soon  overpowered  the 
servants;  but,  as  they  advanced  into  the  camp,  they  foui^  iresh  bodies  ready  to 
oopose  them,  and  to  continue  the  fight.  The  Scots,  in  the  mean  time,  mardied  along 
the  mountain  side,  and  fsSL  on  the  enemy's  iflank  quite  uneiq>ectedly,  shouting  tiidr 
cries.  This  was  a  great  surprise  to  the  En^Hdi,  who,  however,  formed  themselves  in 
better  order,  and  reinforced  that  part  of  then-  army.  The  cries  of  Percy  and  Dougks 
resounded  on  eadi  side, 

*^  The  hattle  now  raged :  great  was  tibe  pudiing  of  lances,  and  very  many  of  each 
party  were  struck  down  at  tne  first  onset  The  En^ish  being  more  numerous,  and 
wxious  to  defeat  the  enemy,  kept  in  a  compact  body,  and  farced  the  Scots  to  retiie, 
who  were  on  the  poiat  of  being  discomfited.  The  Eaii  of  Douglas,  being  young, 
and  impatient  to  gain  renown  in  arms,  ordered  his  banner  to  advance,  shouting, 
^  Douglas !  Douglas !'  Sir  Hemy  and  Sir  Ralph  Percy,  indignant  for  the  afiront  the 
Earl  of  Douglas  had  put  on  them,  by  conquering  their  pennon,  and  detdrous  of  meet* 

VOL.  II,  2  A 


94  COQUETDALE  WARD.— S.  D. 

» 

ing  him,  hastened  to  the  place  from  whence  the  sounds  came,  calling  out  ^  Percy ! 
Percy !'  The  two  banners  met,  and  many  gallant  deeds  of  arms  ensued.  The  Eng^ 
lish  were  in  superior  strength,  and  fought  so  lustily  that  they  drove  back  the  Scots. 
Sir  Patrick  Hepbume,  and  his  son  of  the  same  name,  did  honour  to  their  knighthood 
and  country  by  their  gallantry,  under  the  banner  of  IX>ugla8,  which  would  have  been 
conquered  but  for  the  vigorous  defence  they  made ;  and  this  circumstance  not  only 
contributes  to  their  personal  credit,  but  the  memory  of  it  is  continued  with  honour  ta 
their  descendants.  The  knights  and  squires  of  either  party  were  anxious  to  continue 
the  combat  with  viffoiu*  as  long  as  theu*  spears  might  be  capable  of  holding.  Cow- 
ardice was  there  unknown,  ana  the  most  splendid  courage  was  every  where  exhibited 
by  the  gallsunt  youths  of  England  and  Scotland :  thev  were  so  closely  intermixed^ 
that  the  archers'  bows  were  usdess,  and  they  fought  hand  to  hand,  without  either 
battalion  giving  way.  The  Scots  behaved  most  vuiantly,  for  the  English  were  three 
to  one.*  Froissart  does  not  mean  to  say  that  the  English  did  not  acquit  themselves 
well ;  for  they  would  sooner  be  slain  or  made  prisoners  in  battle,  than  reproached 
with  ffight 

**  As  was  before  mentioned,  the  two  banners  of  Douglas  and  Perc^  met,  and  the 
men  at  arms,  under  each,  exerted  themselves  by  every  means  to  gam  the  victory ; 
but  the  English,  at  this  attack,  were  so  much  the  stronger,  that  the  Scots  were  driven 
back.  The  Earl  of  Douglas,  who  was  of  a  high  spirit,  seeing  his  men  repulsed,  seized 
a  battle-axe  with  both  his  hands,  like  a  gallant  knight,  and,  to  rally  his  men,  dashed 
into  the  midst  of  his  enemies,  and  gave  such  blows  on  all  around  him,  that  no  one 
could  withstand  them,  but  aU  made  way  for  him  on  every  side ;  for  there  were  none 
so  well  armed  with  helmets  or  plates  but  that  they  suffered  from  his  battle-axe. 
Thus  he  advanced,  like  another  Hector,  thinking  to  recover  and  conquer  the  field 
from  his  own  prowess,  until  he  was  met  by  three  spears  that  were  pointed  at  him : 
one  struck  him  on  the  shoulder,  another  on  the  stomach,  near  the  belly,  and  the  third 
entered  his  thigh.  He  could  never  disengage  himself  from  these  spears,  but  wa^ 
borne  to  the  ground,  fighting  desperately.  From  that  moment  he  never  rose  again. 
Some  of  his  knights  and  squires  had  followed  him,  but  not  all ;  for,  though  the  moon 
shone,  it  was  rauier  dark. 

*'  The  three  English  lances  knew  they  had  struck  down  some  person  of  considerable 
rank,  but  never  thought  it  was  Earl  Douglas :  had  they  known  it,  they  would  have 
bten  so  rejoiced  that  their  courage  would  have  been  redoubled,  and  the  fortune  of  the 
day  had  consequently  been  determined  on  their  side.  The  Scots  were  also  ignorant 
of  their  loss  until  the  battle  was  over,  otherwise  they  would  certainly,  ttoin  despair, 
have  been  discomfited.  As  soon  as  Douglas  fell,  his  head  was  deaved  with  a  battle* 
axe,  the  spear  thrust  through  his  thigh,  and  the  main  body  of  the  English  marched 
over  him  without  paying  any  attention,  not  supposing  him  to  be  their  principal 
enemy.  In  another  part  of  the  field,  the  Earl  or  March  and  Dunbar  combated  va- 
liantly ;  and  the  English  gave  the  Scots  full  employment  who  had  followed  the  Earl 
of  Douglas,  and  had  eng^ed  with  the  two  Perdes.  The  Earl  of  Moray  behaved  so 
gallantly  in  pursuing  the  English,  that  they  knew  not  how  to  resist  him. 

*  Hutchinson  observes,  that  in  Ridpath's  Border  History  the  English  army  is  stated  aknost  three  times  a^ 
numerous  as  that  of  the  Scots ;  but  adds,  "  I  know  not  by  what  authority  this  is  asserted."  The  above  is  the 
authority,  which  is  certainly  unexceptionable. 


ELSDON  PARISH.  95 

^*  The  sons  of  the  Earl  of  Northumberland,  Sir  Henry  and  Sir  Ralph  Percy,  who 
"were  the  Iraders  of  this  expedition,  behaved  themselves  like  ^(ood  knights  in  the 
t^mb^t.    Almost  4  similar  accident  'befel  Sir  Ralph  as  that  which  happened  to  the 
Earl  of  Douglas ;  for,  having  advanced  too  far,  he  was  surrounded  by  the  enemy  and 
severely  wounded ;  and,  being  out  of  breath,  surrendered  himself  to  a  Scotch  knight^ 
<»Iled  Sir  John  Mackirel  (MaxweUe),  who  was  under  the  command,  and  of  the  house^ 
hold,  of  the  Earl  of  Moray.    When  made  prisoner,  the  knight  asked  him  who  he 
was ;  for  it  was  dark,  and  he  knew  him  not    Sir  Ralph  was  so  weakened  by  loss  of 
Uood,  which  was  flowing  from  his  wound,  that  he  could  scarcely  avow  himself  to  be 
Sir  Ralph  Percy.    ^  WeU,'  replied  the  knight,  *  Sir  Ralph,  rescued  or  not,  you  are  my 
prisoner:  my  name  is  MaxweUe.'    ^I  agree  to  it,'  said  Sir  Ralph,  'but  pay  some 
attenticm  to  me ;  ibr  I  am  so  desperately  wounded,  that  my  drawers  and  greaves  are 
f uD  of  blood.'    Upon  this,  the  Scots  loiight  was  very  attentive  to  him ;  when  sud^ 
denly  hearing  the  crv  of  Moray  hard  by,  and  perceiving  the  earl's  banner  advancing 
to  him,  Sir  John  addressed  himself  to  the  Earl  of  Moray,  and  said,  '  My  lord,  I  pre* 
sent  you  with  Sir  Ralph  Per^9  as  a  prisoner :  but  let  good  care  be  taken  of  him,  for 
he  is  very  badly  wounded.'    The  earl  was  mudi  pleased  at  this,  and  replied,  '  Max- 
wellie,  thou  hast  well  earned  thy  spurs  this  day.'    He  then  ordered  his  men  to  take 
every  cate  of  Sir  Ralph,  who  bound  up  and  staunched  his  wounds.    The  battle  stiU 
continued  to  rage,  and  no  one  could  say  at  that  moment  w];iich  side  would  be  the 
oonoueror,  for  there  were  very  many  captures  and  rescues. 

"  The  young  Earl  of  Douglas  had  this  night  performed  wonders  in  arms.  When 
he  was  struck  down  there  was  a  great  crowd  round  him ;  and  he  could  not  raise  him- 
sdf,  for  the  blow  on  his  head  was  mortal.  His  men  had  followed  him  as  closely  as 
they  were  able ;  and  there  came  to  him  his  cousins,  Sir  James  Lindsay,  Sir  John  and 
Sir  Walter  Sinclair,  with  other  knights  and  squires.  They  found  him  in  a  melan- 
choly  state;  as  well  as  one  of  his  knights^  Sir  Robert  Hart,  who  had  fought  by  his 
side  the  whole  of  the  night,  and  now  lay  beside  him,  covered  with  fifteen  wounds, 
from  lances  and  other  weapons.  Sir  John  Sinclair  asked  the  earl,  *  Cousin,  how  fares 
it  with  you  ?'  ^  But  so  so,'  replied  he :  *  thanks  to  God,  there  are  but  few  of  my 
ancestors  who  have  died  in  chambers  or  in  their  beds.  I  bid  you,  therefore,  revenge 
my  death,  for  I  have  but  little  hope  of  living,  as  my  heart  becomes  ev^ry  minute 
more  faint.  Do  you,  Walter,  and  Sir  John  Sinclair,  raise  up  my  banner,  for  certainly 
it  is  on  the  groimd,  from  the  death  of  David  CoUemine,  that  valiant  squire,  who  bore 
it,  and  who  refused  knighthood  from  my  hands  this  day,  though  he  was  equal  to  the 
most  eminent  knights  for  courage  or  loyalty,  and  continue  to  shout,  Doufflas !  but  do 
not  tell  friend  or  foe  whether  I  am  in  your  company  or  not ;  for,  should  the  enemy 
know  the  truth,  they  will  be  greatly  rejoiced.' 

"  The  two  brothers  Sinclair,  and  Sir  j^ohn  Lindsay,  obeyed  his  orders.  The  banner 
was  raised,  and  '  Douglas !'  shouted.  Their  men*,  who  had  remained  behind,  hearing 
the  shouts  of  *  Douglas !'  so  often  repeated,  ascended  a  small  eminence,  and  pushed 
their  lances  with  such  courage  that  the  English  were  repulsed,  and  many  killed  or 
struck  to  the  ground*  The  Scots,  by  thus  valiantly  driving  the  enemy  beyond  the 
spot  where  Douglas  lay  dead  (for  he  had  expired  on  giving  his  last  orders),  arrived  at 
his  banner,  which  was  borne  by  Sir  John  Sinclair.  Numbers  were  continually  in- 
areasing,  from  the  repeated  shouts  of  *  Douglas !'  and  the  greater  part  of  the  Scots 


96  COQUETDALE  WARD,p— S.  D. 

knights  and  sqniires  weK  now  there.  Tlie  Earls  of  Many  and  March»  with  their 
tminers  and  men,  came  tibither  also*  When  the^  were  all  thus  oollected^  p^neeiving 
the  Engli^  retreat,  they  renewed  the  hattle  vnth  greats  vigMx  than  before.  To 
say  the  truth,  the  English  bad  harder  work  tlmi  t&  Soots*  tor  tliey  had  ci^me  by  a 
foroed  mardi  that  evening  from  Newcastle,  to  meet  the  Scots,  l^  which  means  the 
greater  part  were  exceedingly  fatigued  before  the  oombat  began.  The  Soots,  on  the 
contrary,  had  reposed  tiiemselves,  which  was  to  them  of  the  utmost  advanti^  as  was 
apparent  from  the  event  of  the  batde.  In  this  last  ai?tadc,  they  so  ixmi^^ly  re- 
pulsed the  English,  timt  the  lattar  could  never  caUy  ^gain,  and  the  fona^  drove  them 
rar  beyond  where  the  Earl  of  Douglas  kjf  on  the  ground.  Sir  Henry  Percy,  during 
this  attadc,  had  the  misfortune  to  fell  mto  the  hands  of  the  Lord  Montgcwaery,  a 
very  valiant  knight  of  Scotland.  They  had  kmg  fought  hand  to  hand  mth  much 
valour,  and  without  hindrance  from  anv  one;  for  there  was  neithw  knight  nor  squire 
of  either  party  who  did  not  find  there  his  equal  to  fight  with,  and  all  were  fully  en« 
gaged.    In  the  end.  Sir  Henry  was  made  prisoner  by  the  Lord  Montgomery. 

''  The  battle  was  severely  fought  on  each  side ;  but  mthis  die  ficldmeas  of  f<Hrtune, 
that,  thou^  the  English  w^*e  a  more  numerous  body  of  aUe  men  at  anns;,  and  at 
the  first  onset  had  repulsed  the  Scots^  they  in  the  end  k«t  the  field.    The  pursuit 

lasted  a  long  time,  and  to  the  l^gth  of  five  English  mUes.*    Had  the  Scots  been  in 

>  < 

*  To  Sir  James  LindBay  there  fell  a  strange  chance  of  war>  which  we  shall  give  in  the  manner  ^  Lord 
Berners  :-*-''  I  shall  shewe  you  of  Sir  Mathewe  Reedman  (an  English  wairior^  and  governor  of  Berwick), 
who  was  on  horsebaoke,  to  save  himselfe^  for  he  alone  coude  not  remedy  the  mater.  At  his  departynge.  Sir 
James  Limsay  was  nere  him,  and  saw  Sir  Mathewe  departed^  And  this  Sir  James,  to  wyn  honour,  followed^ 
in  chase  Sir  Mathewe  Reedman,  and  came  so  nere  him,  that  he  myght  have  stryken  bym  wilJi  hys  speare,  if 
he  had  lyst.  Then  he  sayd,  '  Ah  !  Sir  Knyght,  toume !  it  is  a  shame  iSius  to  £ye  J  I  m  James  df  Limsay« 
If  ye  will  nat  toume,  I  shall  strike  you  en  the  back  with  my  apeuie/  Sir  Malhewe  spoke  no  worde,  hut 
struke  his  hors  with  his  spurres  sorer  than  he  did  b«^e.  In  this  maner  he  chased  hym  move  Amu  teee 
myles.  And  at  last  Sir  Mathewe  Reedman's  hors  fbundei^  and  fell  under  hym.  Than  he  slept  Ibrtbe  en 
the  erdie,  and  dnewe  oute  his  sweide,  and  toke  ocnrage  to  defend  hknselfe.  And  the  Scette  tho^ghte  to  have 
stryken  hym  on  the  brest,  but  Sir  Mathewe  Reedman  swerved  fro  the  stroke,  and  the  speare  point  entred 
into  the  erthe.  Then  Sir  Matihewe  strake  asonder  the  speare  wyth  his  ffwerde.  And  whan  Sir  James  Lim* 
say  sawe  howe  he  had  lost  his  speare;,  he  cast  away  the  trqnchei^  and  lyghted  a^fote,  and  toke  a  ly teU  battelU 
n&e,  that  he  carryed  at  has  backe,  and  handled  it  with  his  one  fannd,  quickly  and  dely  verly,  in  the  whyche 
feote  Scottes  be  weM  experte.  And  than  he  set  at  Sir  Mathewe,  and  he  def^ded  himself  properly.  Thus 
they  journeyed  toguyder,  one  with  an  axe,  and  the  other  with  a  sw6rde,  a  longe  season,  and  no  man  to  lette 
them.  Fynally,  Sir  James  Limsay  gave  the  knyght  such  strokes,  and  hdd  him  so  shorte,  that  he  was  putte 
out  of  brethe  in  such  wyse,  that  he  yelded  himsdfe,  and  sayde,  '  Sir  James  Limsay,  I  yeld  me  to  you.* 
'  Well,'  quod  he,  '  and  I  recey ve  you,  rescue  or  no  rescue.'  ^  I  am  content,'  quod  Reedman, '  so  ye  dele  wyth 
me  like  a  good  oompanyon.'  '  I  shall  not  fiiyle  that,'  -quod  Limsay,  and  so  put  up  his  swerde.  '  Well,'  said 
Reedman,  ^  what  will  ye,  nowe,  that  I  shall  do  ?  I  am  your  prisoner ;  ye  have  conquered  me ;  I  wolde  gladly 
go  qgayn  to  Newcastell,  and,  within  fiflene  dayea,  I  shall  come  to  you  into  Scothmde,  where  as  ye  shall  as^i 
eigne  me.'  '  I  am  content,'  quod  Limsay  ;  ^  ye  shall  promyse,  by  your  faythe,  to  present  yourselfe  wi&ia 
these  foure  wekes,  at  £dii:]|>orowe ;  and  wheresoever  ye  go,  to  repute  yourselfe  my  prisoner/  AS  ^s  S^ 
Mathewe  sware,  and  promised  to  fulfil.** 

The  warriors  parted  upon  these  liberal  terms,  and  Reedman  returned  to  Newcastle.  But  lindsay  hmi 
scarcely  ridden  |i  mile,  when  he  met  the  bishop  of  Duiham,  with  500  horse,  whom  be  rode  towards^  believing 


ELSDON  PARISH.  97 

mif&dent  numbers,  none  would  have  escaped  death  or  captivity.  When  the  Scots 
saw  the  English  were  discomfited,  and  surrendering  on  all  sides,  they  behaved  cour- 
teously to  them,  sapng,  *  Sit  down  and  disarm  yourselves,  for  I  am  your  master ;'  but 
never  insulted  them  more  than  if  they  had  been  brothers. 

**  Of  all  the  battles  that  have  been  described  in  history,  great  and  small,  this  was 
the  best  fought  and  most  severe ;  for  there  was  not  a  man,  kn%ht,  or  squire,  who  did 
not  a^uit  hunself  galkntly,  hand  to  hand  with  his  enemy.  The  EngUsh  and  Soots 
(says  Froissart)  are  excellent  men  at  arms,  and  whenever  they  meet  in  battle  they  do 
not  spare  each  other ;  nor  is  there  any  check  to  their  courage  so  long  as  their  weapons 
endure.  When  they  have  well  beateif  each  other,  and  one  party  is  victorious,  they 
are  so  proud  of  their  conquest,  that  they  ransom  their  prisoners  instantly,  and  in  such 
courteous  manner  to  those  who  have  been  taken,  that  on  their  departure  they  return 
them  their  thanks.  However,  when  in  battle,  there  is  no  boy's  play  between  them, 
nor  do  they  shrink  frpm  the  combat^ 

them  to  be  Scotdah,  until  he  was  too  near  them  to  escape.  "  The  byshoppe  stepte  to  him,  and  sayde, '  Lim« 
say,  ye  are  taken ;  yelde  ye  to  me.'  '  Who  be  you  ?'  quod  Limsay.  '  I  am/  quod  he,  *  the  byshoppe  of 
Duduun.'  'And  fro  whens  oome  you,  sir?'  quod  limsay.*  '  I  oome  fro  the  battell/  quod  the  byshoppei 
'  but  I  strucke  never  a  stroke  there.  I  go  backe  to  Newcastell  for  this  night,  and  ye  shall  go  with  me.'  '  I 
may  not  chose/  quod  Limsay,  'sith  ye  will  have  it  so«  I  have  tsken,  and  I  am  taken ;  suohe  is  the  advent 
tures  of  annes.' "  Lindsay  was  accordingly  conveyed  to  the  bishop's  lodgings  in  Newcastle,  and  here  he  wa9 
met  by  his  prisoner.  Sir  Matthew  Reedman>  who  **  founde  hym  in  a  studye,  lying  in  a  windowe,  and  sayde^ 
'What!  Sir  James  Limsay,  what  make  you  here?'  Than  Sir  James  came  forth  of  the  study  to  him,  and 
sayde,  *  By  my  fiiyth.  Sir  Mathewe,  fortune  hath  brought  me  hyder ;  for,  as  soon  as  I  was  departed  fro  you, 
I  mete  by  chaunce  the  bisshoppe  of  Durham,  to  whom  I  am  prisoner,  as  ye  be  to  me.  I  beleve  ye  shall  not 
nede  to  oome  to  Edenborowe  to  me  to  make  your  fjnuiimc^'  I  thynk,  rather,  we  shall  make  an  exchange  cue 
for  another,  if  the  bysshoppe  be  also  contente.'  *  WeU,  sir,'  quod  Beedman, '  we  shall  accord  ryghte  well  to» 
guyder;  ye  shall  dine  this  day  with  me;  the  byshoppe  and  our  men  be  gone  forth  to  fyght  with  your  men* 
I  can  not  tell  what  we  shall  know  at  their  retoume/    *  I  am  content  to  dyne  with  you,'  quod  Limsay." 

*  The  following  are  a  fbw  of  the  warriors  that  distinguished  themselves  on  this  memorable  occasion,  and 
are  principally  extracted  from  the  learned  notes  of  Dr.  Percy  and  Mr.  Scott,  on  the  old  ballads  which  cele^ 
brate  the  batde  of  Otterbum  :— 

S*  The  Erie  of  Huntley,  cawte  and  kene."— -The  title  is  a  prema^pre  designation,  but  it  relates  to  Sir  John 
0f  Gordon,  The  illustrious  fiunily  of  Gordcm  was  originally  settled  upon  the  lands  of  Gordon  and  Huntley, 
in  &e  shire  of  Berwick,  and  are  therefore  of  Border  extraction.  King  Robert  IL  granted  Sir  John  a  charter 
of  the  lands  of  Strathbolgie,  forfeited  by  David,  Earl  of  Athol,  in  1S7&  He  was  a  redoubted  warrior,  and 
many  of  his  exploits  occur  in  the  annab  of  this  turbulent  period.  Perhaps,  as  he  was  in  possession  of  his 
extensive  northern  domains,  he  brought  to  the  field  the  northern  broad  sWords,  as  well  as  the  lances  of  his 
eastern  Borderers.    With  his  gallant  leader,  he  lost  his  life  in  the  deadly  conflict 

*'  The  Grames." — This  dan,  always  numerous  and  powerful  upon  the  Border,  was  of  Scottish  origin,  and 
deduce  the  descent  of  their  chieftain,  Gneme  of  Netherby,  from  John  wiih  the  bright  nvard,  a  son  of  Malice 
Graeme,  Earl  of  Monteith^  who  flourished  in  the  14th  century. 

^'  The  Lindsays  light  and  gay."— The  chief  of  this  ancient  femily,  at  the  date  of  the  batde  of  Otterbum, 
was  David  Lindissay,  Lord  of  Glenesk,  afterwards  created  Earl  of  Crawford.  He  was,  after  the  manner  of 
the  times,  a  most  accomplished  knight  He  survived  the  battle  of  Otterbun^  and  the  succeeding  csmage  of 
Homildon.  He  was  also  noted  for  a  retort  made  to  the  femous  Hotspur.  At  a  march-meeting  at  Haldane 
3tank,  he  happened  to  observe,  that  Pen^  was  sheathed  in  complete  armour.    '^  It  is  for  fear  of  the  English 

VQL,  JI,  »  B 


98  COQUETDALE  WARD.-^S.  D. 

The  tome  eyening  that  Sir  Henry  and  Sir  Ralph  Fetcy  had  left  Newcastle,  the 
of  Durham,  with  the  remainder  of  the  Covces  of  that  district,  had  amved  there 
and  supped.  While  seated  at  table,  he  ootisidered  that  he  should  not  act  vefy  Imk 
nourably  if  he  remained  in  the  town  while  his  oountrymen  had  taken  the  field.  In 
consequence,  he  rose  from  table,  ordered  his  horses  to  be  saddled,  and  his  trumpets  to 
sound  for  those  who  had  horses  to  make  themselves  ready,  and  the  infantty  to  be 
drawn  out  in  array,  for  quitting  the  place.  When  they  had  all  left  it»  they  amounted 
to  7000  men ;  that  is,  3000  on  horseback  and  6000  on  foot  Altiiougfa  it  was  now 
night,  they  took  the  road  towards  Otterburti ;  but  they  had  not  advaticed  a  league 

hordemen,"  said  Percy,  in  explanation;  for  he  was  already  meditating  the  insurrection  immoMalized  by 
Shakespeare.  '' Ah !  Shr  Harry/  answered  Lindsay,  '*  t  have  seen  you  more  sorely  bestad  by  Scottish  ibot^ 
men  than  by  English  horse." — iVt^ntonm. 

*'  Syr  ^  John'  of  Augerstonne."-»Dr.  Percy  supposes  this  personage  to  be  dne  of  the  HaggtrstoDes  of  Hag- 
gerston ;  but  Mr.  Walter  Scott  is  rather  inclined  to  believe  the  person  to  have  been  one  of  the  Rutherfords, 
barobs  of  Bdgestane  or  Adgerston. 

Robert  Hart  and  Simon  Glendhming  wete  sqnii«s  of  I>oUgla8's  body.  The  chaptain  wns  Rkhani  LtkndSe, 
Bfterwards  archdean  of  Aberdeen. — Oodserqft.  Hut,  aceutling  to  Wintown,  was  a  knight:  that  hisMiaa 
tays^  no  one  kn«w  how  Douglas  fUl. 

The  banner  of  Douglas^  upon  this  memorable  otouion^  Was  borne  by  his  natittal  son,  ArdiflMld  Dotoglas, 
ancestor  of  the  ftmily  of  Cavers^  hereditary  sheriffs  of  Tevimxiale,  amongst  Vhose  atdiSves  this  glorious  i^ 
lique  is  still  preserved.  The  earl,  at  his  onset,  is  said  to  have  charged  hid  son  to  defend  it  to  the  last  drop  of 
his  blood. 

''William  de  Norbenick"  (North  Berwick). — Majdr>  sp(?aking  of  this  valiant  priest,  says,  that  the  chaplaiit 
of  every  Scottish  baron  fought  by  his  side.  Norbenick  fought  at  the  side  of  Douglas  with  his  battle*4ure,  and 
fbr  his  bravery  was  promcyted  to  an  archdeaconry,  and  made  eanon  of  Aberdeen. 

There  were  also  other  Scottish  warriors  of  distinction  present  at  ^e  battle :  theM  were,  the  Earls  <xf  Moti^ 
teith  and  Buchan ;  the  Barons  of  Maxwell  and  Johnston ;  Swinton  of  that  ilk,  which^  about  that  period, 
produced  several  distinguished  warriors;  Sir  David  (or  ratiier  Sir  Walter)  Scott,  of  Bucdeugh,  Stewart  <^ 
Garlics,  and  Murray  of  Cockpool. 

*'  The  gentyll '  Lovelle'  tber  was  slayne. 
That  the  Percyes  standard  bore." 

In  Nicholson  this  name  is  spelt  Dtt  LoveL  This  seems  to  be  the  ancient  ftmlly  of  Delavel,  of  Seaton  De- 
lavel,  in  Northumberland,  whos^  ancestor  waa  one  of  the  twenty4lve  barons  appointed  to  be  guardians  of  the 
Magna  Charta. 

"  A  gentle  knight  Sir  John  Fitz-hughe.**— Dugdale,  ia  his  Baronage,  inlbnns  as,  that  Jcto,  son  of  Eicnry 
Lord  Fitshugh,  was  killed  at  the  battle  of  Otlefburvi«    Thia  was  a  Northumbcorlaad  finmly. 

'*  Sir  James  Harebottel  ther  was  slayne. 
For  h3rm  ther  hartes  were  sore." 

A  daughter  of  Guischard  Harbottle,  Esq.  married  Sir  Thomas  Percy,  Knight,  son  of  Henry  V.  and  father 
of  Thomas,  seventh  Earl  of  Northumberland. 

**  Sir  Raoul  Demeren."— Johnes  suspects  that  by  one  of  those  inversions  which  are  incident  to  a  person 
ipelling  an  unknown  name  from  the  pronttnctati<»i,  Froissart  may  have  written  de  Meren  for  de  Mener^ 
which  would  give  us  the  name  Manners,  well  known  in  northern  warfare. 

Besides  these  Northumbrian  heroes.  Heron,  Ogle,  Camaby,  Grey,  Langley,  Copeland,  Widderington,  Lil- 
bum,  and  Walsin^ham,  are  mentioned  as  being  engaged  daring  that  busy  night. 


ELSDON  PARISH.  99 

fiom  Newtastk  |)ef0re  intdfligenoe  was  btmght  tkat  the  English  w^:>e  engaged  with 
the  Scx^.  On  thi8»  the  bifih(^  halted  his  men  {  and  several  more  joined  thein»  out  of 
breath,  from  the  combat  They  were  asked  how  the  a£Pair  went:  they  replied^ 
*  Badly«  and  unfortunatdy :  we  are  defeated,  and  here  are  the  Scots  cloee  at  our  heels/ 
This  second  inteUigence  being  worse  than  the  first,  gave  the  alarm  to  several,  who 
broke  from  the  ranks ;  and  wh^,  shcxily  after,  crowds  came  to  them  flying  like  men 
defeated,  they  were  panic-struck,  and  so  fright^ied  with  the  bad  news,  that  the 
bishop  of  Durham  could  not  retain  500  of  his  m^i  together.  Upon  which  he 
marened  back  to  Newcastle, 

''  Before  the  dawn  of  day,  the  field  was  dear  of  ocxnbatants.  The  Scots  had  retired 
within  their  camp,  and  had  sent  scouts  and  parties  of  light  horse  towaids  Newcastle 
and  on  the  adjacent  roads,  to  observe  whetner  the  English  were  collecting  in  any 
large  bodies^  that  they  might  not  a  second  time  be  surprised.  This  was  wisely  done ; 
for  i^en  the  bishop  of  Durham  was  returned  to  Newcastie,  and  had  disarmed  him- 
sdf  at  his  lodgikiffs,  he  was  very  n^lancholy  at  the  unfortunate  news  he  had  heard, 
that  his  cousins,  tne  s6ns  of  the  Earl  of  Ncnrthumberland,  and  all  the  knights  who  had 
followed  them,  were  either  taken  or  slain.  He  sent  for  all  the  knights  atid  squires  at 
the  time  in  Newcastie,  and  demanded  if  th^  would  &uS€r  things  to  remain  in  their 
present  state,  for  that  they  would  be  disgrtoed  should  they  tetum  without  ever  seeing 
their  ^aemies.  They  held  a  council,  and  determined  to  arm  themselves  by  sunrise, 
«id  to  march  horse  and  foot  after  the  Scots  to  Otterbum,  and  ofier  them  battle.  This 
resolution  was  published  throughout  the  town,  and  the  trutnpets  soKnded  at  the  ap- 
pointed hour.  The  whole  army  made  themselves  ready,  and  were  drawn  up  before 
the  bridge.  About  sun^rise  they  left  Newcastie,  through  the  gate  leading  to  Berwick, 
and  followed  tbe  road  to  Otterburne.  They  amounted  in  the  whole,  including  horse 
and  foot,  to  10,000  men. 

"  They  had  not  advanced  two  leagues  before  it  was  signified  to  the  Scots,  that  the 
bish<^  of  Durham  had  rallied  his  troops,  and  was  on  his  march  to  give  them  battle. 
This  was  likewise  confirmed  by  their  scouts,  who  Ixtiught  the  same  intelligence. 
The  barons  and  knights  of  Scotiand,  on  being  informed  of  the  bishop's  appro*^  with 
10,000  men,  hdid  a  council,  whether  to  march  away  or  abide  the  event.  On  mature 
consideration,  they  resolved  on  the  latter,  from  the  difficulty  of  finding  so  strong  a 
positi<Mi  to  defend  themselves  and  guard  their  prisoners,  of  Whom  they  had  many. 
These  they  oould  not  carry  away  with  them,  en  account  of  the  wounded,  nor  were 
they  willing  to  leave  them  behind.  They  formed  themsdves  in  a  strong  body,  and 
had  fortifira  their  camp  in  such  a  manner  thirt  it  could  be  enta^  by  onlv  one  pass. 
They  then  made  their  prisoners  swear,  that,  rescued  or  not,  they  would  acknowledge 
themselves  prisoners.  When  this  was  all  done,  they  ordered  their  minstrels  to  play 
as  merrily  as  they  could.  The  Scots  have  a  custom,  when  assembled  in  arfns,  for 
those  who  are  on  foot  to  be  well  dressed,  each  having  a  large  horn  slung  round  his 
neck,  in  the  manner  of  hunters,  and  when  they  blow  all  together,  the  horns  being  of 
diilferent  si^es,  the  noise  is  so  great  that  it  may  be  heard  mur  miles  off,  to  the  flreat 
dismay  of  their  enemies  and  tiieir  own  delight.  The  Scotch  commanders  ordered 
this  sort  of  music  now  to  be  played. 

"  The  bishop  of  Durham,  with  his  banner,  had  scarcely  approached  within  a  league 
of  the  Scots,  when  they  began  to  play  such  a  concert  that  it  seemed  as  if  all  the  devils 


100  COQUETDALE  WARD,— S.  D, 

in  hell  had  come  thither  to  join  in  the  noise,  so  that  those  of  the  English  who  had 
never  before  heard  such,  were  much  frightened.  This  concert  lasted  a  considerable 
time,  and  then  ceased.  After  a  pause,  when  they  thought  the  English  were  within 
half  a  les^e,  they  recommenced  it,  continuing  it  as  long  as  before,  when  it  again 
ceased.  The  bishop,  however,  kept  advancing  with  his  men  in  battle-array  until  fliey 
came  within  sight  of  the  enemy,  two  bow-shots  off:  the  -Scots  then  began  to  pky 
louder  than  before,  and  for  a  longer  time,  during  which  the  bishop  examined  wim 
surprise  how  well  they  had  chosen  their  encampment,  and  strengthened  it  to  their 
advantage.  Some  knights  held  a  coundl  how  they  should  act,  and  it  seemed  that, 
after  much  deliberation,  they  thought  it  not  advisable  to  risk  ah  attack,  for  there  were 
greater  chances  of  loss  than  gain,  but  determined  to  return  a^ain  to  Newcastle. 

"  The  Scots,  perceiving  the  English  were  retreating,  and  tnat  there  was  no  appear*- 
ance  of  any  battle,  retired  within  their  (samp  to  refresh  themselves  with  meat  and 
liquor.  They  then  made  preparations  for  departure :  but  because  Sir  Ralph  Percy 
had  been  dangerously  wounded,  he  begged  of  his  master  to  allow  him  to  return  to 
Newcastle.  The  Earl  of  Moray,  under  whose  banner  he  had  been  taken,  readily 
assented  to  this  request,  and  had  a  litter  prepared  for  him.  In  a  similar  manner,  se- 
veral knights  and  squires  obtained  their  liberty,  fixing  on  a  time  to  return  in  person 
to  those  who  had  captured  them,  or  to  send  the  amount  of  their  ransoms.* 

"  At  this  battle,  which  was  fought  on  the  19th  day  of  August,  1388,  there  were 
taken  and  left  dead  on  the  field,  on  the  side  of  the  English,  one  thousand  and  forty 
men  of  all  descriptions ;  in  the  pursuit,  eighteen  hundred  and  forty,  and  more  than 
one  thousand  wounded.  Of  the  Scots,  there  were  only  about  one  hundred  slain,  and 
two  hundred  made  prisoners.  After  every  thing  was  properly  arranged,  the  Scots 
set  fire  to  their  huts,  and  began  their  march  towards  Metros,  carrying  with  them  the 
dead  body  of  Earl  Douglas,  together  with  Sir  Henry  Percy  and  upwards  of  forty 
English  knights." 

To  this  exact  and  minute  relation  little  more  can  be  added.  This  dreadful  contest 
took  place  by  moon-light,  a  season  when  battle  would  have  redoubled  horrors,  espe- 
cially where  each  combatant  met  his  opponent  in  trial  of  skill  and  strength.  This 
mode  of  fighting  must  have  rendered  the  confusion  of  the  conflict  dreadful  beyond 
description.  Douglas  was  ambitious  of  laurels,  and  the  impetuous  Hotspur  was  en- 
raged at  the  disgrace  he  had  experienced  under  the  walls  of  Newcastle.  Both  were 
gqually  valiant  and  generous,  and  this  famous  night  added  to  the  lustre  of  their  names, 
^e  ground  on  which  this  memorable  engagement  took  place  still  retains  the  name 
of  SatUe-riggs.  A  cross,  erroneously  term^  Percy's  Cross,  has  been  erected  upon 
the  spot  where  the  gallant  Earl  of  Douglas  is  supposed  to  have  fallen.  The  entrench- 
ments are  still  discernible ;  and  the  number  of  tumuli,  scattered  over  the  adjoining 
ground  mark  to  future  ages  the  slaughter  made  there. 

Mr.  Hprsley,  in  a  letter  to  K.  Gale,  Esq.  December  13,  1729,  describes  a  caim 
opened  near  Otterbum  about  that  time.  It  was  computed  to  contain  about  60  tons 
of  loose  stones,  beneath  which  was  discovered  a  large  stone,  rough  and  undressed,  laid 
upon  the  ground,  in  form  of  a  grave-stone,  with  smaller  stones  wedged  in  between  it 

*  The  ransoms  were  estimated  at  200,000  francs.  Hotspur,  for  his  ransom,  built  the  casUe  of  Penooi^  in 
Ayrshire,  belonging  to  the  fiunily  of  Montgomery,  now  Earls  of  Eglintcmn. 


ELSDON  PARISH.  101 

and  the  grounJl,  wherever  tliere  were  any  iQteistices.  Wh«i  this  was  taken  oflF,  there 
appeared  in  the  ground  a  cavity  in  f<»in  of  a  grave,  about  two  yards  long,  and  four 
feet  broad  at  the  top :  about  a  foot  and  a  half  deep  was  some  very  fine  mould ;  next 
to  that  some  ashes  laid  in  fine  white  sand ;  the  sand  was  above  two  feet  thick,  the 
whole  depth  of  the  cavity  or  grave  being  near  four  feet.  There  were  mixed  with 
the  ashes  what  were  taken  for  small  pieces  of  burnt  wood,  like  charcoal.  Mr.  Hor- 
sley  does  not  state  to  what  people  he  supposes  this  ancient  monument  ought  to  be 
attributed :  but  the  formation  of  the  sepulchre,  and  the  cairn  with  whidi  it  was 
covered,  dearhr  indicate  the  people  to  which  it  belonged. 

Otterhurri  (Jasde^  which  was  so  gidlantly  defended  against  Douglas,  appeari^  to  have 
been  a  strong  erection,  and  in  a  favoiud^le  situation  for  sustaining  hostile  attacks. 
The  manor  and  villa  of  Otterbum  were  part  of  the  estate  of  the  noble  family  of  Um- 
franville,  and  belonged  to  the  crown  10  queen  Elizabeth.    .The  present  mansiour 
house  is  founded  upon  the  sdte  of  the  old  castle.    John  Hall,  Esq.  whose  ancestors 
*had  been  long  seated  here,  was  a  magistrate,  and  captain  of  a  train-band  in  queen 
Anne's  time.     He  engaged  in  the  rebdlion  in.  1715,  was  taken  prisoner  at  Preston  in 
Lancashire,  and  executed  at  Tyburn  for  high  treason,  July  1,3,  1716.*    His  estates 
being  forfeited,  Ihey  were  purenased  by  Gabriel  Hall,  Esq.  of  Catdeugh,  from  wliose 
son,  Reynold,  they  passed  by  will  in  1745  to  Robert  EUison,  o#  Newcastle,  gentleman, 
and  from  him  to  his  son,  Henry  Ellison,  Esq,  of  Whitehavjen,  in  whose  life-time  they 
were  purchased'  by  Mr.  James  Storey,  of  North  Shields,  who  built  the  village;  ana 
lastly,  after  Mr^  Storey's  deal^,  l^ey  were  sold,  under  a  decree  of  dthe  court  oi  dum* 
eery.     The  castle,  manor,  and  demesne  lands,  were  bought  by  James  Ellis,  Esq.  soli-  . 
citor,  of  Newcastle,  who  married  Rachel,  only  daughter  of  Mr.  Gallon,  of  that  town, 
and  who  now  resides  at  Otterbum.    The  village  and  part  of  the  lands  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  Otter  were  purchased  by  the  late  John  Davidson,  Esq.  of  Newcasue,  and 
are  now  the  jwDperty  of  his  son,  John,  who  has  a?  oonveniesit  residcatice  here  for  the 
purpose  of  enjoying  rural  sports.    There  is  :an  exedlerit  fulUng-mill,  with  csnxjing 

*  When  brought  to  London  and  indicted,  for  having  joined,  aided,  and  abetted  the  rebels^  two  witnesaes 
deposed  tfiat  he.  was  seen  $X  different  places  with,  the.  rebels :  but  m,  his  defence  he  said,  that  having  beeot  at 
a  meeting  of  the  justiees  at  Plaanfield,  he  had  lodged  at  a  j^iend!s  house,  and  that  on  the  following  day,  while 
he  was  stooping  on|his  horse's  neck,  to  screen  himself  from  the  tempestuous  weather^^  himself  and  his  servant 
were  surround^  by  the  rebels,  who  forced  them  away ;  and  that  he  was  unarmed,  and  had  only  seven  shil« 
lings  and  sixpence. in  bis  possession.  Though  this  pirquntstiM^oe  was  sworn  tp  by  Mi;.  Hall's  servant,  yet  the 
court,  in  the  chai^  to  the.  jury,  observed,  that ''  if  a  num.wiis  se^n  with  rebels,  yet  if  it  appeared  that  he  had 
frequent  opportunities  of  escaping,  and  did  not  do  it,  but  cpntinued  by  his  presence  to  abet  and  comfort  them, 
it  was  treason  within  the  meaning  of  the  law."  Now,  as  it  appeared  in  evidence  that  Mr.  Hall  had  liberty 
to  ride  out  when  he  pleased,  and  did  not  seem  to  be  restrained,  the  jury  found  him  guilty ;  and  when  the 
court  passed  sentence  on  him,  he  said,  "  God's  will  be  done," 

The  Rev.  Robert  Patten,  minister  of  AUandale,  who  was  a  f:haplain  to  the  Northumberland  rebels,  and 
who  saved  his  life  by  being  an  evidence  against  his  friends,  says,  with  the  most  cold-blooded  nonphalence, 
'M  shall  add  a  story  of  William  Shaftoe,  of  Bayington,  when  in  Newgate  with  Mr.  John  Hall,  afterwards 
executed,  which  has  tomeihing  diverting  in  ii.  He  saya  senously  tq  Mr.  Hal\,  *  Cousin  Jack,  I  am  thinking 
upon  what  is  told  us,  that  God  will  visit  the  sins  of  the  &theii^  unto  the  third  and  fourth  generation :  I  am 
of  opinion  that  it  i«  so  with  us ;  lor  your  grandfather  and  my  grandfather  go.t  most  of  their  estates  as  seques^ 
frators,  and  now.  we  must  lose  them  again  for  being  rebels.'"-— I'a^i^'^  Hif(.  ^tke  Reb.  p.  JS4. 

VOL.  II, .  a  C 


102  COQUETDALE  WARD>-S.  D. 

machinery,  on  Mr.  Ellis'  estate.  OerMms-fiddf  Bear  this  place^  dearly  derives  its  name 
from  the  Saxon  gaerg,  grass.  Indeed,  the  provincial  i^'miunciation  of  grass  ki  NcHrtli- 
nmberland  is  stifi  the  pure  Saxon,  girs^  or  guer^* 

Elishaw. — ^This  place  is  seated  near  the  junction  of  Durtre*  Bum  and  the  Reed, 
where  the  ktter  was  crossed  by  the  Wati&ig-street,  and  is  distant  nearly  three 
miles  ncoth  by  west  from  Otterbum.  Hedley  says,  in  the  Arehaeologia  ^Sliana,  that 
Bishop  Gibson,  in  his  api)«idix  to  the  Saxcm  Chronide,  gives,  as  the  most  prdbable 
etymon  of  Ely,  in  Cambridgeshire^  ^  the  British  hdigr  or  eUg^  willows,  because  that 
marshy  region  formerly  abounded  in  them.  About  the  time  of  the  Norman  con- 
o  uest,  or  soon  after,  the  g  was  often  melted  into  y  or  t ,  and  the  a^orate  was  fi-equently 
cm>pped.  Hence  keUg  would,  b^  these  mutations,  be  ^  or  eli^  which  aff<»rds  a  likely 
enou^  derivation  of  J^^haw,  %.  e.  the  wiUow  mmod.  It  is  a  remarkable  Gonfinnati(»i 
of  th^  etymology,  that  there  are  yet  growini;  bete  a  few  of  the  largest  wiUow  trees  to 
be  met  with,  perhaps,  in  the  north  of  Engknd."  At  tins  place  are  the  traces  of  a 
bridge,  and  of  the  foundations  of  several  krge  buiMingS.  Here  was  an  hospital  and 
a  chapel,  valued  in  the  Liber  Hegis  at  ]9#.  id.  a  year ;  but  few  traces  of  them  at 
present  remain.  Elishaw  was  formerly  n<^;ed  for  being  the  scene  of  many  a  merry 
meeting  and  night  of  revdry ;  the  favourite  rendezvous  of  the  **  vagrant  train  f-f  the 
|laee  oi  meeting  for  the  nistie  racers ;  and  the  hospitable  residence  of  the  late  Lord 
Crtinstcmn,  of  convivial  memory.  But  diese  days  ore  ^ae,  and  oidy  one  solitary 
house  mdicates  the  spot  where  menry  Efishaw  stood.  It  is  now  the  prtip^rty  of  Lord 
iKeUeSuale. 

Mo:mkeid€^£  stands  near  the  Beed,  south-east  from  Otterbum,  and  about  two  miles 
south-west  frtxn  Ekdon. .  It  is  the  pfoperty  of  Robert  de  Lisle,  Esq.  and  is  sur<- 
nmnded  with  fine  gracing  ground,  whidi  formerly  belonged  to  a  reliffious  house 
seated  here.  South  twm  M^fnkridge,  and  on  the  extremity  of  the  parieS,  is  a  lofty 
tract  of  land  called  Ottercops.    **  In  old  records,"  says  Mr.  Hedley,  •*  it  is  uniformly 

*  Dartre  (which  is  vulgarly  written  Doltree)  is  a  pore  Celtic  oMnposiid,  flram  dut^  winter,  ml  m;  a  dwell* 
ing ;  signifying  Uie  dwelling  at  the  water.  The  whole  of  die  narae^  thtrlrt^  wa«  in  tfaae  impoaed  wptm  what 
was  at  first  only  the  iur,  or  rivnlec  j  and  the  Saxon  Asm  was  added  by  a  stthseqnent  people. 

t  The  pipes  of  both  WUUie  and  Jamk  Aflan  were  often  sonnded  amongst  die  Gypsy  tribe  at  Elishaw.  A 
pleasing  American  writer  speaks  of  this  rovittg  crew  m  tilese  terms  >--«'  The  Baglish,  who  are  aeoOBtemed  te 
ihem  from  childhood,  and  often  saffibr  iSrom  their  petty  depmlatioiis,  consider  then  m  mae  nnisanecs;  but  I 
have  been  very  much  struck  with  their  pecnlkrities:  I  Kke  to  bdi^d  their  eicnr  eUve  eompleuens^  their 
romantic  black  eyes,  their  raven  K)cks,  their  lithe  slender  flg^tires,  and  te^  hear  them,  in  low  stiver  tones,  deal* 
ing  forth  magnificent  promises  of  honours  and  estates,  of  world's  wealth,  and  ladiesT  love.  Their  mode  of 
life,  too,  has  something  in  it  very  fknciftd  and  pictoresqiie.  They  are  the  ftws  denisens  of  natttre>  and  msin* 
tain  a  primitive  independence,  in  spite  of  law  and  gospel ;  of  eoimty  gaols  and  covntry  magistrates.  It  is 
curious  to  see  this  obstinate  adherence  to  the  w9d  unsetded  habits  of  savage  life  transmitted  feom  genemtkm 
to  generation,  and  preserved  in  the  midst  of  one  of  the  most  cultivated,  popalooa,  and  systematie  countries  in 
the  world.  •  •  *  •  They  are  amongst  the  last  traees,  in  these  raaitter^«fect  days,  ef  the  motiey  popn- 
lation  of  former  times;  and  are  whimsiciAy  associated  in  my  mind  with  fehriea  and  witebes^  BoUn  Good 
Fellow,  Robin  Hood,  and  the  other  fentastiad  personages  of  poetty.**— ^Bmorfrn^  UaU,  v9LiLp.48. 


ELrSBOK  rAILWEL  WS 

wfitten  AUriopffi  or  JUrtepSy  whkli  giyes  ua  a  tktaae^  fdnmA  fmM>ty  by  dkOmmk, 
people,  and  in  aifierent  eras.  The  two  first  syllables  are  purely  British,  mmi  aJUt  k 
dif^  a  height,  or  hill,  and  Hr,  land,  country.  AUir  is,  th^efore,  literally,  the  high  or 
hill  Muntry,  wbkh  is  parfSicfcly  deMriptiye  of  H»  sitilatioit  The  Saxons,  howerer, 
seldom  permitted  a  British  name  to*  reotain  ^nitein  its  Miginid  stale,  snd  had  a  strong 
fancy  or  adding  to  it,  and  that  often  i)leoilastically.  In  this  ipstanee  thier  added  thf^it 
coppe^  whidi  si^odfies  the  t^  of  n  hill,  thus  malong  the  whofesname^  Jitir-t/oppi,  Of 
the  hUl  country  tap*.    Henry  III.  68^  Akirtoppn  Ibrfetted  by  Simon  d«  Mdnkford^ 


Earl  of  Leioestery  and  giyen  br  the  kiw  to  his  Mn  EdniHnd*— ^The  king  eompfaina 
that  it  is  kept  wrongfully  by  Gilbert  de  Umfieyillie/' 

Trouohend  ia  situated  on  the  west  side  of  the  ri^er  Reed,  4j^  males  west  firom 
Elsdon«  It  was  the  seat  of  the  vety  ancient  family  of  the  Reeds,  who  ba^e  deri^edl 
their  names  from  the  adjoining  river.  This  family  affirm  they  hwe  written  grants  of 
land,  dated  above  a  cesltiiry  and  a  half  before  the  Grniguest !  This  estate,  wmch  was 
possessed  by  Johxi  Reed,  Esq.  lA  the  reigns  of  king  Edward  V I*  ouMn  Majry,  and  in 
the  10th  queen  Elizabeth,  was  sold  by  Mr.  Eltrington  Reed  to  tne  late  Chjiitophtt 
Reed,  Esq.  of  ChipdMse.  Previous  to  this  toansfer,  Troughemd  had  bean  nMcfi  im- 
proved by  enekMures  and  jjfdantiii^* 

*  OarreUheebf  which  adjoins  Trougbend  q«i  the  noifth,  is  by  Mr.  Hedley  sifii]^O0Bd 
to  mean*  the  sheelmgs  of  Gerard,  In  the  10th  of  Edward  I.  Cterardakeels  is  dbdmed 
by  Gilbert  de  UmfranvUle,  as  port  of  his  possessions  in  Redesdale.  The  nmame 
Garrett  i»  inferred  to  be  a  corruption  of  Gerard.  A  little  further  up  the  river  is 
Sattenrow^  the  property  of  John  Davidson,  Esq.  The  above  writer  states,  that  ''  the 
historian  c^  the  parish  of  Halifa3(,  m  oonsidering  the  etymolotfy  of  a  place  there  of  a 
similar  appellation,  seems  to  give  way  to  the  opinion  of  Stukefey,  who,  m  his  account 
of  Richard  of  Cirencester,  say » this  iMone  is  of  high  antiquity,  ud  relates  to  pan^^es 
Off  jfbirg*  And  a  writer  in  the  ArehaM>logia  omerves,  RfOtenraw  is  a  name  of  ff^at 
antiqaity,.  which  the  kar&ed  Camdai  d^ueea  from  the  Geiman  freebootcss^  or,  nireii 
ling  auxiliaries :  '  rotten^  or  r0tter€%  to  Bontster/  says  he ;  '  henee  rot  Moktetf  a  oorpev- 
mi.'  Neither  appearance,  tradition,  nw  histc«y,  encoura|[es  us,  however,  to  assign 
any  extraordinary  antiquity  to  places  of  this  denomination  in  this  ixyunty;  and  I 
would  derive  theas  froai  rmw,  row,  a  rank,  derived  from  the  Angk^Saxon  raewa^  a 


*  Mr.  B.  Roxbj,  of  Newcastle,  ia  1809,  published  a  poem,  entitled, ''  The  Lay  of  the  Reedwater  MiosHPel/ 
descriptive  of  the  wild  and  impressive  scenery  of  Redesdale,  and  containing  allusions  to  the  legendary  tales 
of  the  inhabitants:  The  origin  of  the  ill-blood  which  long  existed  between  the  Reeds  and  the  Hdls  oMledes- 
dde,  is  thus  related  in  an  illustrative  note :-— '^  The  particulars  of  the  traditional  story  of  Farcy  Heed  of 
Troughend,  and  the  Halls  of  Oirsonsfield,  the  author  had  from  a  descendant  of  the  famOy  oTReed.  From 
his  account  it  appears,  that  Perdval  Reed,  Esquire,  a  Keeper  of  Redesdale,  was  betrayed  by  the  Halls  (hence 
denominated  the  faUe^kearied  Hr^s)  to  a  Inmd  of  moss-trooper«  of  the  name  ci  Cn^er,  who  slew  him  at 
BaCingfaope,  near  the  souree  of  the  Reed.  The  Halls  were,  after  the  murder  ef  Farcy  Reed,  held  in  ^lA 
univenBal  abhorrence  and  contempt,  by  the  inhabitants  of  Redesdale,  tat  dieir  cowardly  sosd  treadierous  be- 
haviour, that  they  were  obliged  to  leave  the  eountry/-  The  Bard  of  Redesdale,  in  ano^er  part,  mentions  dke 
tnditionBl  tale  of  the  ghost  of  P«ny  Retd  hauating  Pringle-haugh.  Tht  Reeds  of  FftndRek  are  direct  de- 
seendanta  nf  the  Troagkead  fiauily. 


104  COQUETDAUE  WARD.— S.  D. 

series,  and  tan  or  tun,  signifying  the  houses  in  «  r&w.  Btnv  has  afterwards  been  |>leo- 
nastically  added." 

RocHESTEB  is  Situated  in  Watling-street,  about  Seniles  north-west  from  Elsdon, 
above  9  miles  north  of  Risiiigham,  and  20  of  the  Wall.    This  was  the  capital,  or  chief 
fortress/  of  the  Ottadini;  and  afterwards  became  a  distin- 
guished station  of  the  Romans,  by  whom  it  was  called  JBre-  n.  r.  s. 
ihenium.     That  this  is  fhe  Bremenium  of  Ptolemy  and  the         bvpl  n.  explob. 
Itinerary,  is  dearly  proved  by  the  annexed  inscription,          bkemen.  aram. 
found  here  by  Camden,  and  at  present  in  Trinity  College.            institvervnt 
It  is  read  thus : — Dea  Roma  sacrum  Duj^res  Numeri  ex^           n.  eivs  c  caep 
ploratarum  Bremenii  Aram  instituerunt  Numini  gus  Caio          chabitino  tbib 
Ca:jnone  Charitino  Tribuno  votum  sdverunt  Ubenter  merito.                v.  s.  L.  M. 
This  altar  then  is  sacred  to  the  goddess  Rome  (for  Rome 

was  miade  a  goddess),  and  erected  by  a  Duplares  of  a  detachment  of  Explaratore^^ 
or  scouts,  at  Bremenium,  under  the  command  of  Caius  Caepio  Charttinusy  the 
tribune. 

Richard  numbers  Bremenium  among  the  twelve  stipendiary  cities  in  Britain.  It 
is  conjectured  tp  have  obtained  this  name  from  being  CaMrum  in  Rupe^  which  is  the 
true  oescription  of  its  sdte,  it  being  placed  on  the  brow  of  a  steep  and  rocky  hill ;  or 
rather,  as  Camden  calls  it,  a  rocky  mountain,  commanding  the  pass  of  Kedesdale. 
On  every  hand  the  prospect  is  horrible,  except  the  narrow  valley,  watered  by  the 
Reed,  which  is  lookea  down  upon  from  this  rugged  eminence.  Camden,  two  centu- 
ries ago,  thus  describes  the  surrounding  country : — "  There  are  hills  hard  by  so  boggy, 
and  standing  with  water  on  their  summits,  that  no  horsemen  are  able  to  ride  through 
them«"  And  again,  '^Mountainous,  desert,  and  impassible,  such  as  this  tract  is.** 
The  same  writer  observes,  "  That  Ptolemy,  speaking  of  Bremenium,  places  it  in  this 
very  sdte,  and  part  of  the  country ;  and  from  thence  Antonine  begins  his  first  jour- 
ney in  Britain,  as  froin  the  utmost  limit  of  the  Roman  province  at  Uiat  time.  When 
tiie  barbarous  nations  had  broken  through  the  wall  of  Antoninus  Pius,  and  would  in 
consequence  hurry  over  and  lay  waste  aU  the  country  before  them,  the  wall  of  Ha* 
drian  lying  neglected  to  the  time  of  Severus,  we  may  necessarily  admit  that  this  sta- 
tion was  regarded  as  the  limit  of  the  empire,  from  whence  the  oM  Itinerary^  which 
bears  the  title  of  Antonine's,  began,  viz.  a  Limitis.  The  construction  given  it,  to 
imply  a  VaUo^  is  only  a  gloss  put  on  it  by  the  transcriber.** 

This  station  was  esteemed  the  strongest  the  Romans  had  in  the  north.  It  is  de- 
fended by  three  ramparts  of  earth,  and  a  wall  seven  feet  thick,  and  fancifully  che- 
quered with  ashlar  work,  of  different  colours :  part  of  these  walls,  on  the  west  and 
south-west,  still  remain,  but  hidden  on  each  side  with  heaps  of  ruins.  The  hypocaust, 
mentioned  by  Hutchinson,  was  within  the  walls,  at  the  north-east  compartment :  it 
was  built  upon  large  flat  stones,  upon  which  stood  rows  of  short  pillars,  bearing  a 
roof  of  thin  flat  stones,  then  a  layer  of  small  stones,  filled  up,  and  levelled  with  river 
sand,  and  then  covered  over  with  strong  bath-plaster,  three  or  four  inches  thick. 
The  conduits  to  it  were  very  perfect.  Many  urns  have  been  found  within  the  walls 
about  the  north-west  comtr ;  and  there  is  a  small  barrow  in  the  field  west  of  the  sta^ 
iion.    The  two  annexed  inscriptions  are  on  oblong  stones :  the  first  of  them,  described 


ELSDON  PARISH.  ♦  105 

by  Horaley,  who  had  it  in  his  possession ;  the        deo  ikyicto  soli  soc 
second  exphdned  by  Dr.  Taylor,  in  the  Fhilo-        sacrvm.  mo  salvte  et 
sophical  iWisactions,  in  17^4,  and  at  present        incolymitate.  imp.  caes 
in  the  library  at  Durham.    The  former  Mr.        m.  avbeli  aktonini  pii  felic. 

Horsley  read,  Deo  invicto  soU  socio  sacrum,        avo l.  caecilivs  optatys- 

&c.  trUmnis  cohortis jprinue  Fardulorum  cum        tbib.  coh.  i.  yabdvl.,  cym.  con... 

cansecraneis  votum  aeo  templum  a  solo  extruc^        cbaneis  yotvm.  beo 

turn;  and  remarks  concerning  it,  that  **the        asolo.  extbyct. 

Antoninus,  for  whose  safety  this  was  Yowed, 

must  haYe  been  either  Commodus  or  Cara-        imp.  caes.  m.  aybelio 

calla :  the  inscription  was  erected  by  L.  Casci-        seyebo  antonino 

lius  Optatus,  tribune  of  the  first  cohort  of  the        pio  felici  et  pabthic 

FarduU,  a  people  of  Hispania  Citerior,  situ-        max.  bbit.  max.  gebm. 

ated  not  far  from  the  west  end  of  the  FYtsb-        max.  pontifici  maxim. 

nean  mountains.'' — **  The  *  CVM  CON,'  I        tbib.  potest,  xyiii.  imp.  ii. 

read,"  says  Mr.  Gale,  "  with  the  beginning  of        cos.  iiii.  pbocos  p.  p.  coh.  i. 

the  scYenth  line,  am  consecraneis.    The  word        fida.  yabdyl.  cbeq.  ano. 

consecranei  is  not  Yery  common,  but  we  haYe        nnana  fecit  syb  cybo.  t  co... 

it  in  Capitolinus  (Gord.  c.  14),  *  SaeraU  com-        leg.  xx.  gb. 

miUtones,  imo  etiam  comsecranei,  t .  e.  ejusdem 

sacramenii  militaris  particmes/  than  which  nothing  can  be  more  apposite."    The  latter 

inscription  should  be  read,  Imperatori  Caesari,  Sgc.  proemsuU  patri  pairue  cohorts 

prima  ^fida  VarduUyrum  civium  Eomanorum  equitata  milUaria  Antomniana  Jedt  sub 

cura  tribuni  coUegii  vicesimorum  grate.    From  which  it  appears  that  the  consecranei 

of  this  place  were  a  college,  or  guud  of  artificers,  consistiuj?  of  twenty  pers(»is. 

Messrs.  Hodgson  and  Laird  copied  the  inscriptions  of  three  other  Yery  beautiful 
and  perfect  altars,*  found  within  this  statioti,  in  the  ruins  of  a  hi^  buildmg,  on  the 
west  side  of  the  south  gate.  These  interesting  remains  are  at  Cam^Yille.  One  of 
the  altars  is  dedicated  by  the  same  tribune  as  that  inscribed  ^^  Deo  inmcto"  and  fully 
establishes  the  existence  of  a  college,  or  guild,  in  this  stipendiary  city.  The  other 
two  altars,  one  of  which  has  been  erected  *'  by  a  decree  of  the  senate,"  are  dedicated 
to  Minerva.  The  two  latter,  from  their  form,  and  haYing  no  excavation  on  the  top 
for  incense,  may  be  considered  as  pedestals  to  tiie  statue  of  the  goddess  to  whom  they 
are  dedicafed.  There  are  also  sevqral  funeral  inscriptions,  and  various  figures  in  has* 
relief,  at  Campville,  brought  from  this  plfiMoe ;  and  amongst  the  rest,  a  fragment,  ftom 
which  little  more  can  be  gathered,  than  that  it  has  been  erected  in  memory  of  some 
work  done  l^  the  first  cohort  of  Vardulians,  called>Mb. 

The  next  inscription  is  on  an  altar,  which  was  dug  up,  with  several  coins,  in  Horn 
aley's  time,  near  the  north- west  comer  of  the  station,  silyano  p...ntheo  pbo  sal...  ' 
BYFiN  tbib  et  lycillae  eivs  LIB.  COS.  Y.  8.  L.  M.  «.  c.  Sihemo  Paniheopro  salute 
Bufini  tribuni  et  Lucille  (uxoris)  ejus  Eutyehus  lAertus  consuUsy  &c.  This  altar  has 
heen  erected  for  the  safety  of  Rufinus  the  tribune,  and  his  wife  Lucilla,  by  Eutyehus, 
a  freedman  of  the  consul.  It  is  common  now  to  give  the  name  Pa$Uheus  to  the  figure 
of  any  god  who  has  the  symbols  of  other  gods  joined  with  his  own. 

*  1.   DEAR  MI   JBRVAi;  ET  OElflO.  COL  LEG  L.  CJECL  OPTATVS  TEIB  V.  S.  L.  M. — 2.   SSJB  SAKCT^ft  MIn 
VBEV/B  FLAVIVS  8K  VEEINVS  TEIBAEAH  PEDIT. — 8.  DBAE  MI  NBBYB  IVL  OABANIVB  8.  C. 

yoL,  II,  2  D 


lOS  COQUETDALE  WARD— S.  D. 


The  Rev.  Thomas  Hope,  a  Presbyteritan  miiiirter,  who  resides  widun  the  aim  of 
the  station,  has  two  bFoken  inscriptions  ki:  his  possessioii ;  and  the  foUowing  cuiioiifi^ 
but  impetfect  inscription,  was,  in  1810,  oopied  by  the  ^ntlemen  mentiotied.  above 
from  a  stone  in'  a  fi^d  opposite  the  north-^east  comer  of  the  station  i— « 


I 

C P  AVO. 

tVS  N  ANOa  ETBM  CQMBT 

B  R  BV  COB  SVB  CVBVM 
Ili  MAINIAE  £T  ALIMENT 
SVB  CVB  OPEKVM  FVBL 
IVLIA  LVCILLA  C.  V  BfARTTO 
BM  VIX  AN  XL VIII 

M,  V.  D*  XXV. 


The  neighbourhood  of  the  ca^Htal  dty  of  such  a  wariike  nation  as  the  OtttuUni  must 
have  been  the  scene  of  many  sanguinary  conflicts,  which  are  now  beyond  the  reach  of 
record.  But  the  adjixning  moors  still  pres^it  many  of  the  rude  funeral  monuments 
of  the  ancient  Britons,  fraught  with  tne  impressive  story  of  days  long  past  On  a 
sheep-walk  east  of  Rochester  is  a  mass  of  loose  stones,  twelve  feet  higln  and  one  hun- 
dred and  eighty  feet  in  diameter.  It  is  called  the*  Mare  Caim^  which  rignifies  the 
^  army's  tomW  A  simSar  monument  near  High  Carricka  has  been  used  in  buiMing 
a  kiln.  In  its  centre  was  a  cavity,  formed*  1^  rour  stones  set  on  edge^  and  covered 
with  one  about  eight  feet  long  and  five  broad. 

Birdhope  Crag  is  situated  near  Fealhertooad  Bum^  on  the  north  side  of  the  &eed^ 
a  little  above  B^hester,  where  is  a  Presbyterian  meeting-house,  which  is  tcderably 
well  attended.  Here  are  the  traces  of  two  large  square  introichmfiEits,  with  two 
openings  on  every  side,  each  defended  by  an  outward  mole  of  an  oblcmg  form,  at  the 
distance  of  six  yards  from  the  aperture. 

Bekeness,  or  Btrnbss,  written  also  Burtness,  is  situated  on  the  north  side  of 
the  Keed,  about  five  miles  north-west  from  Rochester.  According  to  Mr.  Wallis,  on 
an  eminence  here  were  lite  remains  of  a  British  temple^  the  stones  numerous,  of  vari^ 
ous  sizes,  and  in  circulsor  order.  Subsequent  travellers  have  been  unable  to  disoover 
these  ancient  remains ;  but  the*  mrais  of  an  old  diapel  long  covered  the  ground,  and  it 
is  well  known  that  the  sacred  temples  of  the  Druids  often  became  the  aeites  of 
Christian  churches.  The  chapel  was  mbuSt  by  volunlary  subscription  in  1798»  when 
it  was  endowed  with  £1750;  whereof  £lfiOO  was  given  by  the  Rev.  L.  Dutens, 
rector  of  Elsdon,  £400  by  the  governors  of  Queen  Anne's  Bounty,  and  £150  by  the 
subscribers  to  the  edifice. 

About  a  mOe  south^-east  from  this  chapel,  in  a  heathy  moor,  stands  the  TW-XflMO, 
which  means  the  Fox  HM.  On  the  top  of  this  hill,  which  is  now  covered  with  a  j^an* 
tation,  are  three  large  stcmes,  in  a  triangular  order,  twelve  feet  distant  fiom  each  other, 
and  each  as  many  feet  in  diameter.  Mr.  WaDis  ]»«sumes  these  were  monumoits 
erected  in  memory  of  the  like  number  of  valiant  chieftains  slain  in  battle.  On  this 
Mr.  Hutchinson  remarks,  that  it  was  the  custom  of  the  Danes,  at  the  solemn  investi-- 


ELSDON  PARISH.  107 

tare  of  dwir  kaiq^s,  or  va&a  of  datf  autbodifty^  to  erect  monuments  of  this  nttnre; 
and  to  tbftt  people  it  is  most  reasonaUe  we  should  attribute  suck  erections.  But  die 
custom  of  commemoiati]^  important  events  W  similar  natural  pillars  existed  in  the 
Tery  first  ages  of  society^  and  was  more  probably  practised  by  the  same  early  Britonn 
that  raised  the  tenifdes,  the  looans,  the  cromleehi^  the  caims»  and  other  rude  monu* 
molts  of  unhewn  stones>  than  by  the  roving  pirates  of  Denmark.  Nor  doea  it  appear 
that  the  Scandinavian  tribes  had  a  peculiar  cuatom  of  recording  the  memorr  of  an  elec« 
tion  by  the  erection  of  three  stones.  Xenophon  takes  notice,  that  when  the  three  eu» 
nuchs  of  Abradates  were  buried,  there  were  three  pillars  erected.  The  number  three  has 
abb  resjpeet  to  the  three  primary  idds ;  and  this  seems  to  be  the  obvious  and  natural 
reason  for  erecting  this  number  of  stones.  The  three  huge  upright  stones  called  the 
Detail's  Qnoks^  in  Oxfordshire,  and  which  Dr.  Plott  thimis  are  three  British  deities^ 
may  probably  be  of  this  kind.  There  is^  also  at  Trdech,  in  Monmouthshire,  a  similar 
monuma[it  of  three  massy  high  stones,  which  are  thought  to  be  representatives  of  the 
fandf ul  gods  of  the  primitive  inhabitants. 

Ramshope  stancb  on  the  north  side  of  the  Reed,  two  miles  above  Bereness.  This 
jdace,  which  gives  name  to  an  extra^^mrochial  di^ct,  contains  at  present  but  one 
dwelling  house.  The  lands  of  Catdeugh  and  Chattlebope,  m  this  wild  country,  are 
the  property  of  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  NcKrfchumberland.*  Chattlehope  Bum,  whidi 
descends  from  the  highlands  south  of  the  Reed,  at  one  place  forms  a  cataract  75  feet 
in  height.  The  stream  does  not  dash  down  perpendicularly,  being  interrupted  near 
the  middle  by  a  projection  of  the  rock,  from  whence  sliding  gvaiwially  some  feet,  it 
falls  a  second  time.  The  precipices  all  around  are  rude  and  barren,  and  there  are  no 
picturesque  beauties  in  the  whole  scene. 

Carter-Fell^  from  the  Celtic  G^rt,  signifying  a  height  or  hill^  is  the  dividing  rixtee 
between  England  and  Scotland.  It  is  1603  feet  alK>ve  the  level  of  the  sea*  The 
Reed  issues  nom  its  south^n  dectivity ;  and  the  **  alver  Jed,''  on  leaving  its  heights, 
rushes  through  a  rocky  channel  and  woody  vales,  and  winds  round  the  shire  town  to 
which  it  gives  name.  The  Redeswire,  which  also  forms  a  boundary  to  thn  parish,  is 
tile  lower  and  connecting  ridge  between  the  Carter-Fell  on  the  west,  and  the  Houiad* 
Law  on  the  east.  Its  name  is  descriptive  of  its  situatkm ;  for  the  Anaio-Saxon 
stcire  signifies  primarily  a  neck,  and  secondarily  the  hollow  or  depresdum  of  a  moun- 
tain, c(»meetinff  higher  mountains  or  hills  on  each  side  of  it. 

The  Redeswu^  was  the  scene  of  a  skmnish,  which  happened  upon  the  7tb  of  June, 
1575,  at  one  of  the  meetmga  held  by  the  Wardens  of  the  Marches,  for  arrangements 
necessary  upon  the  Borders.  Sir  John  Carmichael  was  the  Scottish  Warden,  and  Sir 
John  Forster  held  that  office  on  the  English  Middle  March.  In  the  course  of  the 
day,  which  was  employed,  as  usual,  in  rechessing  wrongs,  a  bill,  or  indictment,  at  the 
instance  of  a  Scottish  complainer,  was  fouled  (i.  e.  found  a  true  bUl)  against  one  Fam- 
stein,  a  notorious  English  freebooter.  Forster  alleged  that  he  had  fled  from  justice. 
Carmichael,  considering  this  as  a  pretext  to  avoid  making  compensation  for  the  felony. 


*  It  may  be  proper  to  remark^  that  CarrickJnuhes,  in  this  parish,  belongs  to  the  poor  of  Whalton ;  and 
West  Todd  Holes,  to  the  poor  of  Rothbury.  William  Old,  and  Raleigh  Treveljan,  Esqrs.  are  consideraUe 
proprietors  in  Bedesdale. 


108  COQUETDALE  WARD— S.  D. 

bade  him  ^  pla^r  fair,''  to  which  the  En^ifih  Warden  retorted,  by  some  injurious  ex-^ 
pressions  respecting  Carmichaers  family,  and  gaTe  other  open  si^ns  of  resentment. 
His  retinue,  chiefly  men  of  Redesdale  and  Tynedak,  the  most  feioaous  of  the  English 
Borderers,  glad  of  any  pretext  for  a  quarrel,  discharged  a  flight  of  arrows  among  the 
Scots.  A  warm  conflict  ensued,  in  whidi  Carmichael  being  beat  down  and  made 
prisoner,  success  seemed  at  first  to  incline  to  the  English  side ;  tUl  the  Tynedale  men» 
throwing  themsdves  too  greedily  upon  the  plunder,  fell  into  disorder,  and  a  body  of 
Jedbur^  citizens  arriving  at  that  instant,  the  skirmish  terminated  in  a  complete 
victory  on  the  part  of  the  Scots,  who  took  prisoners  the  English  Warden^  James 
Ogle,  Cuthbert  CoUingwood,  Francis  Russel,  son  to  the  Earl  of  Bedford,  and  son^in-^ 
law  to  Forster,  some  of  the  Fenwicks,  and  several  other  Border  chiefs.  They  were 
sent  to  the  Earl  of  Morton,  th^i  regent,  who  detained  them  at  Dalkeith  for  some 
days,  till,  the  heat  of  their  resentment  was  abated;  which  prudent  precaution  pre- 
vented a  war  betwixt  the  two  kingdoms.  He  th^  dismissed  th^n  with  great  ex« 
pressions  of  regard,  and,  to  satisfy  queen  Elizabeth,  sent  up  Carmichael  to  York,: 
whence  he  was  soon  honourably  dismissed.  The  particulars  of  this  afi&ay  are  mi- 
nutely reUited  in  the  old  ballad  caUed  ''  The  Battle  of  Reid  Squair," 

CheW'Green.^^TlAB  Roman  camp  is  situated  at  the  northern  extremity  of  £]sd<Ai 
parish,  near  the  Border,  and  not  far  from  the  source  of  the  river  Coquet.  The  fonn» 
extent,  and  relative  situation,  of  this  curious  and  Qoble  monument  of  Rftnxian  art, 
may  be  accurately  understood  from  the  annexed  engraving.  As  the  plough  luis  never 
entered  the  ground  here,  all  the  lines  are  not  only  visible,  but  in  a  high  sta;^  of  pre- 
servation. The  country  on  three  sides  of  Chew-Green  is  mountainous,  and  entirely 
covered  with  heath ;  but  the  hill  on  which  the  encampment  is  formed  is  fine  green 
sward,  which,  contrasted  with  the  dark  sombrous  hue  of  the  adjoining  mountains, 
g^ves  relief  to  the  eye  in  the  midst  of  dreary  wastes. 

General  'Roy  supposes  this  station  to  have  been  occupied  by  Agricola's  army  on  its 
march  into  North  Britain,  and  to  have  been  that  termed  **  Fine^'  in  the  followkig 
Iter : — ^Ist  Ckhnia^  Channelkirk,  vulg,  Ginglekirk, — Sd«  Trimontium  village,  Eildon, 
near  Eildoh  HiUs. — Sd.  Oma^  near  Jedbur^.---4th.  Fines^  Chew^reen,  head  pf  tiie 
Coquet,  seven  miles  from^-^th.  Bremenium^  Bxxdiester,  on  the  river  Reed,  about  nine 
miles  from — 6th.  MabiUmcum,  Risingham,  about  fifteen  miles  from— *7tb.  CarHopU 
tiumy  Corbridge, 

The  old  Roman  road,  before  it  reaches  Chew-Green,  is  called  Grommeh^fHUk^  mean-i 
ing  tiie  old  road^  from  the  Danish  gammed  old.  The  word  Felly  added  to  Carter,  \% 
another  name  imposed  upon  the  neighboming  heights  by  th«  Danish  invaders^ 


MORPETH    WARD. 


|HIS  Ward  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Coquetdale  Ward,  on  the  east 
by  the  Grerman  Ocean,  on  the  west  by  Tindale  Ward,  and  on  the  south 
by  Bedlingtonshire  and  Castle  Ward.  It  is  upon  an  average  16^  miles 
in  length  from  east  to  west,  and  9  miles  in  breadth  from  north  to  south. 
The  sofl  is,  in  general,  ridh,  strong,  and  nroductive.  Upwards  of  24;000 
acres  are  annu&y  turned  over  by  the  plough,  besides  about  5000  acres 
of  excellent  meadow  lands.  It  contains  several  inllages  and  hamlets;  and  sin^e 
farmsteads  are  scattered  over  every  part  of  the  country.  The  principal  town  is  Mor- 
peth, which  stands  on  the  southern  extremity  of  the  Ward, 


AST     DIVI8IO 


WARKWORTH  PARISH, 

This  is  one  of  the  largest,  most  fertile,  and  best  cultivated  parishes  in  the  county^ 
It  extends  about  7^  mues  from  north  to  south,  and  5  miles  m>m  east  to  west ;  and 
contains  18  townsmps,  424  inhabited  houses,  and  2365  inhabitants,  The  parish  is 
divided  by  the  river  Coquet  into  two  unequal  parts,  The  northern  part,  which  is  in 
Coquetdale  Ward,  comprizes  six  townships.  The  southern  and  largest  division  is 
mostly  distinguished  by  a  strong  clayey  soil^  which  produces  excellent  crcms  of  wheat, 
beans,  and  pease.  The  faipaers  studiously  practise  those  rules  of  good  husbandly 
which  keep  the  land  in  the  best  order,  and  insure  crops  of  the  greatest  value.  AU 
this  district  abounds  with  excellent  coal  and  freestone ;  and  at  Acklington  there  is  a 
valuable  whinstone  dyke,  which  is  advantageously  used  in  repairing  the  roads, 

Richard  Clutterbuck  left  a  rent-charge  of  £  SO  to  the  poor  widows  of  this  parish. 
Frands  Forster  and  an  individual  unknown  each  bequeathed  one  pound  annually  to 
the  poor;  but  both*  these  charities  have  been  lost.  Mrs,  Cook  left  £50,  the  interest 
pf  which  was  to  be  applied  for  the  instruction  of  five  poor  children ;  but  this  bequest 

VOL.  II.— (26)  8  B 


110  MORPETH  WARD— E.  D. 

was  also  neglected,  and  finally  the  payment  of  the  interest  was  refiised.  A  school-house 
was  built  nearly  a  century  ago  by  a  Mr.  Lawson,  who  presented  it  to  the  parish.  At 
present  ^ere  are  four  school  in  Warkworth,  one  of  which  is  supported  by  subscrip- 
tion, and  conducted  dbcording  to  the  modem  system.  It  is  at  present  in  contempla- 
tion to  erect  a  new  and  commodious  school-room,  for  which  his  grace  the  Duke  of 
Northumberland  has  granted  an  elidible  sdte.  There  is  likewise  a  Sunday-sdlool, 
welt  attended,  and  three  day-^chopls  in  th^  village^  of  Acklington,  Amble,  and 
Broomhill. 

Warkworth  is  pleasantly  seated  on  the  south  side  of  the  river  Coquet,  about  a 
mile  from  the  sea ;  and  is  distant  7  miles  south-east  from  Alnwick,  15  miles  north-east 
from  Monpeth,  and  80  miles  north  from  ShiaUfl.  •  It-<x>nsists  of  threcf  streets,  in  which 
are  several  good  modem-built  houses,  one  of  which  has  been  lately  erected  by  John 
Forster,  Esq.  of  London,  a  native  of  Warkworth.  The  entrance-hall  is  neatly  laid 
with  marble  from  Brandenburgh  House,  the  residence  of  the  late  queen  Caroline. 
The  prindpai  street  leads  from  we  castle  down  a  steep  hill  to  tibe  cross,  whereilK two 
Otbeis  j<Mn  it ;  the  one  leading  frooa  Hie  bridge^  and  the  other  from  the  chuy^.. 

.  Warkworth  contains  100  houses  and  600  inhabitants,  including  many  freeholders.  It 
bus  a  market*  on  Thursdays ;  but  it  has'  long  ceased  to  be  kept,  except  tor  ^twitciiers' 
nm»L  Thcure  m  ran  annual  fair  held  here,  on  the  Thursday  before  the  S8d  (ft  Notem- 
ber,  for  fat  cattle  and  winter  stock,  but  chiefly  for  swine*  Provisions  of  all  kinds  are 
|4entif nl  and  cheap,  espeeiallY  flesh ;  an4  the  shjc^  are  well  fumi^ied  with  ail  articles 
m  <K)mmon  request.  Here  is  a  brewery,  carried  on.  to  a  considerable  extent;  and^ 
there  are  three  good  inns  and  four  public  hous^.  The  churdi,  which  is  dedicated  to 
St.  Lawrence,  stands  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  at  the  bottom  of  the  town.  It  is  an 
elegant,  spacious  structure,  and  is  ^emameiited  with  a  handsome  spire,  upwards  of  100 
feet  high,  in  the  tower  of  which  is  a  large  dock.  It  is  of  great  antiquity,  and  its 
erection  has  been  ascribed  to  Ceolwulph,  king  of  Kdthumberland,  who  endowed 
Luidisfam  with  the  villages  of  Brainshaugh  and  Warkworth,  together  with  the  ad- 
vowson  of  the  church  which  he  built  there.  But  the  oldest  parts  of  the  present 
church  have  evidently  been  built  at  a  more  modem  period.  The  north  wall,  the  chan- 
cel, and  a  considerable  part  of  the  tower  are  of  ancient  architecture.  They  are  distin- 
guished from  the  modem  part,  which  was  probably  built  after  the  Percys  acquired 
W  arkworth,  by  the  drcular  doors  «nd  windows,  supported  by  plain  Saxon  columns,both 
in  the  body  of  the  churdi  and  in  tJie  chancel.  "When  this  part  was  erected,  there  were 
no  side  aisles,  and  the  roof  was  sloping.  At  some  future  period  the  walls  have  been 
raised,  the  roof  made  flat,  and  the  south  aisle  added,  in  a  different  style  of  architecture. 
The  columns  that  support  this  aisle  are  light  and  lofty,  and  the  windows  large.  It  is 
kept  very  neat,  and  is,  certainly,^  one  of  the  handsomest  parish  churches  in  the  count}'. 
Within  it,  at  the  south-west  end,  by  the  entrance,  is  the  funeral  monument  and  effigies  of 

*  King  John  granted  to  Robert^  son  of  lU^r  Fitz-Richard^  first  baron  of  Warkworth^  the  privilege  of  a 
weekly  market,  to  be  kept  at  New-town^  near  Warkworth;  and  an  aonual  fair,  lo  continue  for  three  di^f  ; 
VIZ.  the  even  and  the  day  of  St  Lawrence,  and  the  morrow  of  that  day.  In  7  king  Henry  III.  John  Fitz* 
Robert  obtained  licence,  that  the  market,  which  had  usually  been  kept  upon  the  Sunday  at  his  manor  of 
Warkworth,  should  be  held  on  the  Wednesday  every  week.— -i>t^(2.  Baron,  voL  t.  p.  107* 


I  WARKWORTH  PARISH.  Ill 

a  kliight  t^mpl^r,  with  this  itiseriptioh^.-*^^  thu  kpfmies  of  «ii^  hu<»h  de  koewick^ 
TTito  oavi:  the  commok  iv>  thm  town  op  wabkwobth."  a  chantry  was  found- 
ed in  Waricworth  by  Nicholas  de-  Faamhtoi^  bishop  of  Ditfham,  in  Hfe  reign  of  Henry 
III.  He  approf^riated  the  diurcfa  of  Beanxton  for  the  Hiaint^toice  theire  of  two  Be* 
nedictine  monks,  fitmi  Durham.  It  was  in  ruim  in  the  time  of  queen  Elizabetii ; 
but  «m  c4derly  lady  in  Warkworth  remembered  this  biuMin^  SO  years  ago»  at  which 
time  the  walls  were  three  or  four  feet  high.  The  foundations  are  still  to  be  seen, 
about  C5  yards  eastward  from  the  churchy-yard^  in  a  lane  that  leads  towards  the  bridge. 
The  limine  is  a  vicarage  in  the  gift  of  the  bishop  of  Carlisle,  and  is  valued  in  tne 
kin^s  books  at  £18,  Bs.  7d.*  In*  1^2,  the  present  vicar  buUt  an  elegant  and  com- 
momous  house  near  the  west  end  of  the  church.f  The  Presbyterians  lately  erected  a 
neat  m^edng-houlde  here. 

At  the  north  end  of  the  town  is  a  stately  stone  bridge,  buUt  over  the  Coquet,  con- 
dstlng  of  two  spacious  aidies.  In  tiie  middle  stands  a  stone  pillar,  with  tbe  arms  of 
fercy  sculptured  upon  it ;  and  at  the  south  end  is  a  square  tower,  with  an  archway, 
tiuoogh  whkh  the  road  passes.  This  has  formerly  been  defended  by  an  iron  gate. 
It  was  thoroughfy  repaired  some  3rear8  ago,  and  it  will  probably  remaki  an  ornament 
to  tiie  town  for  ages  to  come4 

Warkworth  is  an  ancient  borough,  by  prescription ;  and  the  Duke  of  Northumba** 
land  holds  a  court-leet  here  every  yeor^  on  the  ifirst  Wednesday  of  October.  There 
are  77  burgage  tenures,  or  freeholds,  which  are  held  of  his  grace  by  a  certain  esta^ 
Uished  rent  There  is  no  date  or  record  to  ascertain  when  this  borough  was  erected ; 
but  it  must  have  been  in  the  time  ci  the  Saxons,  and  probably  about  tiie  period  when 
king  Ceolwulph  built  the  church.  Bkdkstone,  in  speaking  of  these  ancient  tenures, 
says,  ^  These  seem  to  have  withstood  the  shock  of  the  Norman  encroachments,  princi- 
pally on  account  of  their  insignificanq^,  whidi  made  it  not  worth  while  to  compel 
them  to  hm  iteration  of  tenure ;  as  a  hundred  of  them,  put  together,  would  scarce 
have  amounted  to  a  knight's  fee.  Besides,  the  owners  of  tn^n  Ming  dbiefly  artificers 
and  persons  enga^sed  in  trade,  could  not,  with  any  tderalde  propriety,  be  put  on  such 
a  militaiy  establiSunent  as  the  tenure  of  chivaky  was.*'  The  chief  officer  in  the  bo- 
wtkgh  is  a  port-reeve,  or  borough-reeve,  now  ffoneraUy  styled  mayor.  He  is  chosen, 
by  the  fr^ee  burgesses,  on  the  morning  of  the  ftrst  Wednesday  of  October,  and  Is  im- 
mediately afterwwds  sworn  into  omee  at  the  court-leet.  His  duty  is,  to  prevent 
encroachments  on  the  common,  to  summon  petty  offenders  to  the  court,  and  to  eoUect 
and  disburse  the  revenues  of  the  town.    Tne  other  officers  of  this  ancient  borough 


^  In  the  Magma  Brkanniea  h  is  Mid>  '^  ThiH;  Mr.  Mm  Heslehead  waa  vicar  of  this  parish  in  the  time  of 
the  rebeUion.  He  wae  tamed  tmt  of  hia  chuKh  hy  violence^  when  be  was  preaching;,  and  his  family  soon 
after  thrown  out  of  the  viqwaf&Jiouae;  his  daughter,  wi^o  was  near  her  delivery,  not  rbeing  permitted  to  lie 
IB  there.  He  tbeveiipon  Mred  #  house  in  the  town,  but  he  ires  not  suffered  to  dwell  quietly  in  it,  his  suoces- 
•or,  Mr.  Archibald  Moor,  being  one  of  the  chief  that  threatened  to  ruin  him,  if  he  staid  in  the  {mrish." 

t  The  incumbent  pays  three  shilluigs  and  eight-pence  per  annum  to  the  Dake  of  Northumberland,  for  the 
ground  occupied  hy  the  house  and  garden  of  the  vicarage. 

X  Twenty  marks  were  left  towards  rebuilding  thia  bridge,  by  Mr..  John  Cook,  of  Mewcastie  upon  Tyna, 
2  king  Richard  IT.  1379. 


112  MORPETH  WARD— R  D. 

are  also  chosen  and  sworn  in  at  the  same  time,  vie.  two  moor*grieves,  two  fde-ocninersy 
and  three  constables.  The  burgage-tenure  consists  of  a  houses  a  gard^i,  and  a  small 
portion  of  land,  which  has  been  equally  divided  among  the. burgesses.  These  tenuis 
are,  however,  considS^  as  freeholds,  and  the  possessors  o£  them  have  always  voted 
for  members  for  the  county.  A  few  of  them  are  possessed  by  gentlemen  who  reside 
in  the  place ;  the  rest  are  the  property  of  shopkeepers,  mechanics,  and  husbandmesqi. 
The  burgesses  of  Warkworth  are  also  in^possession  of  a  freehold  common,  presented 
to  them  at  a  remote  period  by  Sir  Hugh  de  Morwick,  consisting  of  216  acres.  A 
portion  of  it  was,  many  years  ago,  inclosed,  and  divided  among  the  burgesses,  to  the 
amount  of  38  acres,  being  about  half  an  acre  to  each.  Tiie  remainder  is^used  as  a 
common  pasture,  in  which  each  burgess  has  a  right  to  ^;raze  a  horse  and  a  cow.  It  is 
a  piece  of  excellent  land,  but,  for  want  of  proper  drainmg  and  management,  is  not  so 
productive  as  it  might  be  made. 

From  Felton  the  Coquet  winds  beautifully  through  a  charming  country,  its  banks 
adorned  with  fine  woods,  until  it  reaches  the  foot  of  the  castle.  Here  it  takes  a  s^d^. 
den  turn  to  the  north,  and,  encircling  the  town,  forms  a  fine  peninsula.  From  the 
east  of  the  castie  it  winds  to  the  sea.  In  the  year  1764,  it  left  the  old  course,  and 
took  the  present  direction.  This  fme  river  might  easily  be  rendered  navigable  dose 
to  the  town.  Two  freestone  rocks  would  form  natural  piers  at  its  mouth;  while 
vessels  might  ride  in  safety,  when  waiting  for  tiie  tide,  under  shelter  of  Holy  Island 
Those  who  are  interested  in  such  an  improvement  will,  it  is.  hoped,  act  with  spirit  and 
liberality.  There  is  a  fishery  in  this  river,  belonging  to  the  Duke  of  Northumberland. 
About  30  salmon,  and  from  12  to  15  thousand  salmon-trouts,  are  caught  annually^ 
They  are  disposed  of  in  the  neighbouring  towns,  but  chiefly  at  NewcasUe. 

This  delic^htful  little  town  contains  several  genteel  families,  and  is  a  most  i^reeal]^? 
place  of  residence.  The  air  is  very  salubrious,  and  instances  of  k>ngevity  fiequ^it 
and  remarkable.  In  the  register  of  burials  from  1801  to  1811,  the  numoer  is  369. 
Of  these  176  died  below  50,  and  193  above  it.  From  this  it  is  evident,  that  more 
than  one-half  of  the  inhabitants  live  to  be  above  50  years  of  age.  Of  those  who  died 
above  50  years,  there  were — from  70  to  80  years,  65 ;  from  80  to  90,  54 ;  from  90  ta 
99,  9 ;  total,  128.  Although  this  imcommon  length  of  life  must  be  attributed,  in  a 
certain  degree,  to  the  healthiness  of  the  situation,  yet  it  is  also  promoted  by  the  sobeiv 
decorous  habits  of  the  inhabitants ;  instances  of  intemperance,  profligacy,  md  dis^ipa^ 
tion,  being  very  rare  amongst  them, 

Wabkworth  Castle. — ^The  castie  and  barony  of  Warkworth  belonged  to  Roger  ♦^ 
Fitz-Richard,  who,  upon  the  assessment  of  an  aid  for  marrying  the  Idnff^s  daughter^ 
12  Henry  II.  certified  that  he  held  the  castle  and  manor  of  WarkworS  bjr  the  ser- 
vice of  one  knight's  fee.  He  gave  to  the  monks  of  Newminster,  near  Morp^h^  a 
salt-work  in  this  place,  with  the  consent  of  Adeliza,  his  wife.  His  son  and  heir  was 
Robert  Fitz-Roger,  who  obtained  of  king  John  a  confirmation  of  the  castle  and 
manor  of  Warkworth,  held  of  the  crown  by  the  service  of  one  knights  fee,  as  also  of 
the  manor  of  Clavering,  in  Essex,  to  be  held  ^  the  like  service.  He  died  16  John, 
and  was  succeeded  by  nis  son  and  heir,  John  Fitz-Robert,  to  whom  the  same  king 
ratified  the  castle  and  manor  of  Warkworth,  nanted  by  his  father,  king  Henry  II. 
After  this,  this  manor  and  castie,  with  its  meimiers,  Acklington,  Birling,  one-Half  of 


WARKWORTH  PARISH.  US 

Biddkftton,  aDdxNEiewfourth  of  Togston,  descended  to  his  posterity ;  and  was  at  length, 
by  lolin,  surnamed  de  Clavering,  his  grandson,  settled,  with  the  manors  of  Rothburv, 
Corbridge,  and  Newburn,  uponiing  Edward  I.  after  his  own  and  his  lady's  death, 
provided  he  died  without  male  issue.  They  did  not  come  to  the  crown  till  the  be- 
^nii^  of  kif\g  Edward  JII/s  reign,  when  that  prince  bestowed  it  upon  Henry 
Fercy,  tbe.  anoe^tor  of  the  Earls  of  Nor^humberl^^  in  lieu  of  500  marks,  which  he 
had^reed  to  pay  to  Sir  Henry  Percy,  then  govempr  of  Berwick,  during  life,  out  of 
the  customs  of  Berwick.  Warkworth  Castle :  continued  in  the  Percy  family  till  8 
king  Richard  II.  1384,  when  Henry,  first  Earl  of  Northumberland,  being  accused  of 
i^easdn,  bis*  estittes  were  confiscated.  In  the  10th  year  of  the  same  reign,  Kalph  Lord 
Nevil,  of  Raby,  died  possessed  of  this  estate  of  Warkworth ;  and  in  the  5th  king 
•Henry  IV.  Thomas  Lord  Fumival,  brother  of  the  Earl  of  Westmoreland,  held  the 
government  of  the  cattle.  In  the  2d  king  Henry  V.  the  Percy  family  was  restored, 
but  being  involved  in  the  ruin  of  the  House  of  Lancaster,  they  were  attainted  in  the 
first  parliament  of  Edward  I Vj  and  their  estates  forfeited  and  given  to  George  Duke 
of.  Clarence,  that  kin^s  brother,  who  was  then  lieutenant  of  Ireland,  for  the  support 
of  his  dignity ;  but .  Kobert  Lord  Ogle  had  a  grant  at  the  same  time  of  the  office  of 
steward  and  constable  of  thi^  and  some  other  of  his  castles  and  lordships. .  But,  in  the 
J  2th  year  of  the  sitme  reigp,  Henry,  Percry,  fourth  Earl  of  Northumberland,  was  re- 
stored tQ  bis  estate,$'aud  b^^ours,  from  whi^h  time  Warkworth  has  continued  in  tK^ 
possession  of  the  ancient  and  illustrious  house  of  Percy, 

Thi9  pelebrated  csisde,  which  haS'So  long  survived  the  vicissitudes  of  many  revplv^ 
ing  ages,  is  eyep,  although  in  ruins,. a  fine  monument  of  ancient  grandeur.  It  is  very 
boldly  situated  on  an  eminence,  and  .overlooks  the  river  Coquet,  which,  after  almost 
ftusrouoding  it,  a,t  the  disjtance  of  about  a  mile,  empties  itsen  into  the  sea.  The  rock 
on  which  this. proud  fortress  is  seated  is  of  an  oblong  figure.  The  keep,  or  principal 
part  of  ti;^e  buuding,  stands  on  the  north  side,  and  is  elevated  on  an  artificial  mounl^ 
several  feet  higher  than  the  other  parts :  its  figure  is  a  square,  with  the  angles  cut 
away.  Near  me  middle  of  each  side  of  this  square  there  is  a  turret,  projecting  at 
right  angles,  it^  end  terminating  in  a  semi-^hexagon.  These  .projections  are  of  the 
s^me.  height  as  the  rest  of  the  Keep,  from  the  centre  of  which  a  lofty  exploratory 
tower  arises.  The  whole  building  is  large,  and  contains  a  variety  of  apartments. 
The  entrance  is  by  a  flight  of  steps  to  a  door  in  the  southmost  turret :  within  this 
door,  on  the  ground  floor,  there  are  eight  apartments,  arched  with  stone,  which  seem 
to  have  been  a  place  of  refuge  for  cattle,  as  was  generally  the  case  in  the  old  castles 
in  this  country.  In  one  of  these  rooms  there  is  a  perpendicular  hole,  which  ^  leads  to 
a  dungeon,  several  feet  below  the  surface  of  the  ground.  This  horrid  place  is  15  feet 
square,  and  is  flagged  with  stone.  It  was  the  place  of  confinement  for  prisoners, 
from  which  it  was,  impossible  to  escape.  Those  who  werQ  doomed  to  this  wretched 
abode  were  let  down  and  drawn  up  with  cords.  Eacb  pf  these  rooms  is  lighted  with 
a  small  eyelet  hole,  through  which  an  enemy  on  the  outside  might  be  assailed  with 
arrows.  There  are  also  many  holes  of  the  same  kind  all  around  the  other  parts  of  the 
building,  which  seem  intended  for  the  same  purpose.  From  these  apartments  theve 
are  one  large  and  two  small  stair-cases  that  lead  to  the  second  story.  On  the  top  of 
the  large  stair*case  is  a  vestibule  for  the  attendants  in  waiting,  round  which  stone 
seats  are  fixe^,    From  this  is  the  entrance  into  the  great  baronm  haU,    This  room  is 

VOL.  11.  .  2  F 


114  MORPETH  WARD.— E.  D. 

« 

39  feet  long,  24  feet  broad,  and  about  SO  feet  high,  and  had  extended  to  the  top  of 
the  building.  There  had  been  a  recess  in  the  middle  of  one  of  the  side-iiralls  for  the 
fire-place,  which  reached  to  the  top  of  the  room,  where  there  had  been  a  hole  for  the 
smoke,  which  was  the  common  mode  in  ancient  times.  But  at  some  future  period, 
when  the  comfort  of  a  room  without  smoke  began  to  be  known,  the  front  of  this  re- 
cess had  been  walled  up,  and  converted  into  a  funnel,  like  our  modem  chitnVieys.  At 
the  bottom  of  the  room  were  three  doors,  leading  to  the  passa^s,  which  are  in  the 
side-wall,  and  enter  a  smaller  room  that  had  once  been  a  chapel.  The  window  that 
lights  this  room  is  larger  and  more  ornamented  than  any  other  in  the  castle.  In  the 
wall,  on  each  side,  is  placed  the  figure  of  an  angel,  supporting  a  shield,  similar  to 
those  on  the  outside,  but  in  a  better  state  of  preservation.  There  had  been  a  gallery 
in  this  chapel,  as  appears  from  a  fire-place  in  one  of  the  side-walls,  elevated  about  12 
feet  from  the  floor.  Adjoining  to  this  is  another  state-room,  not _quite  so  large  as  th^ 
great  hall.  The  windows  of  these  three  rooms  look  to  the  sea.  There  are  four  other 
rooms,  tolerably  large,  one  of  which  had  been  the  kitchen ;  and  there  are  several 
others  very  small,  some  of  them  without  windows.  These,  perhaps,  were  intended 
for  hiding-places,  or  to  conceal  plunder.  Over  all  these  apartments,  except  the  great 
hall,  there  had  been  rooms  of  a  similar  size,  as  appears  m>m  the  stones  that  project 
from  the  walls  to  support  the  flooring,  and  from  tne  fire-places  in  the  walls.  None  of 
these  rooms  have  ever  been  plastered  or  ornamented  m  any  way:  they  were,  no 
doubt,  hung  with  tapestry,  according  to  the  custom  of  those  days.  The  masonry  of 
this  part  of  the  castle  is  in  such  an  excellent  state  of  preservation,  that  it  wants  little 
more  than  a  roof,  floors,  and  glass  in  the  windows,  to  restore  it  to  its  ancient  state. 

In  the  front  of  the  keep  is  an  area,  consisting  of  rather  more  than  an  acre  of 
ground :  the  length  from  north  to  south  is  86  yards,  and  from  east  to  west  66.  The 
walls  are  entire  in  many  places,  and  are  85  feet  high.  The  entrance  had  been  guarded 
by  a  dry  moat  cut  across  the  isthmus*  over  which  was  formerly  a  draw-bridge,  long^ 
since  removed,  and  its  place  supplied  by  a  mound  of  earth.  The  gateway,  or  princi- 
pal entrance,  had  once  been  a  stately  building,  defended  by  a  portcullis,  and  contain- 
mg  apartments  for  several  of  the  oflBcers  of  the  castle ;  but  now  only  a  few  apartments 
remam,  which  are  inhabited  by  the  person  who  has  the  charge  of  the  castle.  There 
was  a  tower  at  both  the  south  comers,  each  containing  a  few  apartments,  but  they  are 
now  in  a  dilapidated  state.  There. were  similar  towers  about  the  middle  of  the  east 
and  west  walls,  which  are  also  in  ruins.  To  the  west  of  the  gate-way  were  some 
buildings,  none  of  which  now  remain  except  a  tower,  on  one  sicfe  of  which  is  placed 
a  rude  figure  of  a  lion ;  and  in  the  walls  above  it  are  three  shields,  two  of  them  bear- 
ing the  arms  of  the  Perdes.  Near  this  is  a  pinnacle  or  spire,  in  which  is  a  stair-case 
that  leads  to  the  top.  The  postern-gate  is  in  the  west  wall,  at  a  little  distance.  In 
the  middle  of  the  area  is  a  draw-well,  which  formerly  supplied  the  castle  with  water. 
Neai"  it  are  two  subterranean  apartments ;  but  it  does  not  appear  for  what  purpose 
they  were  formed. 

It  is  not  certainly  known  when  this  castle  was  built :  from  the  circumstance  of  the 
Percy  arms  being  put  up  in  several  parts  of  the  building,  some  have  supposed  that  it 
was  erected  by  that  family ;  but  by  a  slight  inspection  it  is  easily  perceived  that  they 
have  been  inserted  into  the  walls  at  an  after  period.  This  is  clearly  proved  by  cme  of 
them  having  fallen  out,  and  the  place  where  it  was  fixed  appears  to  be  cut  in  the 


WARK WORTH  PARISH.  115 

wall,  about  six  inches  deep.  The  ^teway  and  cniter  walk  sore  evidently  the  wc^k  of 
a  remote  age ;  but  the  keep,  or  donjon^  e^diifaits  the  peculiarities  of  a  more  reoait  and 
more  opulent  period,  and  was  probaJbly  built  by  the  Percy  fanuly.  The  present  noUe 
jMnoprietor  seems  inclined  to  preserve  this  srand  spedmeQ  of  a  baronial  residence. 
The  exploratory  tower,  or  **  day  watch,*'  is  being  covered  with  lead ;  and  it  is  said 
that  many  oonsidenMe  repairs  are  in  contemplation.* 

*  When  Lekuid  wrote  hit  Itinerary^  this  castle  was  in  thorough  repair :  his  words  are,  "  Warkworth  castell 
stondjrthe  on  the  south  fsyde  of  Coquet  water ;  it  is  well  mayntejned,  and  is  large."  At  that  time  the  Percy, 
fiunily  was  under  atfaunder»  and  Wkudcworth,  &a  in  the  hands  of  the  crown,  during  whidi,  this  castle  was 
pcobably  neglected,  and  Mi  into  the  deciqr  described  in  the  following  survey^  taken  about  the  year  1567j 
when  the  Aunily  had  be^i  restored  but  a  few  years.  As  this  survey  contains  an  exact  and  curious  description 
of  the  building  of  the  castle;^  we  shall  giYe  it  at  large>  together  with  some  particulars  relating  to  its  demolk 
tion ;  all  which  waa  communicated  to  thstt  industrious  and  learned  antiquary  Mr.  Grose,  by  permission  of 
*  their  graces  the  Duke  and  Duchess  of  Northumberland,  being  preserved  among  the  archives  of  their  illustri- 
ous house:-^ 

^VTho  bastell  of  Warkworth  ys  situate  on  the  ryv«r  of  Cockett;  on  the  south  syde  of  the  same  ryver  ysone 
little  mount  parteley  maid  by  nature  of  the  ground,  with  the  course  of  the  sayd  ryver  on  the  west  syde,  and 
oDithe  east  and  north  syde  with  mwftes  casten  and  mad  by  mens  worke;  and  one  the  sowth  parte  ys  the 
waye  and  paasadge  to  and  from  the  sayd  oastell  by  two  several!  wayes;  one  of  which  two  passac^es  were 
good  to  be  mad  upe;  that  ys  the  waye  that  goyth  towardes  the  sowth  by  the  loyninge  strongly  ditchedi 
casten,  or  made  with  stone  wall,  and  the  hye  stveate  to  be  made  to  goo  thorpw  the  demaynes,  and  tlie  same 
oasten  in  a  lo3ming  there  with  a  sdxmge  quiekwoode  hedge  easten  of  eyther  syde ;  the  st;ones  of  the^ild  caw<^ 
siay  taken  awaye,  and  a  cawsey  newly  made  within  that  ground  of  the  said  demaynes,  via.  from  the  north  end 
of  a  meadow-close,  called  Tybbettes  Close,  eastward,  to  one  hye  waye  that  goy th  to  the  gate  of  the  demaynes, 
and  alonge  the  same  waye  to  the  sayd  gaAe ;  which  inyght  be  done  with  small  charge ;  and  that  done^  the 
parba  woftd  not  only  be«n  that  syde  wdOl  iucliMM^  the  dear  have  feedinge  nighe  the  gate  of  the  said  casteU, 
bat  Mo  yt  shold  be  a  great  atneugiJU  to  the  sayd  parke,  castell,  and  groundsa  joyninge  upon  the  same,  a  better 
paSsodge  than  that  now  ys  in  all  respects,  and  bust  no  persoi^  so  that  th^  same  were  well  and  orderlye  done 
or  made. 

"  The  buyldinge  of  the  sayd  castell  en  the  sowth  parte,  is  thre  towres:  viz.  The  gate  house  towre,  in  the 
middle  thereof;  which  is  th'  evdvye  at  a  draw  bridge  over  a  di^  moyte :  and  in  the  same  towre  ys  a  prison, 
and  porter  lodjgn ;  and  over  the  same  a  fare  lodginge>  called  the  constables  lodginge;  and  in  the  courtayne 
between  the  gntehduse  and  west  towre  in  the  corner  beynge  round  of  diverse  squares^  called  Crady-Zargus,  is 
ft  fare  and  coinriy  buyldinge,  a  cbapdl,  and  diverse  housea of  office  one  the  ground;  and  above  the  great 
chambre,  aiid  the  lordss  kdginge :  all  which  be  now  in  g^eat  deccgr^  as  well  in  the  oovertour  beynge  lead* 
as  also  in  timbre  and  glalsa;  and  without  some  help  of  reparaciones  it  will  come  to  utter  ruin. 

*'  Turning  north  from  the  south-west  comer  in  that  courtayne  streatchinge  to  another  little  towre,  called 
the  posteme  towre,  ys  Ih*  old  hall,  which  was  verie  fare,  and  now  by  reason  yt  was  in  decay,  ys  unroofed, 
and  the  tymbre  taken  downe  lyingein  the  said  castelL  In  the  same  square  a  buttrye,  pantrye;,  and  ltifa*KHHgft, 
which  are  now  also  in  utter  decay.  And  at  th'  oitrye  into  the  hall,  for  the  porche  thereof,  is  raised  a  littk 
square  towre  wherein  is  two  chambres,  and  on  the  foresyd  in  stone  portrayed  a  lyon  verie  workemanly 
wrought,  and  therefore  called  the  lyon  towre ;  the  same  is  covered  with  lead,  and  in  good  reparadons.  Th' 
other  towre,  called  the  posteme  towre,  is  two  lodginges,  under  which  goith  owt  a  posteme;  and  the  same  is 
covered  with  lead,  and  in  good  reparacions.  In  th'  est  syde  of  the  great  hall  was  an  ile  sett  owt  with  pyllers, 
which  yet  standeth,  and  coverd  with  lead. 

''  From  the  gatehouse  towre  to  the  towre  in  the  est  comer,  called  ys  no  buyldinge,  but  onely 

a  courtayne  wall,  &re  and  of  a  new  buyldinge;  and  in  that  towre  ia  a  stable  one  the  grounde,  and  thre  kxigi- 


116  MORPETH  WARD.— E.  D. 

Mr.  Grose,  in  his  description  of  this  andent  castle,  says,  ''  Nothing  can  be  more 
magnificent  and  picturesque,  from  what  part  soever  it  is  viewed ;  and  though,  when 
entire,  it  was  far  from  being  destitute  of  strength,  yet  its  appearance  does  not  excite 
the  idea  of  those  rugged  fortresses  destined  sol^y  for  war,  whose  gloomy  towers  sug^ 

ings  above :  the  same  is  coverd  with  lead^  and  in  good  reparadona.  TomyDgeikom  diaC  towre  towaida  tlw 
doungeon  north,  is  another  little  turrett  in  the  wall^  ys  sett  upon  that  courteyn  wall  stables  and  gardenera 
over  the  same  covered  with  slate,  and  in  good  reparacions.  Over  the  ooiute  fhnn  the  sayd  towre,  called  the 
posteme  towre,  to  the  sayd  turrett,  is  the  foundadon  of  a  house,  whidi  was  ment  to  have  been  a  cdledge, 
iuid  good  parte  of  the  walls  were  builded ;  which  if  yt  had  bene  finished  and  made  a  parfit  square,  the  same 
had  been  a  division  betweene  the  said  courte  to  the  lodgings  before  recjrted,  and  the  doongton.  The  biiildi 
inge  that  was  made  of  the  sayd  coUidge  is  now  taken  awaye,  savinge  diat  certeyn  walla  under  the  ground 
thereof  yet  reroayne :  and  at  the-  east  part  thereof  is  now  a  brewhouse  and  Bakhoose,  covered  with  slate,  and 
in  good  reparacions.     In  the  sayd  courte  is  a  drawell  which  serveth  the  hoik  house  of  water. 

**  The  doungion  is  in  the  north  parte  of  the  scyte  of  the  said  oastell,  sett  upon  a  little  mount  h^jrer  than 

the  rest  of  the  cowrte steppes  of  a  Greas  before  ye  enter  to  yt:  and  the  same  ys  buyld«safi>nre 

square,  andowt  of  every  square  one  towre:  idl  which  be  so  quarterly  squared  together,  that  in  the  dghte 
every  parte  appeareth  fyve  towres  very  finely  wrought  of  mason  worke ;  and  in  the  same  oonteyned^  as  well 
a  fkre  hall;  k3rtchinge,  and  all  other  houses  of  offices  verie  fare  and  aptely  placed,  as  also  great  diambfe|.cha» 
pell,  and  lodgings  for  the  lord  and  his  trayn.  In  the  middle  thereof  is  a  peace  voy'd,  which  is  called  a  lan» 
teme ;  which  both  recey veth  the  water  fVom  diverse  spowtes  of  the  lead,  and  hath  his  conveyance  for  the 
same;  and  also  gevith  light  to  certayne  lodgings  in  some  partes.  And  on  the  parte  of  the  same  at  the  top  ya 
raysed-of  a  good  bight  above  all  the  houses  a  turrett,  called  the  watch  house;  upon  the  top  whereof  ys  a 
great  vyew  to  be  had,  and  a  fare  prospect,  as  well  towards  the  sea,  as  eSX  parties  of  the  land.  In  the  no^ 
part  of  the  say'd  doungeon  ys  portrayed  a  lyon  wrought  in  the  stone  verie  workmaniy, 

'*  The  castell  is  envyroned  on  thre  partes  with  the  sayd  ryver ;  and  of  the  nOrth  parte,  in  an  angle  within 
the  say'd  water,  is  situate  a  towne,  called  the  borowgh  of  Warkworth,  and  the'  parish  church :  and  at  the 
horth  end  thereof  a  bridge  over  the  water,  and  a  little  towfe  buy  Id  on  th'  ende  of  the  sayd  bridge,'  wher  a 
pare  of  gates  ys  hanged :  and  now  the  said  towre  ys  without  roof,  and  cover ;  and  without  amendment  will 
in  short  tyme  utterlye  decay ;  yt  shalbe  therefore  very  requisete  that  the  towre  be  withall  speed  repairec^  and 
the  gates  hanged  upe,  which  shall  be  a  great  savety  and  comoditye  fbr  the  towre/" 

This  castle  (principally  the  buildings  in  the  outer  court)  for  want  of  repairs  still  growing  more  ruinous,  a 
warrant  (as  appears  from  an  entry  made  in  a  book  containing  copies  of  commissions,  warrants,  &o.  on  the 
Earl  of  Northumberhind's  afikirs)  was  granted  to  Mr.  Whitehead,  one  of  the  stewards  to  that  Earl,  dated  the 
24th  of  June,  I6O8,  ''to  take  down  the  lead  that  lieth  upon  the  rttinou$  towers  and  )^ces  of  Warkworth  to 
waye  it  and  laye  it  uppe,  and  to  certify  his  lordship  of  the  quantity  thereof,  that  the  places  where  lead  is 
taken  off  be  coverd  againe  fbr  the  preservation  of  the  timber.**  And  in  I6IO  the  old  timhsr  of  the  buildings 
in  the  outer  court  was  sold  for  28/. 

In  1672,  the  donjon  or  keep  of  the  castle  was  unroofed,  &c  at  the  instance  of  Joseph  Clarke,  one  of  the 
auditors  to  the  family,  'who  obtained  a  gift  of  the  materials  from  the  then  Countess  of  Northumberland.  The 
following  is  a  copy  of  a  letter  ftom  him  to  one  of  the  tenants :— ^ 

"  William  Milboume, — Being  to  take  downe  the  materialls  of  Warkworth  Castle,  which  are  given  to  me  by 
the  Countess  of  Northumberland  to  build  a  house  at  Cheuton,  1  doe  desire  you  to  speake  to  all  hir  kdishippa 
tenants  in  Warkworth,  Birlinge,  Buston,  Acklington,  Shilbottle,  Lesbury,  Longhaughton,  and  Bilton,  that 
they  will  assist  me  with  their  draughts  as  soone  as  conveniently  they  can,  to  remove  the  lead  and  tymbe- 
whioh  shall  be  taken  downe,  and  such  other  materialls  as  shall  be  fitt  to  be  removed,  i^id  bringe  it  to  Cheun 
ton  (Chirton),  which  will  be  an  obligation  to  theire  i^id  your  friend,  •        JO.  CLAdKEl^ 


WARKWORTH  PARISH.  117 

gest  to  the  inuM^ation  only  dungeons,  clkdns,  and  executions ;  but  tather  that  of 
such  an  ancient  hospitable  mansion  as  is  alluded  to  by  Milton : 

<  Where  throngs  of  knights  and  barons  bold 
In  weeds  of  peace  high  triumphs  hold/ 

''  The  castle  and  moat,  according  to  an  ancient  survi^,  contained  5  acres  17f  perches 
of  ground.  Its  widls  on  Ithe  soum,  east,  and  west  sides,  are  garnished  with  towers. 
The  great  gate  of  the  castle  is  on  the  south  side,  between  two  polygonal  towers,  and 
is  also  defended  with  machicolations." 

Warkworth  Hermitage^ — ^This  ''little  lonely  hermita^"  has  obtained  neat 
celebrity  by  the  beautiful  and  interesting  ballad  of  the  Hermit  qf  Warkworth^  which 
appeared  from  the  pen  of  Dr.  Percy,  biimop  of  Dromore,  in  1771.  This  holy  retreat 
is  situated  on  l^e  north  bank  of  tne  Co<|uet,  about  half  a  mile  west  of  the  castiie. 
Those  who  visit  it  must  cross  the  river  m  a  boat.  The  approach  is  kept  in  neat 
order,  and  still  retains  its  ori^al  form.  A  narrow  walk  on  the  brink  of  the  rivar 
(which,  at  this  place,  flows  without  any  troubled  current)  leads  to  the  door  of  the 
hermitage ;  lofty  perpendicular  ro<^,  on  the  other  hand,  confining  the  walk  to  about 
the  widUi  of  foiu*  feet.  From  the  summit  of  the  cliffs  a  grove  of  oaks  is  suspended^ 
casting  a  solemn  shade;  and  at  their  feet  issues  a  spring  of  the  purest  water,  which 
formerly  supplied  the  recluse.  The  steps,  vestibule,  and  chief  apartment  of  the  her* 
mitage,  are  newn  out  of  the  bosom  of  a  freestone  rode,  whose  outside  face  is  about  20 
feet  nigh,  embowered  with  stately  trees,  which  impend  from  the  top  of  the  precipice 
and  fissures  of  the  cliffs.  One  lower  and  outward  apartment  is  of  masonry ;  the  en.- 
trance  into  which  is  by  a  passage  of  three  paces,  the  door-way  marked  with  the  re- 
mains of  bolts  and  iron  hinges :  it  is  built  up  against  the  side  of  the  rock,  about  18 
feet  square,  and  appears  to  have  been  the  kitchen  or  principal  dwelling,  having  a  range 
or  fire-place  six  feet  wide.  On  the  south  side  of  this  apartment,  opposite  the  entrance, 
is  a  door-way  leading  to  an  outward  seat  formed  in  the  rock,  and  opening  upon  the 
walk  on  the  river's  brink.  On  this  side  of  the  roc»n  are  two  windows,  which  bear  the 
marks  of  iron  grating ;  and  also  a  closet.  By  holes  cut  in  the  rock,  it  seems  as  if 
timbers  had  been  lodged  therein  for  the  flooring  of  an  upper  chamber.  This  struc- 
ture is  built  of  ashler-work,  and  appears  to  be  of  much  more  modem  date  than  the 
cells  formed  in  the  rock. 

Passing  from  this  outward  building  by  the  entrance,  the  visitant  ascends,  by  17 
steps,  to  a  little  vestibule,  with  a  sQ^t  on  each  side,  capable  of  holding  one  person  only^ 
Above  the  inner  door-way  appear  the  remains  of  an  inscription,  which  was,  *^  Sunt 
mihi  lachrynuB  mete  cibo  intemice  S^  noctu  f  which  may  be  Englished,  **  My  tears  have 

*^  In  regard  they  are  like  to  be  out  three  days  ere  they  gett  home,  I  shall  be  content  to  allowe  every  wayne 

half  a  crovne^  and  let  me  know  who  refuse  to  do  me they ,..«....v* 

"  Newcastle,  27  April,  1672.  To  my  loving  friend  William  Milbourne^  at  his  house  at  Birlinge/' 

From  the  time  that  Mr.  Clarke  completed  the  ruin  of  this  venerable  structure  to  the  present,  it  has  re- 
mained in  a  mutilated  state ;  but  so  excellent  is  its  workmanship,  that  it  has  resisted  the  devastations  of  time 
without  much  further  injury. 

VOL.  II.  2  G 


118  MORPETH  WARD-^E.  D. 

been  thy  food  day  and  night  !**  From  thenoe  he  enters  the  principal  apartment,  or 
chapel,  about  18  feet  in  length,  and  not  more  than  seven  and  a  half  wide,  and  of  the 
same  height.  Two  pilasters,  of  semi-hexagonal  form,  project  from  the  opposite  walls 
in  the  centre,  and  one  from  each  comer,  from  whence  spring  the  intersecting  OToins 
of  the  roof,  the  joinings  ornamented  with  roses.  The  pilasters  have  plain  capitds  and 
bases,  in  the  old  Gothic  style.  All  the  work  is  chisselled,  and  done  with  mechanic 
exactness  and  regularity :  the  wall,  or  outside  rock,  at  the  entrance,  is  l^t  so  thick  as 
to  admit  the  vestibule  before  described.  At  the  east  end  is  an  ahar  formed  cross  the 
whole  apartment,  ascended  by  two  steps ;  the  upper  plane  edged  with  a  moulding. 
In  the  centre  of  the  wall,  behind,  is  a  niche  for  a  crucifix  or  image,  with  the  remains 
of  a  glory.  On  the  right  hand,  near  the  altar,  is  a  niche  or  cavity,  cut  out  of  the 
thickness  of  the  wall,  within  which  there  is  represented  a  table  monumetit  (no  chink 
or  cavity  appearing  to  give  a  supposition  that  it  is  hollowed  to  receive  any  butunn 
remains),  with  a  recumbent  finale  figure,  the  hands  and  arms  of  which  anpear  to  have 
been  elevated.  Light  is  admitted  by  two  small  windows  behind  On  the  piOar 
which  divides  the  windows  are  the  remains  of  some  sculpture,  supposed  by  many  to 
be  that  of  an  hovering  cherub ;  but  this  appears  to  be  merely  c(mjecture.  At  the  foot 
of  the  recumbent  dfigies  is  a  bason  cut  for  holy  water,  and  the  feet  of  the  effigies  rest 
against  an  animal  (most  likely  a  dog,  as  an  emblem  of  fidelity),  as  is  usual  on  monu- 
ments of  the  like  form.  Under  the  head  of  the  effigies  no  crest  appears ;  a  double 
cushion  is  the  support.  By  len^h  of  time,  and  the  weather  beating  through  the  win* 
dows,  the  figures  are  greauy  injured.  In  a  niche,  at  the  foot  of  the  m<»rament,  and 
cut  in  the  wall,  is  the  figure  of  an  hermit,  on  his  knees,  resting  his  head  on  his  right 
hand,  and  his  left  hand  placed  on  his  bosom,  as  in  a  lamenting  or  pensive  posture. 
The  west  end  of  the  chapel  is  lighted  by  a  window,  formed  of  four  conjoining  drdesw 
Above  the  inner  door  of  the  vestibule  is  a  shield  bearing  the  remains  of  some  arms, 
by  some  taken  to  be  the  figure  of  a  gauntiet ;  but  as  it  is  generally  believed  one  of 
the  Bertrams  formed  this  hermitage,  so  it  is  probable  this  shield  (the  remains  of  which 
seem  to  correspond  therewith)  bore  the  Bertram's  arms,  or,  an  orl,  azure.  On  the  left 
hand  of  the  altar,  a  window  is  formed  in  the  partition  of  the  apartment,  divided  by 
two  mullions,  the  summit  of  each  light  or  division  ornamented  with  work  formed  of 
sections  of  circles,  like  those  seen  in  cathedrals  of  thie  tenth  century.  From  the  chapel 
is  an  entrance  into  an  inner  apartment  by  a  neat  door-case,  over  which  is  sculptured  a 
shield,  with  the  crucifixion  and  several  instruments  of  torture.  At  the  east  end  of 
this  inner  apartment  is  an  altar,  like  that  in  the  chapel,  lighted  by  the  last-described 
window,  arid  through  which  the  person  kneeling  at  the  inner  altar  could  view  the  ce- 
notaph  in  the  chapel.  This  apartment  is  about  five  feet  wide,  and  nine  paces  in 
length.     Here  is  also  a  niche  or  bason  for  holy  water. 

On  the  northern  side  of  this  inner  chamber  a  recess  is  cut  in  the  rock,  of  size  suffi- 
cient to  hold  the  couch  of  a  person  of  middling  stature.  It  is  alcoved  above,  and  has 
a  sole,  about  two  feet  above  the  level  of  the  floor,  to  hold  the  mattrass  and  bedding  of 
the  recluse.  This  recess  is  so  placed  that,  by  a  niche  cut  slantwise  in  the  partition- 
wall  which  separates  the  two  apartments,  there  is  a  view  of  the  cenotaph  and  effigies 
thereon.  The  niche  seemed  calculated  for  this  very'  purpose :  being  cut  through  the 
wall  aslant,  it  could  not  be  conceived  to  have  been  intended  to  convey  the  light.  By 
some  it  has  been  imagined  to  be  designed  for  confession :  but  it  is  most  probable  that 


WAKEWORTH  PARISH.  11^ 

the  hermit  was  priest  and  penitent  in  one ;  and  that  he  had  devised  those  apertures 
that  the  effigies  should  be  constantly  in  his  sight.  In  this  inner  apartment  is  a  small 
doset  cut  in  the  side-wall  to  the  north :  from  this  interior  chamber  is  a  door-way 
leading  to  an  open  ^Uery,  having  a  prospect  up  the  river ;  but  by  the  falling  of  some 
of  the  rode  above,  this  part  is  greatly  damaged.  It  is  said  by  old  people,  that  the  roof 
waa  supported  by  a  &ie  pillar,  and  formed  a  small  piazza,  doister,  or  open  gallery : 
sudx  gaUeries  are  seen  in  very  ancient  mansions  in  the  centre  of  the  front.  From 
these  cdlsy  through  a  neat  door«<way,  there  are  winding  stairs  cut  in  the  rock,  leading 
to  its  summit^  supposed  to  conduct  to  the  hermit's  outory  or  garden.  A  channel  is 
inffemotisly  formed  on  the  steps  to  carry  off  the  water.  It  seems  evident  that  the 
original  hermitage  consisted  of  no  more  than  the  apartments  hewn  in  the  rock,  the 
inner  one  being  the  dwelling-place,  and  the  little  doister  the  summer  seat  facing 
westward,  and  commanding  a  beautiful  view  of  the  river  Coquet,  which  here  forms  a 
fine  curve,  in  extent  near  half  a  mile ;  on  this  side  bordered  by  rocks,  on  the  other  by 
cultivated  lands  of  an  easy  indination :  on  the  extremity  stands  a  farmhold  to  termi- 
nate the  sequestered  rural  prospect 

The  learned  Dr.  F«cy  nas  given  some  ingenious  remarks  respecting  the  founder 
and  antiquity  of  this  hermitage,  in  the  advertisement  to  his  poem  on  the  subject  It 
is  the  umversal  tradition,  that  tlie  first  hermit  was.one  of  tne  Bertram  family,  and 
imposed  this  penance  upon  himself  to  expiate  the  murder  of  his  brother.  Some  have 
ima^ned  that  it  was  the  same  Bertram  that  endowed  Brinkbum  Priory  and  built 
Brenkshaugh  chapel,  both  of  which  stand  in  the  same  romantic  valley,  higher  up  the 
river.  But  Brinkbum  Priory  was  foimded  in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  L  whereas  the 
form  of  the  Gk)thic  windows  in  this  chapel,  especially  of  those  near  the  altar,  is  found 
rather  to  resemble  the  style  of  architecture  that  prevailed  about  the  reign  of  king 
Edward  III.  And,  indeed,  that  the  sculpture  in  this  chaipd  cannot  be  mudi  older, 
appears  from  the  crest  which  is  placed  at  the  lady's  feet  on  the  tomb ;  for  Camdm 
iniorms  us,  that  armorial  crests  did  not  become  hereditary  till  about  the  reign  of  long 
Edward  II. 

Dr.  Percy  informs  us,  on  good  authority,  that  the  memory  of  the  first  hermit  was 
held  in  sudi  regard  and  veneration  by  the  Percy  family,  that  they  afterwards  main- 
tained a  chantry  priest  to  reside  in  the  hermita^,  and  celebrate  mass  in  the  chapel ; 
whose  allowance,  uncommonly  liberal  and  munificent,  was  continued  down  to  the  dis- 
solution of  the  monastries ;  and  then  the  whole  salary,  together  with  the  hermitage 
and  all  its  dependencies,  reverted  back  to  the  family,  having  never  been  endowed  m 
mortmain.  On  this  account  we  have  no  record  which  fixes  the  date  of  the  founda- 
tion, or  gives  any  particular  account  of  the  first  hermit.* 

*  The  following  instrament  will  shew  the  liberal  exhibition  afforded  to  the  saccessor  of  the  first  hermit* 
It  is  the  patent  granteid  to  the  last  hermit  in  15S8,  and  is  copied  from  an  ancient  MS.  book  of  Grants^  &c.  of 
the  Vlth  Earl  of  Northumberland,  in  Henry  Vlll.'ths  time  :— 

^*  Sir  George  Lancastre  Patent  of  xx  Merks  by  F^ne.-— Henry  Erie  of  Northumberland,  &c.  Knows  youe 
that  I  the  said  Erie,  in  consideration  of  the  diligent  and  thankfall  service,  that  my  well-beloved  chapelin.  Sir 
George  Lancastre  hath  don  unto  me  the  said  Erie,  and  also  for  the  goode  and  vertos  (fisposition  that  I  do 
perceive  in  him :  and  for  that  he  shall  have  in  his  daily  recommendation  and  praiers  the  good  estate  of  all 
soche  noble  blode  and  other  personages,  as  be  now  levynge ;  and  the  soule  of  such  noble  blode  as  be  departed 


lao  MORPETH  WARD— E.  D. 

Some  have  confounded  the  chantry,  within  the  town  of  Warkworth,  with  this  her- 
mitage. But  two  priests  were  maintained  at  the  chantry,  and  only  one  priest  witl^ 
the  hermitage,  as  is  plainly  proved  (if  any  further  proof  be  wanting)  by  the  following 
extract  from  a  survey  of  Warkworth,  made  in  the  year  1567 :— "  xner  is  in  the  Parke 
Tsc.  of  Warkworth]  also  one  Howse  hewyn  within  one  Cragge,  which  is  et^ed  the 
Harmitage  Chapel :  In  the  same  ther  haith  bene  one  Preast  keaped,  whidi  did  such 
godlye  Services  as  that  time  was  used  and  celebrated*  The  Mantion  House  [sc.  the 
small  building  adjoining  to  the  Cragg]  ys  nowe  in  decaye :  the  Closes  that  apper* 
teined  to  the  said  Chantrie  is  occupied  to  his  lordship's  use.'* 

This  curious  memorial  of  devotion,  so  venerable  for  its  antiquity,  and  so  interesting 
from  the  deUghtful  sditude  in  which  it  is  placed,  continues  to  be*  visited  by  strangers 
of  all  descriptions ;  and  there  is  no  doubt  but  that  the  present  noble  proprietor  will 
continue  attentive  tQ  its  preservation,  and  the  improvement  of  the  beautuul  scenery 
by  which  it  is  surrounded. 

The  town  of  Warkworth  did  not  escape  the  evils  generally  experienced  by  the  inha^ 
bitants  of  a  frontier  country.    After  king  William  of  Scotland,  simamed  the  Lion» 

to  the  mercy  of  God  owte  of  this  present  lyve,  Whos  Names  are  conteyned  and  wrettyn  in  a  Table  upoa 
perchment  signed  jnrith  thande  of  me  the  said  Erie,  and  delivered  to  the  custodie  and  keapynge  of  the  said  Sir 
George  Lancastre :  and  further,  that  he  shall  kepe  and  saye  his  devyn  service  iu  celebratyng  and  doyngo 
Masse  of  Reqtuem  every  weke  accordinge  as  it  is  written  and  set  furth  in  the  said  Table :  Havs  geven  and 
graunted,  and  by  these  presentes  do  gyve  and  graunte  unto  the  said  Sir  George,  myn  Abmytags  belded  ux 
a  rocke  of  stone  within  ray  Parke  of  Warkworth,  in  the  countie  of  Nordiumbreland,  in  the  honour  of  the 
blessed  Trjrnete,  With  a  yerly  stipende  of  twenty  merks  by  yer,  ih>m  the  feest  of  seint  Michell  tharchaungell 
last  past  afore  the  date  herof  yerly  duryng  the  naturall  ly  ve  of  the  said  sir  George :  And  also  I  the  said  Erlq 
have  geven  and  grauntod,  and  by  these  Presents  do  gyve  and  graunte  unto  the  said  sir  George  Lancastre,  the 
occupation  of  one  lide  Gresgtound  of  myn  called  Cony-gartih  nygh  adjoynynge  ^e  said  Harmytage,  only  to 
hia  oidy  use  and  pnmfit  wynter  and  somer  dorynge  the  said  terme;  Thb  Garden  and  Orteyarde  belongyn^ 
the  said  Armytage;  Thb  Gate  and  Pasture  of  Twelf  Kye  and  a  fiull,  with  their  Calves  suking;  Akd  two 
Hones  goyng  and  beyng  within  ny  said  Parke  of  Warkworth  wynter  and  somer;  one  draught  of  Fisshe 
every  Smidaie  in  the  yere  to  be  drawen  finmenst  the  said  Armytage,  called  the  TryneCe  Draught;  Ani^ 
Twenty  Lods  of  Fyrewode  to  be  taken  of  my  Wodds  called  Shilbolell  Wode,  duryng  the  said  term. 

**  The  said  Stipend  of  zx  Merks  by  yer  to  be  taken  and  perceived  yerly  of  the  rent  and  ferme  of  my 
Fisshyng  of  Warkworth,  by  thands  of  the  Fermour  or  Fermours  of  the  same  for  the  tyme  beyng  yeriy  at  the^ 
times  ther  used  and  accustomed  by  evyn  Portions.  In  wy  tnes  whereof  to  thes  my  Letters  Patentee  I  the  said 
Erie  have  set  the  Seide  c^  myn  Armes :  Ybvbn  undre  by  Signet  at  my  Castell  of  Warkworth,  the  third  daye 
of  Decembre,  in  the  xxiiith  Yer  of  the  Reigne  of  our  Stfvereyn  Lorde  Kyng  Henry  the  eight." 

This  old  record  is  a  curiosity  very  singular  in  its  kind.  ^*  Wlien  1  perused  it,"  says  Grose,  ''  I  could  not  heljk 
smiling  at  the  article  of  the  Triniit^  Draught  of  Fishy  to  be  taken  opposite  to  the  chapel,  which  was.  to  be  the 
hermif  s  perquisite  every  Sunday.  It  was,  I  assure  you,  no  contemptible  perquisite ;  for  there  is  a  very  rich  sal« 
mon-ifishcry  in  this  river  belonging  to  the  Duke  and  Duchess  of  Northumberland ;  and  I  was  told,  that  at  one 
single  draught,  this  summer  (177l)>  more  than  300  fish  had  been  taken  opposite  the  hermitages  I  have  been 
assured,  that  more  than  400  fish,  chiefly  salmon,  sahnon-trouts,  and  gilts,  have  been  taken  at  one  draught 
between  the  hermitage  and  the  sea,  which  is  about  two  miles  diltant"  A  great  quantity  of  fish  is  now  some^ 
times  taken  by  a  singular  contrivance :— A  new  semidrcular  cut  has  been  made  above  the  Hermitage,  through 
which  the  river  is  at  pleasure  diverted;  when,  a  portimi  of  the  regular  channel  being  left  dry,  the  fish  ar% 
picked  up  in  abundance^ 


WARKWORTH  PARISH.  121 

made  his  diggraceAil  tetreat  from  the  castle  of  Prudho^,  A.  D.  1174,  he  beset  the 
castle  of  Alnwick  with  his  whole  mny,  consisting  of  80,000  men.  Being  repulsed 
for  some  time,  he  formed  a  blockade,  and  drew  off  many  of  his  forces  in  marauding 
parties,  to  pillage  the  country ;  one  of  whidi,  as  Benedict  of  Peterborough  says,  cohk 
manded  by  Earl  Duncan,  entered  the  town  of  Warkwortfa,  burnt  it,  and  put  all  the 
inhabitants  to  the  swor4,'  without  distinction  of  age  or  sex:  the  soldiers  broke  open 
the  church  of  St.  Lawrence,  in  whidi,  and  in  the  house  of  the  ministtf,  they  dew 
above  one  hundred  men,  besides  women  and  children.  In  more  recent  times,  the  Earl 
of  Northumberland,  in  a  letter  to  the  king  and  his  council^  says,  that  he  dressed  him- 
self at  midnight,  by  the  light  of  the  surrounding  villages,  which  w^e  set  on  fire  by 
the  Scotch  marauders.  The  agricultural  riches  of  the  inhabitants  of  this  district  often 
excited  the  cupidity  of  the  ^Hderers,  and  they  were  much  exposed  to  their  daring 
inroads. 

The  lands  adjoining  Warkworth  are  remarkably  fertile.  The  river  is  graced  with 
little  woodlands ;  and  the  whole  landscape,  as  far  as  the  eye  can  readi,  consists  of  a 
rich  cultivated  country,  crowded  with  hamlets  and  villages,  while  the  sea-shore  is  in^ 
dented  with  many  Uttle  ports  and  creeks.  In  the  town  John  Clutterbudc,  Esq. 
has  a  pleasant  and  convenient  mansion-house. 

Coquet  Island  lies  opposite  the  mouth  of  the  river,  more  than  a  mile  from  the 
main  land.  It  is  said  by  luede  to  have  been  famous  for  the  rescMi;  of  monks  in  St. 
Cuthbert's  time.  Here  was  a  cell  for  Benedictine  monks,  subordinate  to  Tynemouth 
Priory.  At  the  dissolution,  4  Edward  VI,  it  was  granted  to' the  Earl  of  Warwick. 
Above  90  years  ago  it  was  the  property  of  the  Widdringtons,  of  Hauxley,  who  sold 
it  to  the  then  Duke  of  Northumberland^  The  ruins  of  the  fortress  that  defended  the 
island  are  partly  converted  into  a  dwelling-house  and  light-house.  **  It  standeth," 
•saith  Leland,  **  upon  a  very  good  vayne  of  secole ;  and  in  the  ebb,  men  digge  in  the 
shore  by  the  clives."  It  is  about  a  mile  in  circumference,  and  contains  about  seven 
acres  of  rich  pasture,  upon  which  a  few  horses  graze  in  summ^.  Angola  rabbits 
have  been  lately  introduced  here  by  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  and  have  increased 
prodigiously.  They  are  protected  by  a  fisherman  and  his  wife ;  and  the  long,  fine  Air 
of  these  animals,  a  quantity  of  which  has  just  been  shipped,  will  no  doubt  become  a 
valuable  article  of  trade.  Kelp  is  sometimes  manufactured  on  the  shores  of  this  island. 
It  was  taken  in  the  reign  of  Charles  I,  by  the  Scots,  together  with  about  200  men, 
and  seven  pieces^  of  cannon,* 

*  Shipwrecks  are  fl«qiienl  on  this  cout ;  fbr,  during  a  sterm,  it  is  difficult  to  avoid  the  rocks  which  project 
into  the  sea  in  variooa  directicns.  One  case  of  this  kind  merits  notice^  A  dreadful  tempest  happened  on  the 
4th  of  November,  1 S21,'  when  die  CMtherine,  of  Sunderland,  strudk  upon  the  rocks  that  stretch  from  tjie  north 
^nd  of  Coquet  Island;  and  the  whole  crew,  consisting  of  nine  young  men  of  excellent  character^  perished. 
During  the  day,  which  was  Sunday,  an  immense  number  of  people  assembled  to  witness  the  horrid  scene. 
The  breakers  were  dashing  over  the  wreck,  and  the  crew  clinging  to  the  rigging  for  safety.  A  few  bold  and 
generous  fellows  prepared  to  embark  in  cobles,  and  to  attempt  the  rescue  of  the  perishing  mariners ;  but  the 
enterprize  seemed  so  hazardous  and  hopeless,  that  they  were  impelled  to  give  up  the  design  by  the  tears  and 
remonstrances  of  their  wives  and  relatives.  Every  indication  of  assistance  was  hailed  by  the  crew  with  de-r 
light ;  but  as  the  night  approached,  and  the  crowd  began  to  disperse,  their  cries  and  shrieks,  as  heard  by  two 
or  three  people  on  the  idand,  were  indescribably  appaDing.     In  Ae  night  the  vessel  went  to  pieces,  and  the. 

VOL.  II,  9  H 


.128  MOBPETH  WARD*~E.  D. 

Bbrlin  lies  opposite  to  Warkwortib,  and  belongs  to  the  Duke  of  NorthumberkncL 
High  Buston  is  the  property  of  the  same  nobleman,  of  Mr.  Forster,  and  of  Thomas 
Buston,  Esq.  of  Buston  House.  Low  Buston  is  possessed  by  Mr.  Appleby  and  Me. 
Wilkinson :  the  former  lives  here  in  a  pleasant  situaticm  near  Buston  bum.  Stub* 
TON  Grange  is  the  property  and  residence  of  Mr.  Jobson.  Brothe&wick  belongs 
to  the  Fenwick  family ;  but  the  right  of  possession  is  disputed.  All  these  townships^ 
including  the  Walk  Mill,  lie  north  of  the  Coquet. 

MoRWicK  stands  on  the  south  banks  of  the  Coquet^  which  here  makes  a  bend,  a^ 
if  to  visit  the  place,  and  is  distant  one  mile  west  by  south  from  Warkworth.  It  is 
the  property  of  Colonel  John  Grey,  son  of  the  late  Charles  Grey,  Esq.  whose  father^ 
John  Grey,  was  a  younger  son  of  John  Grey,  Esq.  of  Howick,  who  was  high  sherifT 
of  Northumberland  in  uie  year  1701.  His  elder  brother,  Henry,  was  created  a  baro- 
net, and  was  father  of  the  late  Earl  Grey.  The  grounds  adjoinmg  the  house  are  laid 
out  with  much  taste ;  and  the  general  effect  is  much  heightened  by  the  banks  of  the 
river,  which  are  beautifully  romantic  and  picturesque. 

Morwick  was  the  head  of  the  ancient  barony  of  that  name,  held  by  Hugh  de  Mor- 
wick,  in  the  reign  of  king  Edward  I.  from  his  ancestors,  as  de  veteri/eqfmento.  They 
were  famous  men  in  their  generation,  both  for  policy,  wealth,  and  power ;  but  the  last 
Roger  having  no  male  issue,  his  name  and  title  beeame  extinct,  and  his  barony,  after 
his  death,  was  divided  among  his  four  daughters,  of  which  Sibil,  the  eldest,  married 
to  Roger  de  Lumley,  and  the  next  to  —  Seymour ;  the  third,  named  Theophania,  to 
John  de  Buhner,  and  the  youngest  to  -^  Roscell,  among  whcnn  the  barony  was, 
4  Edward  I.  divided ;  but  it  is  probable  that  this  manor  was  about  this  time  alienated, 
either  by  the  last  Roger,  or  his  heirs,  for  we  find  Morwick  one  of  those  manors  which 
William  de  Vescy  died  possessed  of,  37  Henry  III. ;  unless  it  should  be  another  ma* 
nor  of  the  same  name  in  this  barony,  which  is  possible,  because  it  is  spelled  MoremCr. 

Acklinoton  is  a  pretty  condderable  village,  containing  one  farmhold,  two  public 
houses,  and  a  number  of  cottages,  chiefly  inhabited  by  mechanics  and  labourers  in 
husbandry.  The  adjoining  comery  is  carried  on  by  Messrs.  Crisp  and  Cowan,  to 
some  extent.  The  manor  of  Acklmgton  formed  a  part  of  the  barony  of  Warkworth, 
and  anciently  belonired  to  the  Percys,  Earls  of  Northumberland,  but  was  for  some 
successions  ^vided  into  three  partsf  two  of  which  weie  settled  ujpon  the  male  heir, 
and  the  third  upon  the  relict  of  the  father.  Thus  Henry  Earl  of  Northumberland 
settled  two  parts  of  this  manor,  7  Edward  III.  upon  his  son  Henry ;  and  Idonea,  his 
mother,  had  for  her  dowry  an  assignation  of  a  third  part  of  this  manor  of  Acklington, 
and  divers  others  in  this  county,  which  upon  her  death  returned  to  him.  He  died  42 
Edward  III.  and  left  a  daughter,  then  but  two  years  old,  his  heir.  It  is  still  in  the 
possession  of  the  Percy  family. 

• 

sufferings  of  these  brave  and  useful  men  were  terminated.  During  the  whole  of  this  melancholy  scene^  the 
general  cry  was,  "  Oh^  had  we  but  a  life-boat  l"  It  is  indeed  very  difficult  to  account  for  the  culpable  negli- 
gence  of  the  neighbouring  ship-owners  and  gendy,  in  not  having  provided  a  single  boat  of  this  description 
between  Shields  and  Bambrough,  a  distance  of  near  50  miles.  One  might  be  very  advantageously  stationed 
near  Warkworth,  where  a  sufficient  number  of  spirited  hands  would  be  found  on  any  emergency. 


WARKWORTH  PARISH.  12S 

AcKLiNGTOK  Park  lies  on  the  south  side  oi  the  Coquet,  about  four  miles  from 
Warkworth,  in  a  fine  seduded  situation.  Here  is  a  considerable  woollen  manufactory 
for  blankets,  duffles,  &c.  canied  on  by  Messrs.  Reed.  This  fdace  and  the  adjoining 
farmholds  belong  to  the  Duke  of  Nortnumberland. 

Gloste&hill  stands  fdeasantly  on  an  eminence  on  the  south  side  of  the  Coquet, 
and  but  a  short  distance  from  the  sea.  The  house  and  garden  bear  evident  marks  of 
antiquity.  It  is  the  property  and  residence  of  Henry  Dand,  Esq.  Mr.  George  Law- 
son,  a  re^[>ectable  gentleman  who  resided  here,  and  who  died  above  80  years  ago,  made 
a  present  of  a  clod:  to  the  parish  of  Warkworth.  He  also  rebuilt  the  market-cross, 
and  erected  a  house  for  a  school,  and  a  dwelling  for  the  master,  which  he  gave  in  per- 
petuity to  the  town.    Such  instances  of  benevolence  ought  not  to  be  left  unreooraed. 

Amble  is  seated  upon  an  abrupt  eminence,  a  short  distance  south  of  GlosterhilL 
It  commands  an  extensive  view  of  the  sea-coast ;  and  Warkworth  Castle,  with  the 
rising  grounds  beyond  it,  form  a  pleasing  landscape.  From  the  advantageous  situa- 
tion of  this  village,  near  the  mouth  of  the  Coquet,  it  must  have  been  a  putce  of  con- 
sequence in  the  remotest  times«  The  foundations  of  buildings,  formed  of  undrest 
stones,  and  built  in  a  circular  form,  without  mortar,  in  the  manner  of  the  ancient 
Britons,  have  been  discovered  here ;  and  the  Roman  coins  that  have  been  found,  tend 
to  prove  that  it  was  also  occupied  by  that  warlike  people.  Mr.  John  Shanks,  of  this 
place,  while  forming  an  embsuikment  from  the  sea,  discovered  an  ancient  causeway, 
about  one  foot  below  the  surface  of  the  earth,  2^  feet  broad,  strongly  paved,  and  run- 
ning in  a  straight  direction  from  Amble  to  the  old  bed  of  the  Coquet ;  from  which  it 
would  appear  that  this  river  has  often  changed  its  course.  The  traces  of  habitations, 
«till  discernible  here,  attest  its  former  consequence.  From  many  of  the  stones  being 
defaced  with  fire,  it  is  probable  t^at  at  some  period  this  village  has  been  burnt.  Here 
was  formerly  a  monastry,  subordinate  to  the  priory  of  Tynemouth,  and  which  esta- 
blishment has  enjoyed  great  privileges  in  both  Amble  and  Hauxley.  There  is  still  a 
custom  of  paying  33  bolls  of  bigg,  annually,  on  the  18th  of  Februarv,  before  the  walls 
of  the  monastry.  This  religious  house  is  now  in  ruins,  and  also  the  chapel ;  but  in 
the  latter,  a  man  did  penance  for  fornication  so  late  as  the  year  1765.  Ac^oining  the 
north  wall  of  the  monastry,  a  very  large  quantity  of  human  bones  were  lately  found. 
They  were  deposited  upon  a  thin  layer  or  red  day,  and  covered  with  a  large  stone, 
without  any  inscription.  The  manor  of  Amble,  with  its  valuable  coal-mines,  have, 
since  the  Reformation,  belonged  to  different  proprietors.  The  Earl  of  Derwentwater 
held  lands  here,  by  mortgage-deed  from  a  family  of  the  name  of  Lewins.  Afterwards 
several  noblemen  had  grants  of  estates  here  from  the  crown  for  life ;  but  they  were 
made  freeholds  in  the  time  of  the  late  Lord  Newborough.  The  extensive  farms  of 
Amble-Hope-House  and  Low-Hall,  with  the  rabbit-warren,  and  the  entire  royalty  of 
Amble,  are  still  held  by  Lady  Newborough.  T.  G.  Smith,  Esq.  of  Togston,  holds  a 
valuable  estate  here;  and  another  belongs  to  Mrs.  Taylor,  a  widow  lady.  Isaac 
Cookson,  jun.  Esq.  of  Newcastle,  also  possesses  a  considerable  tract  of  land,  which  was 
formerly  the  propertv  of  his  father-in-law,  the  late  Mr.  Cook,  of  Togston.  The  Er- 
rington  family  has  also  had  land  here,  as  there  are  several  ridges  stifi  known  by  the 
name  of  Errington*s  lands. 


lU  MORPETH  WARD—K  D. 

T06STOK. — ^The  viUa^  of  Tqgston  is  pleasantly  situated  about  8  miles  soutii  of 
Warkworth,  and  1-J  mue  west  from  the  sea.  This  fine  township  is  the  property  of 
Thomas  George  Smith,  Esq.  and  of  Isaac  Cocdcson,  jun.  Esq.  of  Newcastle,  who  mar- 
ried the  daughter  of  the  late  —  Cook,  Esq.  of  this  place.  Both  the  family  of 
the  Smiths  and  of  the  Cooks  have  held  Lands  nere  for  upwards  of  two  centuries,  and 
the  latter  has  sent  out  branches  into  various  parts  of  the  county.  On  Mr.  Cookson's 
estate  there  is  a  landsale  colliery,  wrought  on  a  limited  scale ;  but  the  strata  of  coals 
here  exceed  eleven  yards  in  thickness !  The  highly  cultivated  lands,  and  the  varie^ 
gated  pleasure-grounds,  that  surround  Mr.  Smith's  elegant  mansion,  attest  the  skill 
and  spirit  of  William  Smith,  Esq.  the  father  of  the  present  proprietor,  and  who  was 
incessantly  engaged  in  schemes  of  improvement, 

Hauxley  stands  upon  the  banks  of  the  sea,  at  a  short  distance  south  from  the 
mouth  of  the  Coquet.  Here  is  a  public  house,  and  several  cottages,  inhabited  by 
fishermen.  The  fishery  was  formerly  more  flourishing  than  at  present.  The  taking 
of  lobsters,  which  were  sent  to  London,  was  a  profitable  branch  of  trade,  which  is 
now  nearly  extinct.  The  kinds  of  fish  usually  caught  on  this  coast  are,  cod,  Hng,^ 
haddock,  whiting,  cole-fiish,  holybut,  turbot,  pearl,  sole,  plaise,  and  flounders.  Mac- 
kerel have  been  sometimes  taken,  but  rarely.  Herring  are  much  scarcer  thim  for- 
merly. The  lump-fish,  when  in  season,  are  got  in  considerable  numbers  on  the 
adjoining  rocks,  called  Bandicar  Rocks.  Crabs  and  sea-urchins  are  found  here ;  but 
the  latter  is  not  eaten  in  this  country.  Shrimps  abound,  and  cockles  are  got  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Coquet.  Hauxley,  Kke  Ambie,  formerly  belonged  to  Tynemouth 
Priory.  It  afterwards  came  into  the  possession  of  a  branch  of  the  Widdrington. 
family,  who  held  it  for  several  generations.  John  Widdrington,  Esq.  the  last  male 
heir  of  this  family,  died  some  years  ago,  and  left  his  estate  of  Hauxley  to  his  twa 
nieces.  It  now  belongs  partly  to  the  Rev.  Joseph  Cook,  of  Newton  Hau,  who  ma^-^ 
ried  one  of  the  nieces ;  and  partly  to  James  Dand,  Esq.  of  Woodside^ 

Chivington  Chapelky, — ^This  chapelry,  comprizing  the  townships  of  East  and 
West  Chivington,  and  Hadstone,  forms  tne  south  division  of  Warkwortll 
parish.  It  contains  twelve  large  excellent  farms,  eight  of  which  belong  ta 
Earl  Grey.     The  other  four,  viz^  Hadstone,  Hadstone  Link  House,*  and  High 

*  In  vel.  i.  p.  187,  mention  is  made  of  an  improwd  agricultural  machine,  invented  by  Mr.  Robert  Coward, 
of  Hadstone  Link  Hoaie,  accompanied  with  a  doubt  of  its  avowed  capabilities.  The  writer  has  since  seea 
the  machine,  and  is  conrinced  of  its  pre-eminent  utility.  The  drill  is  45  inches  long,  and  w31,  at  pleasure, 
sow  any  number  of  rows  below  six  at  a  time.  The  seed  is  lifted  up,  and  delivered  by  cupped  wheels  inta. 
iron  vpovctB,  which  make  their  own  furrows.  A  slide  in  the  seed-box  regulates  the  quantity  of  seed  intended 
to  be  delivered.  The  iron  spouts  may  be  set  at  any  deepness  in  the  ground,  and  are  fixed  with  screws,  so. 
that  they  cannot  vary ;  and  the  deepness  of  sowing  is  regulated  by  the  hind-wheels,  on  which  the  drill  moves. 
The  fore-end  is  supported  by  two  variable  or  castor  wheels,  with  a  tiller  attached,  by  which  the  machine  is 
guided  to  any  degree  of  straightness,  even  supposing  the  horses  vary  ctmsiderably.  This  is  one  of  the  chief 
advantages  of  the  contrivance.  By  removing  tiie  seed-box^  and  inserting  hoes  or  cutters  in  place  of  the  seed- 
spouts,  an  excellent  hoeing  machine  is  completed,  which  works  truly  and  regularly.  When  it  is  thought  ex- 
pedient to  earth  up  the  com,  it  is  only  necessary  to  screw  a  piece  of  plate-iron  upon  the  hinder  part  of  each 
boe,    The  driH  is  wrought  by  a  man  and  boy  and  two  horses,  and  th^  hoe  by  a  man  and  boy  and  one  horse^ 


WOODHORN  FAKISH.  12« 

and  Low  ColdriC  were  latdy  sold  by  Sir  Camaby  Ha^rston,  to  Addison  John 
Cresswell  Baker,  Esq.  of  Woodhom  Demesne.  This  district  is  celebrated  for  pro- 
dmang  wbeat  of  a  superior  quidity.  Chivington  Wood  is  a  part  of  the  ancient 
and  extensive  forest  of  EarsdcA :  tboQgh  mudfi  reduced  in  late  years,  ^t  is  still  of  a 
rery  considerable  extent.  The  land  adjoining  Druridge  Bay,  in  the  farm  of  East 
Chivington,  Ues  so  low,  for  about  half  a  mile,  that  formerly  it  was  sometimes  ovct- 
flowed  by  the  tide,  and  hence  acquired  the  name  of  the  Salt  Meadows.  The  chapel, 
wfaidi  bdonced  to  Warkwolth  cburch,  stood  near  Bullock's  Hall.  It  has  long  been 
in  ruins.  This  is  a  great  inconvenience  to  the  inhabiti^ts  of  the  chapelry ;  for  as  they 
have  no  pews  in  the  parish  church,  they  are  left  without  any  place  for  attending 
divine  service.  Some  land  near  the  ruined  chapel  beloi^  to  the  tythes.  Chivington 
has  formerly  been  a  very  populous  place.  The  foundations  of  bouses  are  still  visible, 
in  a  continued  line  fiom  East  to  West  Chivington ;  a  distance  of  a  mile  and  a  half* 
In  former  times,  six  mills  for  grinding  com,  exdusive  of  the  mills  at  Warkworth, 
were  employed  in  this  parish ;  a  strong  proof  of  its  ^eat  population.*  Bullock's 
Hdl  is  the  property  of  Ralph  Fenwidc,  Eso.  of  Shortndge.  ,  Instances  of  longevity 
are  common  in  this  chapeliy.  A  woman  died  at  Hadston  (Sept.  1828),  ^ged  105 
years.    She  was  bom  in  EgUhgham  parish. 

WOODHORN  PARISH, 

This  paridi,  induding  the  ohapelries  of  Widdrington  and  Woodhom,  is  bounded 
on  the  north  by  Warkworth  parish,  on  the  west  by  Ulgham  and  Bothal,  on  the  south 

Upwards  of  100  acres  may  easily  be  hoed  by  this  machine  in  a  fortnight  Mr.  Coward  ealls  it  the  Wiuuc- 
WORTH  Dnihh  Hob.  This  ingenioos  farmev  has  also  invented  a  maehiae  lor  rubbbg  out  the  grain  by  rol« 
lers,  to  which  are  given  a  revibratory  motion,  instead  of  duashing  it;  aiid  by  which  contrivance  he  propcaea 
to  save  a  great  deal  of  power. 

*  Popnb^on  has  not  perhaps  increased  so  rapidly  ia  medem  times  in  Engknd  as  is  imaghied.  Fkz^Sle- 
phen  meDtioQs,  that  at  a  muster  of  the  Londoners,  in  the  reign  of  Stephen,  there  were  90,000  horsemen  and 
fiO,000  fbotmen;  and  Harrison  says,  that  in  the  master  takeain  1574,  the  men  £t for  servioe  in  England 
amounted  to  1,172,674,  and  yet  it  was  believed  that  a  full  third  were  omitted.  London,  the  sea-ports,  and 
the  manufaeturing  districta,  have  become  much  more  populous  than  they  formerly  were ;  but,  on  the  other 
hand,  the  agricultural  counties  have  been  gseatly  depopulated.  For  instance,  in  Dorsetshire,  according  to 
the  parliamentary  returns  in  181S,  there  were  14  parish  churches  and  a  chapel,  with  each  a  living,  to  a  popn« 
lation  of  1,145  souls,  which  is  one  place  of  worship  fbr  every  S5  or  30  adults  who  could  in  the  county  attend 
church.  In  Wiltshire,  again,  there  are  ten  parishes,  containing  altogether  but  152  souls.  Th^re  are  many 
parishes,  in  other  parts  of  England,  that  do  not  contain  people  enough  to  fill  one  pew ;  yet  when  the  old 
country  churches  were  first  erected,  they  were,  no  doubt,  adapted  in  size  to  the  population  of  the  parishes^ 
Adjoining  most  of  the  villages  in  Northumberland  there  are  numerous  traces  of  buildings,  with  small 
inclosures,  called  Paddocks,  and  which  were  formerly  attached  to  respectable  houses.  Many  chapela, 
Uke  that  of  Chivington,  have  been  suffered  to  tumble  into  ruins;  and  in  most  cases,  when  ancient 
ehurches  are  repaired,  they  are,  at  the  same  time,  curtailed  in  their  dimensions^  Nor  is  this  surprising  when 
it  is  considered  that,  in  most  parishes,  three,  four,  or  five  fkrms,  have,  within  the  memory  of  persons  living, 
been  made  into  one.  These  facts  prove,  that  while  towns  are  increasing  in  population,  the  country  is  gradu- 
ally growing  less  populous ;  but  the  collecting  of  pec^le  into  masses  induces  the  belief  that  population  is 
gcneraify  increasing  more  than  is  the  fact. 

VOL.  II.  2  1' 


126  MORPETH  WAKD^E.  D. 

< 

by  Bedlingtonshire,  and  on  the  east  by  the  sea.  It  extends,  from  ncnrth  to  souths 
above  seven  miles ;  but  the  average  breadth  does  not  much  excieed  two  miles.  By 
the  census  in  1821,  it  contained  330  dwelling-houses,  and  1766  inhabitants.  There 
are  seven  schools  in  this  parish,  attended  by  200  children.  '^  In  the  year  1800,  the 
sum  of  £1200  was  left  by  a  Mr.  Forster,  for  establishing  a  charity-school,  in  which 
25  children  were  to  be  instructed ;  but  from  a  flaw  in  the  construction  of  the  will,  the 
executors  were  informed  that  the  transaction  would  be  illegal.  They,  however,  pro- 
mised to  carry  the  will  of  the  testator  into  effect,  and  paid  £25  to  a  mcuster,  and  gave 
annually  some  articles  of  clothing ;  but  both  being  now  dead,  the  heirs  have  refused 
to  continue  the  salary,  or  refund  any  of  the  property."  The  school  at  the  village  of 
CressweU  was  established,  and  is  partly  supported,  by  Addison  John  CressweU  Baker, 
Esq.  who  allows  £  20  to  a  master,  a  cottage,  and  school-room  for  the  education  of 
fishermen's  children,  who,  with  extra  scholars,  amount  to  about  30,  all  of  whom  pay 
a  small  quarterage.  There  is  also  a  dame's  school  in  the  same  village.  Thomas  Trip- 
let, in  1664,  vested  lands  in  the  hands  of  trustees,  which  produced  £7»  10^.  per  an- 
num, for  apprenticing  poor  children  bom  in  this  parish. 

WooDHOEN  signifies  the  Wbod-camer,  from  the  Anglo-Saxon  harfif  a  comer; 
having  probably  been  the  south-east  comer  of  the  wood  which  formerly  overspread 
this  coast.  This  village  is  situated  at  a  short  distance  from  the  sea,  and  7  miles 
east-north-east  from  Morpeth.  It  contains  a  public  house,  and  a  few  cottages,  inha^ 
bited  by  mechanics  and  husbandmen.  An  old-fashioned  house  here  is  occupied  by 
Mr.  Francis  Johnson,  a  keen  and  skilful  sportsman.  The  church^  which  is  dedicated 
to  St.  Mary,  is  seated  on  the  east  side  of  the  village.  The  living  is  a  vicarage,  in  the 
gift  of  the  bishop  of  Durham,  and  is  valued  in  the  king's  books  at  £21,  15^.  7^^. 
Its  rectory  was  appropriated  to  the  priory  of  Tynemouth.  Formerly,  it  had  under  it 
the  chapels  of  Widorington  and  Horton,  which  were  separated  from  it  in  1768. 
*'  Neubiggangg,  Wodehom,  with  Linmuwe  and  Hirst,  its  members,  Haliwell,  Lyn- 
ton,  Elhngton,  with  CressweU  and  Hayden,  its  members,'*  were  in  the  time  of  Ed- 
ward  I.  parcels  of  the  barony  of  Hugh  de  Baliol.  Woodhorn  Demesne  is  usually 
joined  with  Woodhom  in  the  returns  of  rates,  &c. 

Cresswell  is  seated  near  the  sea-shore,  nine  miles  north-east  from  Morpeth,  by 
a  road  which  is  now  in  an  excellent  state  of  repair.  It  contains  two  public  houses, 
and  is  chiefly  inhabited  by  fishermen.  The  old  family  seat  of  the  ancient  family  of 
the  Cresswells  was  defended  by  a  tower,  and  is  now  inhabited  by  mechanics. 

Cresswell  was  one  of  the  manors  of  the  barony  of  By  well,  of  which  it  was  held  by 
the  ancient  family  of  the  Cresswells ;  Robert  de  Cresswell  in  the  reign  of  king  John, 
and  Simon  de  Cresswell  in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  III.  It  was  held  by  Roger  de 
Cresswell,  21  king  Edward  I. ;  by  Robert  de  Cresswell,  in  the  reign  of  king  Edward 
II. ;  by  Alexander  de  Cresswell,  who  was  upon  an  inquest  at  Newcastle  upon  Tyne, 
12th  February,  43  king  Edward  III.  with  Thomas  de  Eslington,  Robert  de  Eknd, 
Robert  de  Middleton,  Richard  de  Cramlington,  and  John  de  Killinffworth,  &rc. ;  also 
upon  another  at  Corbrid^e,  25th  June,  2  king  Richard  II.  with  Robert  de  Lowther, 
W  illiam  Shaftoe,  John  Lawson,  Robert  de  Eknd,  and  others ;  by  John  de  Cresswell, 
-in  the  reign  df  king  Henry  V. ;  by  George  de  Cresswell,  in  the  reign  of  king  Henry 


WOODHORN  PARISH.  187 

VI. ;  by  Robert  de  Cresswdl,  in  the  reign  of  king  H^ny  VII.  who  married  Eliza- 
beth»  die  dbiughter  of  Thomas  Lord  Lumley,  by  JSlizabeth  Flantagenet,  daughter  of 
king  Edward  IV.  by  the  Lady  Elisabeth  Lucy ;  by  Oswin  de  Cresswell,  in  the  be- 
ginning of  the  reign  of  queen  Elizabeth ;  and  by  John  de  Cresswell,  in  the  beginning 
of  the  reign  of  long  James  L  It  was  afterwards  held  by  John  de  Cresswell,  who  had 
three  sons,  viz.  Epnraim,  Oswald,  and  William,  the  last  of  whom  purchased  Cresswell 
of  his  two  brothers,  who  died  without  issue.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son  William^ 
who  left  a  son  oi  the  same  name,  father  of  John  Cresswell,  Esq.*  The  latter  left  se- 
veral sisters,  one  of  whom  married  Mr.  Addison,  a  rich  merchant  at  Stockton.  An- 
other married  a  relation  of  Mr.  Addison's,  and  had  the  present  possessor,  Addison 
John  Cresswell,  but  who  has  since  taken  the  name  of  Baker,  from  Mrs.  Cresswell  Ba» 
ker's  family,  by  whom  he  has  acquired  considerable  property.  He  served  the  office 
of  high  sheriff  of  this  county  in  1828.  He  is  highly  esteemed  by  his  tenantry,  and 
much  beloved  by  the  neighbouring  poor.  Francis  Cresswell,  Esq.  his  brother,  is  a 
barrister  at  law. 

William  Cresswell,  Esq.  the  last  of  the  name,  built  the  family  residence ;  but  the 
present  spirited  proprietor  has  commenced  the  erection  of  a  new  seat,  which,  when 
finished,  will  rivtd  in  taste  and  magnificence  the  best  in  the  county.  The  sdte  chosen 
is  an  eminence,  not  far  from  the  viVuige,  and  nearly  a  mile  from  the  sea.  It  commands 
an  extensive  prospect  of  the  sea-coast,  and  of  the  highly  cultivated  country  in  the  in- 
terior ;  but  the  house  will  be  sheltered  from  the  bleak  winds  of  the  north  and  east  by 
extensive  plantations.  This  costly  erection  is  under  the  superintendence  of  Mr. 
Green,  of  Newcastle.  The  stones  are  very  massive,  many  weighing  from  one  to  seven 
tons ;  and  the  workmanship  seems  to  be  of  the  best  description.  The  adjoining  gar- 
dens are  kurge,  and  kept  in  excellent  order ;  and  when  the  main  building,  wiu  the 
out-offices,  are  finished,  the  whole  wiU  combine  all  the  elegancies  and  conveniences  of 
an  English  gentleman's  residence. 

Ellington  stands  about  1^  mile  south-west  from  CressweU.  It  contains  two 
farmsteads,  two  public  houses,  and  several  houses  for  labourers,  mechanics,  and  trades^ 
men.  Part  of  the  township  belongs  to  A.  J.  Cresswell  Baker,  Esq.  and  part  to  Adam 
Askew,  Esq.  of  Redheugh,  in  the  county  of  Durham. 

LiNMOTTTH  lies  ou  the  banks  of  the  Line,  between  Woodhom  and  Cresswell,  and 
near  a  mile  from  the  sea.  It  is  the  property  of  Ralph  Atkinson,  Esq.  of  Newcastle. 
On  Thursday  the  8th  of  Aumist,  1822;  a  large  whale  of  the  spermaceti  kind,  called 
by  naturalists  the  Macrocepnalus,  or  blunt-headed  Cachelot,  came  on  shore  at  the 
mouth  of  the  Line.  On  bding  first  descried,  it  was  boldly  attacked  by  a  party  of 
fishermen  and  workmen  employed  in  building  Cresswell  new  hall,  and  was  finally 
killed  by  a  harpoon  made  at  the  time  by  one  of  the  blacksmiths.  Previous  to  this,  it 
is  supposed  to  have  been  wounded  by  some  of  the  projecting  rocks  on  this  coast.  It 
measured  61  feet  in  length,*  and  S7  feet  4  inches  in  circumference;  breadth  of  the 
tail,  14  feet  6  inches ;  across  the  head,  10  feet  9  inches ;  from  tiie  eyes,  which  were 


•  WmiuiiCMMwell  held  CreasvfU,  1741;  and  WiUum  CraNWeU,  of  Raedhouae,  hdd  bndi  at  Creaawdl, 
same  jrear.    John  Creaawell^  of  Cresswell^  oooafs  in  1774.  f 


1£8  MORPETH  WARD.— E.  D. 

very  small;  to  the  nose,  91  fSeel ;  and  its  he^bt;  as  it  lay  ubob  tlae  ^ra»  ISteet.  The 
upper  ja^r  projected  5  feet  beyond  Ae  uMer  one :  in  ttie  latter  were  two  rows  of 
iTory  teeth ;  in  the  uraer  jaw  were  no  teethe  but  catvities  to  reeeive  those  of  the  under 
jaw.  Oi  the  top  of  the  nose,  near  the  tip,  was  an  air-hole.  Tbere  w€sre  only  two  fins 
OR  each  side,  and  which  were  placed  S  feet  behind  the  eyes,  but  rather  lower.  It 
produced  9  tons  and  158  gaUons  of  oiL  This  valuable  fish  was  dbimed  both  by  Mr. 
breaswell  Baker  and  Mr.  Ralph  Atkinson ;  but  the  dispute  was  terminated  by  the 
Admiralty  seusing  it  aa  a  droit  of  the  crown.  Before  this  great  fish  was  cut  up,  it 
was  visited  by  the  curious  from  all  quarters,  who  arrived  in  crowds,  on  foot,  in  coa^es^ 
gigs,  steam-boats,  &€;  all  of  whom  were  gratified  in  viewing  the  vast  iohdsitaiit  of 
the  deep, 

HuBST  stands  one  mile  south-west  from  Woodhom.  Hturst  Castie  was  one  of  the 
ancient,  strong,  fortified  dwellings,  so  common  in  this  county^  There  weve  formerly 
many  small  freeholds  at  this  place,  but  the  greater  part  is  now  the  property  of  Wil* 
liam  Lawscm,  Esq.    The  Duke  of  Portland  has  alao lands  in  this  township. 

NoBTH  Seaton  is  pleasantly  sntuated  cxie  mile  south  of  Woodhcmi,  and  at  a  short 
distance  from  the  sea.  It  is  the  property  and  residence  of  WiUiam  Watson,  Esq. 
and  is  a  fertile  and  agreeable  place. 

NEWBIGGIN  PAROCHIAL  CHAPELRY. 

This  chapehy  is  but  of  small  extent.  It  consists  of  a  peninsula,  whidi  stretches 
into  the  sea,  at  a  i^ort  distance  east  from  Woodhom.  In  1821,  it  contained  82 
dwelling-houses,  and  4S4  inhabitants.    The  Methodist  Sunday-sdiool  is  well  attended. 

Newbiggin,  or  Newbiggin  near  the  Sea,  as  it  is  usuaUy  called,  to  distinguish 
it  from  the  otber  places  of  liiat  name  in  the  interior  parts  of  the  county,  ia  situated 
on  the  seashore,  on  the  south  side  of  the  peninsula.  It  oMisists  diiefly  of  one  irre* 
ffular  street,  in  which  are  some  tolerably  good  houses,  with  four  inns  and  puUie 
nouses,  and  several  shops  for  the  sale  of  necessary  artides.    This  |^ce  is  mura  fre* 

2uented  in  the  sumiper  season,  for  the  convenience  of  bathing*  Fish  of  different 
inds  is  here  very  plentiful :  besides  supplying  the  home  demand,  there  k  almost  a 
daily  supply  hence  to  Newcaatle  market.  The  fishermen  of  this  place  wre  a  bold  and 
industrious  set  of  men,  and  are  often  exposed  to  fatal  accidents.*  Here  are  several 
ffranaries,  as  com  is  occasionally  shipped  in.  vesselaof  about  60  tons  burden*  The  bay 
IS  safe  and  capacious,  fonned  by  two  promontories  of  freestone,  wilii  a  fine  sandy 
bottom,  and  in  which  ships  can  ride  in  seven  or  eight  fathoms  of  water.  The  chiqpel^ 
which  is  dedicated  to  St  Bartholomew,  stands  on  the  north  side  <tf  the  havett,  on  a 


*  On  the  Hth  of  January^  ISOl^  the  crews  of  five  fishing. boatf,  consisting  of  nineteen  men,  belonging  to 
this  place  arid  to  BIy  th  and  Hartley,  perished  at  sea,  by  a  sadden  tempest  from  the  north-east    The  sum  of 
1701/.  was  promptly  subscribed^  chiefly  in  Newcastle  and  its  neighbourhood,  for  the  relief  of  their  widows^ 
ofpliflw,  and  depefideatas,  eoneistitig  «f  90  penma.    The  disiribaticni  of  this  Amtity  was  inamsted  to  a  cam« 
pputtee  of  gentlem^,  who  discharged  the  trust  with  eve  and  jndgnsnt 


WIDDRINGTON  PAKOCHIAL  CHAPELRY.  139 

point  of  land  which  projects  a  considerable  way  into  the  sea ;  and  it  is  said  there  are 
,the  remains  of  a  pier  there.  This  church  was  formerly  a  much  more  considerable 
edifice^  than  at  present,  the  middle  aisle  and  steeple,  with  a  spire,  only  now  remaining ; 
which  circumstances  give  rise  to  an  idea,  that  Newbiggin  and  its  haven  were  in  some 
former  age  of  considerably  more  importance.  Here  is  the  effiey  of  a  knight  templar. 
The  ornament  of  the  altar  seems  to  have  been  a  devoted  gift  by  some  seaman. who 
had  escaped  the  perils  of  the  ocean,  being  the  king's  arms  carved  in  wood  from  the 
stern-piece  of  a  ship.  At  the  west  end  of  the  chapel  is  a  small  gallery.  The  spire  is 
a  mark  to  seamen,  of  great  use  to  ships  coming  from  the  North  and  6altic  Seas,  as  a 
direction  for  their  southward  course.  From  the  church-yard  there  is  an  extensive  and 
beautiful  prospect. 

WIDDRINGTON  PAROCHIAL  CHAPELRY, 

This  chapelry  lies  between  the  paribhes  of  Woodhorn  and  Warkworth,  having  the 
sea  on  the  east,  and  comprizes  an  area  of  4142  acres.  It  contains  73  dwelling-houses, 
and  888  inhabitants.  There  is  a  school  at  the  village  of  Widdrington,  attended  by 
from  SO  to  40  children.  The  master,  on  presenting  annually  a  certificate  of  good 
conduqt,  receives  from  Lady  Bulkley  a  gift  of  £15. 

Widdrington,  or  Woadrington;  i.  e.  the  town  in  a  wood,  is  pleasantly  situated 
in  the  midst  of  a  fine  country,  about  nine  miles  north  by  east  from  Morpeth,  and 
abovfe  one  mile  from  the  sea.  It  contains  two  good  fbrm-houses,  one  public  house, 
and  31  cottages,  inhabited  chiefly  by  mechanics  and  labourers.*  The  chapel  has  been 
much  larger  in  former  times.  The  living  is  in  the  gift  of  the  proprietor  of  the  manor. 
Near  the  viUage  is  a  small  Presbyterian  meeting-house ;  and,  at  a  short  distance,  a 
colliery,  where  three  or  four  men  are  employed.    The  principal  seam  is  one  foot  in 

thickness,  and  12  fathoms  deep, 

•  ..'■■■.■ 

Widdrington  Castle  was  a  fine  structure ;  being  seated  on  an  eminence,  eom*^ 
manding  an  extensive  sea  prospect,  and  a  land  view  as  far  as  Tynemouth^  Castle. 
Thd  para:,  which  included  the  farm  of  Houndylaw,  and  consisted  of  600  acres  of  fine 
land,  was  richly  clothed  with  wood  within  the  memoiy  of  many  of  the  present  inha- 
bitants. The  most  ancient  part  of  the  castle  was  a  Gothic  t6wer,  finisHted  with  ma^ 
chicolations,  and  f Oiir  round  turrets,  built  on  douMe  tiers  of  corbules.  There  is  a 
good  view  of  it,  taken  by  S.  and  N,  Buck,  in  1728.  It  was  burnt  doWn  about  40 
years  ago.  The  present  edifice,  which  is  now  uninhabited,  was  built  by  Sir  George 
Warren.  It  is  a  slight,  fantastical,  insulated  building,  possessing  neither  grandeur 
nor  convenience.  The  centre  tower  is  octangular  and  embattled  j  but  the  whole 
building  is  much  in  want  of  repair. 

Widdrington  Castle  was  the  seat  of  the  ancient  and  worthy  fkmily  of  the  Wid- 
dringtons,  who  often  signalized  their  valour  in  the  wars  against  the  Scots,  and  long 

*  Mr.  Robert  Reed,  an  industrious  ohapman,  who  died  here  in  May,  1S21,  was  well  known  for  his  supe« 
nor  management  of  bees.  He  could  reduce  these  useful  insects  to  a  state  of  complete  discipline ;  and  fie« 
quendy  exhibited,  in  Morpeth  market,  a  whole  swarm  suspended  from  his  hand ! 

VOL.  II.  2  K  • 


180  MOBPETH  VTARDr^M.  D. 


flouctthed  jn  high  repute  in  Northumberkocl  Widdiijitfton  w«b  the  tMncut  at 
Garard  de  Wididringtoo,  1  king.£dward  III. ;  and  of  .Sir  Koger  de  Widdringtoii, 
hi^  Aaiff  of  Northumberland,  36  king  £dwcad  III.  John  de  Plessis  sold  him  the 
manor  of  Plessis,  and  the  village  of  Shotten.  His  son  and  heir,  Sir  John  de  Wid- 
drington,  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  82  king  Kichard  II.  the  II  king 
Henry  IV,  and  the  4th  and  8th  king  Henry  VI.  His  suooessor,  6ir  Hoger  de  Wi£ 
drington,  served  in  the  same  high  offioe  three  times  during  the  same  reign«  Geraid 
de  Widdrington  was  high  sherifTof  NcydiumberlaBd,  5  king  Edward  IV. ;  aiid  John 
de  Widdrington  filled  the  honourable  station  for  three  successive  years*  in  the  r»gn 
of  the  same  king. 

An  inquisition  was  taken  of  the  estate  of  Sir  John  Widdrington,  10  queen  Eliza- 
beth. He  was  high  sheriff  of  the  county,  32  king  Henry  VIII.  the  6th  king  Edward 
VI.  and  1st  queen  EliziJbeth.  He  married  Elizabeth,  the  daughter  of  Sir  Hugh  Tre- 
vannion,  who  survived  him,  and  married  Sir  Robert  Cary,  Lord  Warden  of  the  Mid- 
dle Msjpches,  afterwards  created  Earl  of  Mcmmguth,  by  whom  be  had  two  sons  and 
one  daughter.  Her  eldest  son  wafi  made  Knight  of  the  Bath  i^  the  creation  of 
Charles,  prinoe  of  Wales,  and  married  the  daughter  of  Lionel  Cranfield*  afterwards 
Earl  d  Middlesex,  and  treasurer  of  England.  Her  daughter  married  the  eccentric 
Duke  of  Wharton,  as  Lord  Orrery  ^ty\e&  him.  Her  ladyship  and  the  Lord  Warden 
lived  at  Widdrington,  which  was  her  jointure,  and  at  her  death  it  came  to  Sir  Henry 
Widdrington,  who  was  a  deputy-rwardeq  of  the  Middle  Marches  under  his  lordship. 
His  other  deputy  ^as  Sir  WiUiam  Fenwiok.  To  one  he  assigned  the  gwemment  of 
Redesdale,  and  to  the  other  that  oi  Liddesdale ;  with  each  six  horsemen  to  attend 
them,  out  of  his  own  appointment,  which  was  4pO.  The  Borderers  were  remarkably 
peaeeable  under  their  government^  after  a  few  examples  being  made  of  the  boldest 
thieves.  His  deputy,  ^ir  H^uy  Widdrington,  was  high  sh^Sf  of  Northumberland, 
kl  queen  EUisabikb,  and  9  king  James  I.  and  a  representative  for  it  in  parliament 
1,  12,  18,  king  James  I. ;  and  was  succeeded  by  Sir  William  Widdrington. 

Sir  William  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  12  king  Charles  1.  and  a  repre- 
sentfktive  for  it  in  parUament,  l^th,  16th,  and  17th  of  the  same  reign,  witli  Sir  Henry 
Percy*  He  and  Sir  William  Carnaby  and  Sir  Patrioiua  Curwen  w^e  tfavee  ef  the  56 
members  who  voted  tw  savii^  the  life  of  the  Earl  of  Stra^rd.  Si^  Wilhant  and  his 
friend,  Mr.  Herbert  Price,  member  for  Brecon  in  Waks,  wete  committed  to  the 
Tpwer,  for  havijn^  eandles  brought  into  the  house  without  a  g^ieral  order,  189  voieei 
/ugamst  172.  He  was  expeUed  tb$  koiwe,  S^h  August,  164iie,  iixt  refusing  to  attoid 
iC  and  for  nusing  forces  iu  dffenneof  his  mmesty,  who  created  hitaiBaront  Widdring* 
ton  of  Blankney,  10th  November,  1643.  After  the  battle  of  Marston  .Moor,  he  re^ 
tired  beyond  seas  with  his  noble  friend,  the  Lord  Marquis  of  Newcastle^  and  otiiens ; 
«nd  his  esta/te  was  se<|uestered  by  the  parliament. 

On  the  march  of  his  majesty,  king  Charles  II.  to  Woncester,  his  lorddiip  staid  be« 
hind  at  Wigan,  in  Laneawi]^  with  the  Earl  of  Derby,  and  many  loyal  gaottlemen, 
about  900  horse,  with  a  design  of  taking  the  country  volunteers  along*  with  them^ 
where  they  were  surprised  by  a  party  of  the  parliament-forces  at  the  dawn  of  the 
morning,  and  after  a  gallant  display  of  valour,  were  either  slain  or  taken  prisoners. 
Among  the  former  was  Lord  Widdrington,  who  disdained  to  take  quarter. 


ULGHAM  PAROCHIAL  CHAPELRY.  m 

^*IIsi  lordflfaip,''  fltys  Lord  Clat-endoii,  ^  was  oti6  of  the  goodliest  Mtfeons  of  that  age^ 
hong  near  (he  head  nigher  than  most  tall  mefn,  and  a  gentleman  or  the  beit  and  xno^t 
andent  extraction  of  the  county  of  Northumberiiand,  and  of  a  very  fair  fortune^  and 
one  of  the  four  which  the  king  made  choioe  of  to  he  about  the  person  of  his  son  the 
prince,  as  gentleman  of  his  privy  chamber,  when  he  first  settled  his  family.  His 
afiection  to  the  kin^  was  always  most  remarkable.  As  soon  as  the  war  broke  out, 
he  was  of  the  first  who  raised  both  h wse  and  foot  at  his  own  diarge»  and  served  emi« 
aently  widb  them  under  the  Marquis  of  Newcastle,  with  whom  he  had  a  particular 
and  entire  friendship.  He  was  very  nearly  allied  to  the  marquis,  and  by  nis  testis 
mony  that  he  had  performed  many  signal  services,  he  was  about  the  middle  of  the 
war  made  a  peer  oi  the  kin^om." 

Lord'  Widdrington  mamed  Mary,  the  daughter  and  sole  heir  of  Sir  Anthony  Tho* 
raid,  of  Blankney ,  in  Lincolnshire,  knl  by  Tniom  he  had  a  son^  William  Lord  Wid« 
drin^rton,  who  was  one  of  the  council  ^f  state  upon  the  restoraticm  of  the  parUament 
by  General  Monk*  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  William  Lord  Widdrington,  who 
by  marriage  acquired  an -additional  estate  of  £12,000  per  annum.  His  lordship's  real 
and  personal  estate,  valued,  as  set  forth  in  his  petition  to  the  parliament,  4th  Decem- 
ber, 1722,  at  above  £100,000^  came  to  the  crown  by  his  attainder  ih  171S»  and  Was 
sold  for  the  public  usa  He  did  not  sufPer  with  Lord  Derwentwater,  but  was  most 
graciously  pardoned.  His  brother,  P.  Widdrington,  was  aid-de-camp  to  General 
Forster.  The  estate  at  Widdrington  was  first  sold  to  the  York  Building-Company, 
who  paid  annual  interest  for  the  principal,  which  they  could  not  afterwards  pay ;  m 
consequence  of  which  it  was  recovered  by  government.  It  was  again  sold,  and  pur- 
chased by  Sir  George  Revel.  He  left  it  to  his  only  daughter^  who  married  Sir 
Geoi^  Warren,  EL  B*  who  also  left  an  onlv  daughter.  Lady  Bulkley,  the  present 
possessor,  and  widow  of  the  late  Viscount  Bulkley. 

Linton  and  DBtminoE  are  included  in  this  chapdry*  The  latter  place  stands  on 
the  coast.  Wallis  thought  that  Druridge  signified  a  grove  of  oaks ;  from  whieb  he 
Inferved,  timt  the  Drums  performed  tteir  awftd  rites  in  the  gloomy  n^cesses  of  this 
place ;  but  Hedley  observes,  that  in  old  writings  it  is  always  rodt  Drpfigg,  which  is  of 
very,  obvious  derivation.  There  is  a  fine  bay  fc»r  small  craft  a  litide  to  the  north,  Called 
Druridge  Bay.  Chibbom,  which  lies  at  a  short  distance  from  this  place,  is  a  very  old 
strong  building,  which  has  been  moated  round ;  and  the  rivulet  which  passes  it  could 
easily  be  diverted  into  the  ditdi  in  times  of  danger. 

ULGHAM  PAROCHIAL  CHAPELRY. 

UlghsEni  chapelry  is  bounded  on  tlie  west  and  north-west  by  Hebron,  (m  tlie  north  by 
Warkworth,  on  the  east  by  Widdrington  and  Woodhoro»  and  on  the  south  by  Bothal 
parislL  It  extends  about  S^  miles  from  north  to  south,  and  nearly  11  mile  from  east 
to  west ;  and  contains  70  inhabited  houses,  and  348  inhabitants.  The  soil  in  aomf 
parts  is  tolerably  good,  and  in  others  extremely  poor  and  unproductive.  There  is  a 
day-school  in  the  village,  attended  by  8&  scholars^  Miss  Ann  Coward^  of  Hadstone 
Link  House,  who  died  this  year,  bequeatfakl  £20  to  the  poor  of  Hm  ehapelry. 


isa  MORPETH  WARD— E.  B. 

.    Ulgham. — ^This  village  is  agreeably  situated  aa  the  south  side  of  the  riyer  I 
about  5  miles  north-east  dv  north  from  Morpeth,  and  above  4  miles  west  from  the 
It  contains  four  farm*steads»  two  public  houses,  and  cottages  inhabited  principally  by 
persons  employed  in  husbandry.    The  chapel,  which  is  dedicated  to  St  John,  belongs 
to  the  rectory  of  Morpeth. 

This  place  anciently  belonged  to  the  Greystock  family.  The  lady  of  Robert  Lord 
Greystock,  who  died  2  Edward  II.  had  for  her  dowry  an  assignation  of  this  manor 
and  several  others.  It  is  now  the  property  of  Lord  Carlisle,  and  of  Mr.  John  Swal*» 
low  of  Ashington. 

Ulgham  Grange  is  situated  half  a  mile  north-east  from  Ulgham.  The  handsome 
farm-house  and  out-offices  occupied  by  Ralph  Fenwick,  Esq.  stands  on  the  summit  of 
an  abrupt  eminence,  which  rises  from  the  north  side  of  the  Line.  The  banks  of  this 
small  river  present  several  striking  and  picturesque  views  near  this  place.  Above  the 
miU,  the  coal  is  seen  basseting  out  of  the  sides  of  the  banks.  The  Grange  is  the  pro* 
perty  of  Earl  Grey. 

Stobswood,  from  the  Ando-Saxon  ^tub,  or  stebbe^  the  stump  of  a  tree ;  and  Nor- 
wood, or  Norihwaod^  form  the  northern  division  of  this  chapdry.  Both  these  places 
are  the  property  of  Lord  Carlisle, 

BOTHAL  PARISH. 

This  parish  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  Woodhorn,  on  the  north  by  Ulgham,  on  the 
west  by  Hebron  and  Morpeth,  and  on  the  south  by  the  river  Wansoeck.  It  extends 
about  3  miles  from  east  to  west,  and  about  the  same  distance  from  north  to  south. 
In  1821,  it  contained  124  houses  and  658  inhabitants.  There  is  a  school  at  Bothal, 
conducted  on  Dr.  Bell's  plan,  at  which  about  70  children  are  instructed.  The  master 
receives  £2,  Ifo.  left  by  a  former  rector,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Stafford,  in  1716 ;  £lO  per  an*  . 
num,  given  by  the  Duke  of  Portland,  with  a  house  and  garden ;  and  a  quart^raoe  of 
%g.  from  each  scholar.  There  are  two  other  day-schools  in  the  parish,  at  which  above 
50  children  are  educated.  The  rector  mentioned  above  left,  at  the  same  time,  the 
interest  of  £40  to  the  poor  of  the  parish, 

BoTHAL. — ^This  small  but  ancient  village  is  seated  in  Ihe  midst  of  a  romantic  and 
beautiful  amphitheatre,  at  a  little  distance  north  of  the  Wansbeck,  the  banks  of  which 
are  richly  adorned  with  fine  hanging  woods.  It  is  about  S  miles  east  from  Morpeth, 
and  contains  one  public  house  and  a  few  cottages.  The  chim^h  is  dedicated  to  St. 
Andrew.  The  mother  church,  it  is  said,  stood  formerly  at  Sheepwash,  This  has 
three  handsome  aisles,  the  windows  are  neat,  and  the  walls  have  a  solemn  appearance, 
bein^  hung  with  scripture  sentences,  in  black  frames.  On  the  south  side  or  the  chan- 
cel, Sie  genealogy  of  the  Ogles,  of  whom  there  were  seven  lords  and  thirty  knights,  is 
painted  m  tablets  on  the  wdl,  in  old  black  letttf .  There  is  a  fine  alabaster  tomb,  in« 
closed  with  rails,  of  one  of  the  Ogles  and  his  lady,  with  their  effigies  recumbent^  It 
is  supposed  they  represent  Sir  Robert  Ogle  and  his  wife,  tiie  Baroness  Bertram,  His 
effigy  is  clothed  in  a  coat  of  mail,  the  hands  elevated,  about  his  neck  a  chain,  with  a 


i? 


FAttlSB.  139 

eross  ptradwt  on-^  basom».  his  hair  cut  over  his  forehead  and  round  hy  his  ears,  his 
head  sm)parted  oh  his  crest  (a  btdl's  head),  his  feet  rested  against  a  curled  water  dog. 
Her  emgy  is  dressed  in  a  long  robe,  which  conceals  her  feet;  over  her  head  and 
shoulders  a  mantle  flowing  back,  her  hands  elevated,  her  bead  supported  by  a  cushion 
tasseUeii  at  the  comers,  kept  by  two  esqmres  in  their  proper  habiliments,  each  hol(^g 
a  tassel;  oa  the  lap  of  her  robe  a  small  Italian  greyhomd.  A  sword  sheathed  lies 
between  these  effigies.  At  the  head  of  the  tomb,  in  niches  ornamented  with  taber^ 
naele-work,  are  four  ecclesiastics,  their  crowns  shaven,  and  with  hands  elevated ;  at  a 
corner,  an  inclining  shield,  supported  on  the  dexter  side  by  a  lion  collared  and  chained, 
and  on  the  sinister  side  by  a  monkey  chained  by  the  waist. 

The  living  of  Bothal  Is  a  »ectory,  of  which  the  king  is  patron.  It  is  valued  in  the 
king's  books  at  £S5.  The  rectory-house  is  at  Sheepwash,  about  two  miles  lower 
down  file  river,  where  the  mother-church  formerly  stood. 

On  the  banks  of  the  Wansbeck,  near  to  BothaJf,  are  the  ruins  of  an  ancient  diapel 
or  cMratory,  said  to  be  dedicated  to  the  Blessed  Virgin.  The  situation  is  admirably 
calculated  iot  meditation,  being  in  a  shady  sditude.  By  the  arms  on  the  waU,  it  ap- 
pears t0  have  been  built  by  the  familv  of  Ogles.  The  erection  was  all  of  weU-wrought 
freestone ;  its  dimensions  within,  eight  yards  in  length,  and  four  in  breadth ;  the  roof, 
now  fallen  into  min^  and  gone  to  decay,  was  curiously  arched  with  stone,  as  appears 
by  its  remains.  It  is  now  grown  over  with  trees,  which  have  struck  their  roots  into 
the  joiiits  and  chasms  of  the  building. 

BoTttAL  Castijs. — The  sdte  of  this  ancient  building  being  very  similar  to  others 
which  the  Romans  chose  for  their  stations,  some  antiquaries  have  indulged  conjec- 
tures respecting  die  occupaticm  of  this  place  by  that  people.  Even  Camden,  for  some 
time,  thought  that  the  Koman  Gkmaventa  stood  on  the  banks  <^  the  Wansbeck. 
However  this  may  be,  Bothal,  in  later  times,  became  ^  baronial  seat  of  the  renowned 
&mily  of  Ogles.  The  environs  of  the  castle  are  romantics  and  beautiful;  the  banks 
of  the  river  Wansbeck,  which  lie  within  a  little  distance  to  the  south,  being  adomed 
with  fine  hanging  woods.  The  castle  is  gradually  falling  into  decay,  but  enough  re- 
mains  fo  attest  the  grandeur  of  its  ancient  state.*    The  following  description  is  given 

*  TheifoBowing  eactract  la  copied  from  a  anrvey  called  the  book  of  Bptiiool  Baxonrye,  in  Northumberland 
moit  beiQitifiiUy  written^  ttxid  m  high  preaeryation,  the  property  of  hit  giace  the  Duke  of  Portknd,  to  whom 
UuMt  barony  now  belongs.  It  waa  taken  the  fiOth  day  of  June,  1576,  t>y  Cuthbcrt  Camabie,  Aobert  Maddi- 
ion^  aad  Joftn  Lawson,  tenants  to  that  manor,  by  virtue  of  a  conraission  gfanted  by  Cufthbecfc  Lord  Ogle, 
and  direieled  to  the  af<Hre*named  Cuthbert  Camabie>  Robert  Maddison,  Jacob  Qgle,  Esqn.  Anthony  Ratdiffis 
and  John  Lawaon,  Gentg,  the  whole  5,  any  4,  3,  or  2  of  them.  Dated  at  Bothole,  the  6th  day  of  May  in  the 
same  yey  :-*•"  To  this  manor  of  Bothoole  belongeth  ane  CasteD  in  ciYcamference  cccclzxxx  foote,  wharto  be-i 
longeth  lEQie  CasteU,  great  chaulmer,  parler,  vij  bed  chaulmers,  one  galare,  bolterie,  pantrie,  krdenor,  kit- 
chinge,  backhouse,  brewhouse,  a  stctble,  an  court  called  the  yethouse,  wharcin  thare  ia  a  prison,  a  pofter'loge, 
and  div^se  faire  cbaulmering,  an  common  s|able,  and  a  towre  caUed  Blanke  Towre,  a  gardine,  ane  nurice, 
chapel,  and  an  towre  called  Cole's  Towre  imd  Pastrie,  with  many  other  prittie  beauldings  here  not  specified, 
faire  gardinges  and  orchctts,  wharin  groweiB  all  kind  of  hearbes  and  flowres,  and  fine  aj^iles^  plumbes  of  all 
kynde,  peers,  damsellis,  nuttes,  wardens,  cherries,  to  the  black  and  reedc,  waDnutes,  and  also  licores  verie 
<yne,  worth  by  the  yeare  XXiL"— i^s/tj.  Repef. 

VOL.  II-— (27)  «  L 


I.K 


134  MORPETH  WARD— E.  D. 

mostly  in  the  words  of  Mr.  Hutchinson,  who  surveyed  it  with  great  attenticm^  at  a 
time  when  it  was  in  a  better  state  of  preservation. 

The  castle,  though  placed  on  a  considerable  eminence,  yet  stands  in  a  very  deep 
vale ;  hanging  woods  lorming  an  amphitheatre  at  the  distance  of  about  half  a  mile. 
Its  present  remains  chiefly  consist  of  the  great  gateway,  flimked  on  the  north  side  by 
two  polygonal  towers,  53  feet  high ;  and  the  south-west  angle  by  a  square  turret, 
whose  height  measures  60  feet.  From  the  towers  of  this  gate  the  outward  wsJl  ex- 
tends along  the  brink  of  the  eminence,  in  a  circular  form,  enclosing  the  area  and  inte- 
rior building  of  the  castle.  This  enclosure  Contains  about  half  an  acre,  in  which  are 
some  scattered  fragments  of  the  inner  buildings,  now  affording  no  degree  of  certainty 
what  were  their  original  form  and  use.  To  me  north-west  of  the  gateway  was  for- 
merly another  tower,  puUed  down  within  the  memory  of  persons  Uving,  which  bore 
the  denomination  of  Ogle's  Tower.  The  scite  of  this  castle  to  the  south  is  very  lofty, 
on  the  brink  of  a  rock,  whose  foot  is  washed  by  the  river :  the  east  and  west  sides  of 
the  eminence  have  been  defended  by  a  moat.  Mr.  Grose,  to  his  second  plate  of  this 
castle,  which  chiefly  represents  the  gateway  tower,  says,  "The  wood  scene  in  the 
back-ground  slopes  to  the  water's  edge,  here  and  there  skirted  by  picturesque  rocks ; 
and  in  many  places  the  trees  overhang  the  stream,  which  here  runs  briskly,  breaking 
against  the  huge  stones  plentifully  scattered  throughout  its  channel ;  at  once  capti- 
vating the  eye,  and,  by  its  gentle  murmurs,  sweetly  soothing  the  ear.  Indeed,  the 
banks  of  the  Wansbeck,  between  this  place  and  Morpeth,  afford  a  v^ety  of  sylvan 
scenes,  equal  in  beauty  to  any  in  the  kingdom." 

The  gateway,  with  its  towers,  bears  a  certain  appearance  of  being  the  most  modi^ni 
parts  of  this  castle ;  the  architecture  is  excellent,  and  the  edifice  built  of  a  durable 
stone,  well  drest,  and  in  good  preservation :  the  ascent  from  the  town  is  easy  and  gra^ 
dual.  The  outward  gate  was  defended  by  a  portcullis :  in  the  arching  of  the  roof  of 
the  gateway  are  three  square  apertures,  from  whence  the  garrison  could  annoy  the 
assauants,  when  they  had  gained  the  first  gate ;  a  door  on  each  hand  leads  to  the 
flanking  towers.  On  the  right  hand  is  a  passage  and  staircase  in  the  south-west 
tower ;  at  the  foot  of  the  stairs  is  a  door  into  the  prison^  which  is  not  so  horrible  an 
inclosure  as  most  of  those  seen  in  baronial  castles :  it  is  above  groimd,  and  closely 
arched,  having  narrow  apertures,  like  loop-holes,  to  admit  light  and  air  from  the  gate^ 
way  passage.  Opposite  to  these  stairs^  on  the  other  side  of  the  gateway,  is  a  large 
hall.  Passing  the  winding  stairs,  we  entered  the  state-room^  above  the  gateway :  this 
apartment  is  lighted  by  four  windows,  none  of  them  of  any  considerable  size  i  the 
principal  one  is  to  the  north,  in  the  centre :  by  means  of  the  thickness  of  the  wall,  the 
recess  formed  for  the  window  is  benched  with  stohe  at  the  sides,  with  seats  for  six 
persons  at  least.  From  this  window  you  view  the  town,  the  church,  and  a  hairoW 
vale,  through  which  the  river  flows.  On  each  side  of  this  window  is  a  do6r  leading 
to  the  chiimbers  of  the  flanking  towers.  The  fire-place,  of  a  very  spacious  range,  is  to 
the  east,  oh  the  left  side  of  which  is  another  window  with  a  recess,  benched  like  that 
before  described.  A  third  window,  like  the  two  former,  is  to  the  right  of  the  door  as 
you  enter,  looking  into  the  area  of  the  castle ;  a  large  window  to  the  west  commands 
the  wider  part  of  tti6  Vale,  and  the  fine  hanmng  woods  by  which  it  is  bounded.  Three 
lai-ge  stones  cover  the  apertures  in  the  floor,  which  open  upon  the  passage  of  the 


^OTHAL  PARISH.  185 


cateway.    The  upper  rooms  being  more  ruinous,  are  not  so  easy  to  describe,  or  Aeir 
form  capable  of  bemg  ascertained. 

In  the  front  of  the  ^teway  are  several  shields  of  arms  arranged  in  the  following 
order : — In  the  centre,  m  a  laige  shield,  are  the  arms  of  England  and  France  quarterly. 
It  is  observable  that  England  takes  the  first  quarter,  a  circumstance  very  imcommon. 
On  the  dexter  side,  a  shield  with  the  arms  of  England ;  on  the  sinister,  a  shield  with 
the  arms  of  the  Greys.  This  denotes  that  the  erection  was  made  in  the  time  of  Ed- 
ward IV.  whose  consort  was  a  Grey,  mother  of  Thomas  Grey,  who,  in  the  15th  year 
of  that  reign,  was  created  Maixjuis  of  Dorset.  Beneath,  in  the  centre,  the  arms  of 
Bertram.  On  the  dexter  and  sinister  sides  of  this  are  three  shields,  which  denote  the 
alliances  of  the  Bertram  family.  The  first,  on  the  dexter  side,  the  arms  of  Percy ; 
the  second,  of  Dacre ;  the  third,  of  Vescy.  The  first,  on  the  sinister  side,  of  Darcy ; 
the  second,  of  Hastings ;  the  third,  two  lions  passant  gardant  in  a  tressure ;  but  to 
what  family  this  coat  armour  appertains,  cannot  easUy  be  ascertamed. 

On  the  tower  on  the  right  hand  of  the  gateway  are  four  shields,  the  chief  of  which 
is  of  the  Ogles ;  but  they  are  greatly  defaced  by  time,  and  do  not  seem  to  have  any 
material  relation  to  the  date  or  history  of  this  erection.  It  is  thought  that  John  Ogle, 
the  grandson  of  the  heiress  of  Bertoam,  and  who  assumed  the  name  of  Bertram, 
erected  this  gateway. 

In  the  centlre,  on  the  battiement,  is  the  figure  of  a  man,  in  stone,  in  the  attitude  of 
sounding  a  horn ;  on  the  right-halid  tower  is  another  figure,  holding  a  ball  between 
his  hanck :  these  figures  are  greathr  injured  by  the  weather. 

The  gateway  is  the  only  part  of  this  ancient  building  that  now  remains,  and  the 
outer  walls,  which  are  in  a  sad  state  of  dilapidation.  The  best  part  of  the  ruins  is 
deformed  by  a  miserable  shed.  The  adjacent  fine  sloping  woods  and  picturesque 
rocks  retain  their  natural  beauties. 

Bothal  lordship  was  possessed  by  Richard  Bertram,  who  lived  about  the  time  of 
king  Henry  II.  He  being  a  devout  man,  gave  two  sheaves,  or  two-thirds  of  the 
tithes  of  this  place,  to  the  monks  of  Tynemouth.  His  son  Robert  obtained  of  king 
Richard  I.  that  his  manor,  with  its  dependencies,  should  be  raised  to  a  barony ;  and 
it  is  mentioned  as  such  in  that  ancient  record^  remaining  with  the  king's  remembrancer 
in  the  exchequer,  called  Testa  de  ^evU,  from  its  being  compiled  by  Jollan  de  Nevil, 
who  was  a  justice  itinerant  in  the  18th  and  24th  years  of  kin^  Henry  III.  It  con- 
tains the  kmg's  fees  through  the  greatest  part  of  England,  with  inquisitions  of  lands  . 
escheated  and  serjeantries.  This  barony  was  held  by  Robert  of  the  long  in  capite, 
by  the  service  of  thrive  knights'  fees,  as  his  ancestors  had  formerly  held  it ;  the  said 
lands  being  de  veteri  feojmento^  and  pajdng  yearly  for  the  castle-guard  at  Newcastie 
upon  Tyne  for  torhage,  £5, 15«.  4k7. 

Robert  was  succeeded  by  his  spn  Roger,  who  procured  a  charter  for  free  warren, 
for  all  his  demesne  lands  here  and  at  Hebbum  in  this  county^  His  heirs  enjoyed  the 
barony  for  some  successions^  without  making  any  additions  to  its  grandeur ;  but  Ro- 
bert Bertram  being  in  the  reign  of  king  Edward  III.  constituted  sheriff  of  Northum- 
berland, and  governor  of  Newcastie  upcm  Tyne,  obtained  a  licence  of  that  king  to 
make  a  castie  of  his  manor-house  at  BothaL  Robert  having  no  male  issue,  his  daugh- 
ter and  heiress,  Helen,  marrying  Sir  Robert  Ogle,  of  Ogle,  knight,  transferred  tnis 
barony  to  his  fbmily. 


1S6  MOBPfiTH  WAHD— E.  D, 

The  family  of  Ogle  wan  of  great^atiliquity  in  the  county  of  Ncnthumfaerland,  wkem 
they  were  possessed  of  an  extensive  nroperty  antecedent  to  their  intermarriagv  with 
the  heiress  of  Bertram.    Humphrey  Ogle  lired  at  Ogle  Castle  at  the  time  of  we  con. 

Siest;  and  William  the  Conqueror,  by  his  deed»  without  date,  confirmed  to  tim 
umphrey  all  the  liberties  and  royalties  of  his  manor  of  Ogk,  in  as  ample  a  manner 
as  any  of  nis  ancestors  had  enjoyed  the  same  before  the  time  of  the  Normans. 

&ir  Robert  Ogle  had  issue  by  Helen  the  heiress  of  Bertram,  Sir  Robert  Ogie,  who 
married  Matilda,  the  daughter  of  Sir  Thomas  Grey,  of  Wark,  by  Alice,  daughter  of 
!Ralph  Nevil,  Earl  of  Westmoreland.  After  the  death  of  his  father,  his  mother  mar- 
ried John  de  Hatfield.  On  her  death,  Sir  Robert  Ogle  settled  the  barony  of  Bothal 
upon  his  youngest  son  John.  His  paternal  estate  he  beoueathed  to  Robert,  who  soon 
a^er,  with  SOO  men,  took  forcible  possession  of  Bothal.  A  complaint  was  made  to 
parliament,  and  Robert  was  summoned  to  Westminster  to  answer  for  this  misdemeanor. 

Sir  Robert,  who  thus  attempted  to  eject  his  younger  brother,  distinguished  himself 
in  the  conflicts  between  the  houses  of  York  and  Lancaster,  being  an  ardent  and  zeal- 
ous  friend  to  the  former.  In  reward  for  his  services,  he  was  created  Baron  of  Bothal» 
and  first  Lord  Ogle  of  Ogle.  He  married  Isabella,  daughter  and  heiress  of  Sir  Alex* 
ander  de  Kirby,  by  Johanna,  daughter  of  Sir  Thomas  TunstaU.  Owen  Lord  Ogle, 
their  son,  married  Eleanor,  daughter  of  Sir  William  Hilton,  and  had  issue,  Ralph, 
the  8d  Lord  Ogle,  who  was  at  the  battle  of  Branxton.  He  married  Ma^aret,  the 
daughter  of  Sir  William  Gascoin,  and  had  issue,  Robert,  the  4th  L<H*d  Ogle,  who 
married  Ann,  the  daughter  of  Thomas  Lord  Lumley,  by  Elizabeth  Plantagenet, 
daughter  of  king  Edward  IV.  by  the  Lady  Lucy,  and  had  issue,  Robert,  the  5th 
Lord  Ogle,  who  died  in  the  battle  at  Hallydon-rigg,  in  Scotkutid.  He  was  twice 
married ;  first  to  Dorothy,  daughter  of  Sir  Henry  W iddrington ;  his  second  wife  was 
Johanna,  daughter  of  Sir  Cuthberf  Radclifi^,  by  both  of  whom  he  had  issue.  By  Do* 
rothy  he  had  Robert,  the  6th  Lord  Ogle,  who  married  Jane,  the  daughter  of  Sir 
Thomas  Maleverer,  who  died  without  issue.  By  the  seccmd  wife,  Johanna,  the  5th 
Lord  Ogle  had  issue,  Cuthbert,  the  7th  and  last  Lord  Ogle,  who  married  Catharine, 
the  daughter  >«nd  heiress  of  Sir  Reginald  Camaby,  and  had  issue  two  daughters,  Jo«. 
hanna  and  Catherine.  Johanna  married  to  Edward  Talbot,  Esq.  younger  son  to  the 
Earl  of  Shrewsbury.  Catherine  married  to  Charles  Cavendish,  of  Wellbeck,  in  Not* 
tinghamshire,  knight.  She  was  created  Baroness  Ogle.  Her  son.  Sir  William  Ca- 
vendish, was  made  Knight  of  the  Bath,  6th  of  king  James  I.  1610;  Baron  Ogle  of 
Ogle,  and  Viscount  Mansfield,  in  the  18th  year  of  that  reign ;  Baron  Bertram  and 
Bolsover,  and  Eatl  of  Newcastle,  8d  king  Charles  I. ;  Marquis  of  Newcastle,  the  19th 
year  of  the  same  reign ;  Earl  of  Ogle,  and  Duke  of  Newcastle,  16th  king  Charles  II* 
1664.  He  devoted  his  life  and  fortune  to  the  cause  of  king  Charies  I.  and  was  emi- 
.  nently  distinguished  for  his  superior  abilities  and  unshaken  zeal  during  the  dvil  wars. 
He  put  Newcastle  and  the  harbour  of  Tynemouth  in  a  state  of  defence,  and  raised  a 
regiment  of  royalists  in  Northumbertand,  consisting  of  1000  men,  at  his  own  charae« 
The  officers  were  selected  from  the  best  families.  He  engaged,  and  defeated  toe 
parliamentary  forces  under  Lord  Fairfax,  at  Atherton  Moor,  near  Bradford,  in  York- 
shire, took  22  pieces  of  cannon,  many  colours,  and  all  their  warlike  stores.  This  gal- 
lant achievement  so  intimidated  the  parliament,  that  they  immediately  despatched  an 
embassy,  in  order  to  prevail  with  the  Scots  to  espouse  their  cause,  and  send  an  anny 


I 

f 


BOTHAL  PARISH.  1S7 

into  England;  and  such  was  their  importunity,  that  these  auxiliaries  crossed  the 
Borders  ui  extreme  frosty  and  snowy  weather.  At  the  fatal  battle  of  Marston  Moor, 
he  fought  at  the  head  of  his  Northumbrian  regiment,  when  he  had  the  mortification 
to  see  it  deserted  by  the  horse.  Yet  such  was  the  ardour  that  he  infused  into  this 
gallant  corps,  that,  though  overpowered  with  numbers,  they  to  a  man  disdained  either 
to  fly  or  ask  quarter ;  and  after  the  battle,  every  one  was  foimd  to  have  been  cut 
down  at  his  post.  Their  regimentals  were  white,  from  which  circumstance  they  were 
called  White-coats. 

After  this  battle,  the  Marquis  of  Newcastle,  his  two  sons,  and  his  brother,  escaped 
to  the  continent.  His  estates  were  put  imder  sequestration,  and  some  of  them  sold, 
and  he  was  one  of  the  seven  persons  excepted  from  pardon.  After  the  restoration, 
the  marquis  retired  from  court  to  his  seat  at  Wellbeck,  where  he  passed  his  days  in 
literary  pursuits.*  His  only  daughter  and  heir  married  John  Holhs,  Duke  of  New- 
castle, who  in  her  right  berame  possessed  of  the  castle  of  Bothal.  He  died  by  a  fall 
from  his  horse  in  the  year  1711,  leaving  an  only  daughter,  who  married  Edward,  Earl 
of  Oxford  and  Mortimer.  These  possessions  devmved  on  their  only  daughter  and 
heiress.  Lady  Margaret  Cavendish  Herley,  who  married  his  grace  William  the  late 
Duke  of  Portland ;  and  Bothal  Castle  has  since  remained  in  the  possession  of  the 
Portland  family. 

AsHiNOTON  is  a  pleasant  small  village,  which  stands  one  mile  east  from  BothaL 
It  contains  one  good  farmhold  and  a  few  cottages.  Formerly,  it  was  one  of  the  ma- 
nors of  the  barony  of  Bothal,  and  the  seat  of  the  family  of  Crows.  It  now  belongs 
to  the  Duke  of  Portland.  At  a  short  distance  from  this  place  is  a  sacred  fountain, 
called  St.  Margaret's  Well:  the  water  is  soft  and  pleasant,  out  does  not  seem  to  pos- 
sess any  medicinal  qualities,  Sheepwash,  before  mentioned,  lies  in  a  delightful 
situation  on  the  Wansbeck,  surrounded  by  natural  scenes  as  various  as  beautiful. 
There  is  a  bridge  her^,  connecting  the  road  which  leads  from  Bedlington  to  Cresswell. 

Pegswokth  is  a  small  village  belonging  to  th^  Duke  of  Portland,  and  stands  about 
one  mile  and  a  half  north-west  of  Bothal, 

LoNGHURST  is  a  pretty  large  village,  situated  on  the  Cresswell  road,  about  S  miles 
north^^east  from  Morpeth^  and  contains  one  public  house,  and  several  cottages  inha- 

•  *  The  following  character  of  this  personage  is  drawn  by  L<Nrd  Clarendon  : — ''  He  was  a  very  fine  gentle* 
man,  active  and  fiiU  of  courage,  and  most  accomplished  in  those  qualities  of  horsemanship,  dancing,  and 
fencing,  which  accompany  a  good  breeding,  in  which  his  delight  was.  Besides  that,  he  was  amorous  in  poe- 
try and  music,  to  which  he  indulged  the  greater  part  of  his  time  ;  and  nothing  could  have  tempted  him  out 
of  these  paths  of  pleasure,  which  he  enjoyed  in  a  full  and  ample  fortune,  but  honour  and  ambition  to  serve 
the  king,  when  he  saw  him  in  distress,  and  abandoned  by  most  of  those  who  were  in  the  highest  degree 
obliged  to  him  and  by  him.  He  loved  monarchy,  as  it  was  the  foundation  of  his  own  greatness ;  and  the 
church,  as  it  was  well  constituted  for  the  splendour  and  security  of  the  crown ;  and  religion,  as  it  cherished 
and  mahdtained  that  order  and  obedience  that  was  necessary  to  both  ;  without  any  other  passion  for  the  par- 
ticular opinions  which  were  grown  up  in  it,  and  distinguidied  it  into  parties,  than  as  he  detested  whatever 
was  like  to  disturb  the  public  peace." 

VOL.  II.  2  M 


188  MORPETH  WARD.~W.  D. 

bited  by  mechanics  and  labourers.  The  house  of  William  Lawson,  Esq,  is  agreeably 
seated  on  a  gentle  eminence  above  Bothal  Bum,  at  the  west  end  of  the  village.  A 
complete  suite  of  convenient  and  handsome  outoffices  has  just  been  erected^  and  the 
adjoming  lands  improved,  under  the  judicious  direction  of  the  owner. 

Old  Mook. — This  township  forms  the  northern  division  of  the.  parish.    It  is  the 
property  of  the  Duke  of  Portland,  A.  J.  Cresswell  Baker,  Esq.  and  John  Lawson,  Esq. 


WEST    DIVISION. 


MITFORD  PARISH. 

This  parish  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Longhorsley  parish,  on  the  west  by  Hart- 
bum  parish  and  Meldon  chapelry,  on  the  south  bj  Wnalton  and  part  of  Morpeth 
Jarish,  and  on  the  east  by  a  part  of  the  latter  pansb  and  the  chapelry  of  Hebron* 
ts  form  is  in^egular,  being  at  its  eastern  extremity  5  miles  broad,  whife  at  the  west- 
em  it  does  not  exceed  1^  miles.  It  extends  4  miles  from  east  to  west,  and  its  area  is 
estimated  at  9000  acres.  About  4400  acres  are  employed  in  tillage,  2000  acres  are  in 
grass  and  meadow  lands,  and  the  remainder  is  wooolands.  The  soil  is  various,  but  in 
general  rich  and  fertile,  and  is  well  adapted  for  the  cultivation  of  turnips.  The  farms 
are  of  a  moderate  size,  and  generally  held  from  year  to  year.  It  is  well  watered  by 
the  rivers  Wansbeck  and  Font ;  and  the  general  appearance  of  the  lands  is,  in  a  high 
^gree,  beautiful  and  picturesque.  Neimer  coal  nor  lime  is  wrought  in  the  parisn. 
A  thin  seam  of  coal  has  been  discovered  in  the  southern  parts  of  the  parish ;  but 
eveiy  attempt  to  establish  a  colliery  has  failed. 

Mitford  parish  is  divided  into  eleven  townships,  two  of  which,  Moseden  and 
Edington,  are  in  the  west  division  of  Castle  Wara.  The  entire  parish  contains  128 
dweffing  houses  and  625  inhabitants.  The  annual  value  of  property,  in  1815,  was 
£11,034.  The  poor  have  not  sufficient  means  of  education,  there  being  but  two 
schools  in  the  parish ;  one  at  Throphill,  and  one  lately  established  at  Mitford,*  each  of 
which  is  attended  by  about  30  children. 

Mitford. — ^This  delightful  village  is  seated  at  the  confluence  of  the  Font  and 
Wansbeck,  distant  ik  mile&  west  from  Mwpeth.  The  road  leading  from  Morpeth  to 
Elsdon  passes  through  it,f  and  has  a  gentle  ascent  to  the  west.     It  is  built  in  a  strag- 

*-This  school  was  first  fonoed  bj  Mr.  William  Arthur,  who  is  now  master  of  Cansey  Park  sdKX>l.  This 
ingenious  young  man,  Mr.  Matthew  Thompson^  and  Mr.  Bartiiolomew  Harbottle,  of  MitHord,  have  furnished 
several  curious  particulars  relative  to  this  parish. 


t  This  road,  which  forms  the  line  of  communicatioBL  betwem  the  western  districts  of  the  county  and  Mor- 
peth, the  greatest  catde-raarket  in  the  north  of  Englaad,  crosses  the  Wansbeek  twice  within  a  nute  of  the 
town  1  The  ibrds  being  often  impassable,  much  inoocTenience  and  danger  attend  travelling,  and  numy  fatal 
accidents  have  happened.    An  act  of  parliament  was  obtained,  several  years  ago^  for  carrying  the  road  from 


MITFORD  PARISH.  189 

gling  manner,  but  contains  several  good  houses,  one  of  which  is  a  public  house. 
A  flannel  manufactory  was  formerly  carried  on  here ;  but  the  premises  are  now  used 
for  the  manufacture  of  snuff. 

The  old  mansion-house  is  seated  near  the  river,  at  a  short  distance  north  of  the 
castle.  The  kitchen  is  occupied  by  the  gardener ;  but  the  greater  part  of  the  house 
was  pulled  down,  about  1 2  years  ago,  by  the  present  proprietor,  who  intended  to  erect 
an  elegGUit  mansion-house  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river.  The  work  is  at  present 
suspended ;  but  a  large  ouantity  or  excellent  stone  was  prepared.  It  was  procured 
from  the  bed  of  the  river  Font,  and  is  susceptible  of  as  fine  a  polish  as  marble.*  An 
old  tower,  which  formed  the  entrance  into  the  mansion-house,  is  still  standing.  Above 
the  family  arms  is  the  date  1037»  cut  in  relief.  As  the  tower  is  evidently  of  a  more 
modem  style  of  architecture,  it  has  been  conjectured  that  the  stoQe  bearing  this  in- 
scription was  taken  from  the  ruins  of  the  castle.  But  the  execution  of  the  figures  and 
letters  can  have  no  claim  to  any  high  antiquity ;  and  the  writer  thinks,  that,  oy  a  near 
inspection,  it  will  be  found  that  tne  real  date  is  1687»  the  upper  part  of  the  figure  6 
being  broken  off,  and  the  surface  smoothed  by  cement.  Mr.  Mitford  noW  resides  in 
a  small  neat  house,  called  Mitford  Hill  House. 

The  church  stands  near  the  hall.  It  is  an  ancient  building,  and  has  formerly  been  of 
much  greater  extent.  The  roof  has  been  supported  in  the  middle  by  a  row  of  rnllars 
and  arches,  which,  being  walled  up,  now  form  the  south  side  of  the  church.  There 
is  a  Saxon  door  at  the  south  side  oi  the  chancel,  and  Saxon  mouldings  appear  in  se- 
veral parts.  The  ground  south  and  west  of  the  church  is  raised  by  me  ruins  of  the 
old  fabric ;  but,  on  digging,  the  floor  is  found  entire,  and  covered  with,  burnt  tim« 
her.     There  is,  indeed,  no  doubt  of  the  old 

church  having  been  burnt  down,  as  many  "  here  lyeth  interked  with-  ♦ 

of  the  stones  have  evidently  undergone  in  this  molde^  a  generous  and 
the  action  of  fire.      Perhaps  its  destruc*  virtuous  wight,  wBose 

tion  was  effected  by  the  tyrant  king  John.  bewe  deserte  cannot  be 

The  inhabitants  complain  of  the  church  told,  from  sl£ND£ji.skil  unto 
being  cold  and  uncomfortable ;  but  this  his  right,  he  was  deiScended 
might  be  easily  remedied  by  enlarging  and  i^ROM  A  race  of  worshipful 

modernizing  the  east  windows,  ceiling  the  antiquitie,  loved  he  was 

roof,  and  erecting  a  partition  between  the  in  his  life-space,  of  high 

body  of  the  church  and  the  west  entrance.  eke  of  low  degree,    rest 

In  the  chancel  is  a  large  mural  tncmument  b artram  in  this  house  of  clay  * 
of  freestone,  erected  over  the  tomb  of  one  reuf'ley  unto  the  latter  day."  . 
of  the  Bertrams,  with  his  arms  in  a  concave  r 

square  moulding,  underneath  which  is  the  annexed  curious  inscription,  well  cut  in 
capitals.  Below  is  his  effigy,  rudely  cut  in  relief;  and  on  the  edge  of  the  cover  are 
these  lines : — 

Mitford  to  Morpeth  in  a  direct  line  north  of  the  river,  by  which  means  the  fords  would  be  avoided;  but  th« 
execution  of  this  useful  design  was  abandoned,  owing,  as  it  is  said,  to  the  want  of  unanimity  amongst  the 
neighbouring  gentlemen. 


*  It  iir  in  agitotion  to  finish  ^  interior  of  the  new  Sesoons-house  at  Morpeth  with  this  b«iutifttl  stone,  if 
it  ean  be  preooed  lor  the  pni^Mse^ 


140  MORPETH  WARD.— W.  D. 

*^  Bartram  to  us  so  dutiiiil  a  Son 

if  mote  were  fit  it  should  for 

thee  be  done,  who  deceased 

the  7th  of  Octobar  Anno  Domini  1622.'' 

Near  the  south  side  of  the  chancel  is  the  following  inscription : — **  here  lyeth 

I^TTERRED  JULIA,  DAUGHTER  OE  THE  REV.  MR.  J.  LAIDMAN,  RECTOR  OP  WHALTON, 
AND  CHRISTIAN  HIS  WIFE,  THE  DAUGHTER  OF  ROBT.  MITFORD,  LATE  OF  SEIGHILL, 
ESO.  WHO  DYD  YE  9TH  OF  APRIL,  AND  WAS  BURIED  YE  llTH,  ANNO  DOMINI  1721.** 

This  church,  with  the  impropriation  and  advowson,  were  granted  by  king  Edward 
I,  to  Lanercost  Priory,  in  Cumberland.  The  living  is  a  discharged  vicarage,  valued 
in  the  king's  books  at  £10,  6*.  8rf.  The  bishop  of  fiurham  is  patron.  The  vicarage- 
house  adjoins  the  east  end  of  the  church-yard,  and  is  a  neat,  commodious  building. 

Here  was  anciently  an  hospital  or  free-chapel,  dedicated  to  St.  Leonard,  founded  by 
Sir  William  Bertram  (who  granted  lands  for  founding  Brinkbum  Priory),  and  en- 
dowed with  lands  for  the  maintenance  of  a  chaplain.  By  an  inquisition  taken  in  the 
reign  of  king  Edward  III.  it  appeared  that  the  abbot  of  Newminster  possessed  him- 
self of  these  lands ;  but  king  Richard  II.  oMiged  him  to  restore  them,  and  nominated 
John  de  Wenhings  cKaplain. 

At  the  north  end  of  the  village,  near  the  turnpike-gate,  is  a  good  stone  bridge  of 
one  arch  over  the  Font.  It  was  anciently  crossed  by  one  higher  up,  leading  to  the 
church  and  castle,  called  the  South  bridge,  and  Fau^hrigg,  for  the  watching  of  which 
on  the  eve  and  on  the  day  of  the  Ascension  of  our  Blessed  Lord,  Walter  de  S^dn- 
howe  held  40  acres  of  land  within  the  manor  of  Mitford,  51  king  Edward  III. 
%  Mif/brd  Castle. — ^This  ancient  castle  is  seated  on  a  considerable  eminence,  and  its 
foundations  rest  upon  a  freestone  rock.  It  has  been  defended  on  the  south  and  west 
by  a  deep  ditch ;  and  on  the  north  the  river  Wansbeck  washes  the  foot  of  the  castle- 
hill.  The  works  appear  to  cover  about  an  acre  of  ground.  The  principal  part  of  this 
fortress  consisted  of  a  circular  tower  raised  upon  an  artificial  mount,  the  cnief  eleva- 
tion from  the  natural  level  being  effected  by  arches  of  stone  and  vaults,  which  in  an- 
cient times  were  used  a^  prisons,  or  places  for  concealment :  the  tower  was  defended 
by  an  outward  wall,  which  run  parallel  with  it,  at  the  distance  of  about  10  feet 
,  There  is  a  very  narrow  prospect  from  this  eminence,  the  vale  is  so  shut  in  on  every 
side.  What  other  erections  were  within  the  walls  of  this  fortress  cannot  be  traced, 
the  ruins  are  so  confused,  and  most  of  thejn  covered  with  grass.  However,  there  is 
some  reason  for  bfelieving  that  the  south-west  part  of  the  castle-yard  had  been  occu- 
pied by  a  xihapel.  It  was  certainly  a  place  of  sepulture  in  very  remote  times,  for,  on 
digging  here,  quantities  of  human  bones  have  been  found  deposited  in  rude  coffins 
formed  of  loose  fbg-^tones. 

Many  fine  plantations  have  been  formed  by  Bertram  Mitford,  Esq.  near  the  Wans*- 
beck,  and  which  are  in  a  very  thriving  condition.  The  banks,  plantations,  scars, 
lawns,  vales;  and  waters,  that  surround  this  place,  form  the  most  beautifully  varie- 
gated scenery.  The  view  from  the  park,  though  not  extensive,  is  peculiarly  interest- 
ing. On  the  one  hand  are  the  venerable  ruins  of  the  famous  old  castle ;  a  little  to 
the  north  stands  the  renxains  of  the  family  mansion-house  of  the  Mitfords,  with 
the  gardens  and  rookery;  while  the  church  and  vicarage-house  are  seen  peeping 


MITFORD  PARISH.  141 

through  the  trees.  Beyond  these,  the  viUa^  appears,  straggling  amongst  the  trees, 
banks,  and  precipices,  that  skirt  the  irregular  bed  of  the  Wansbeck ;  a  little  further, 
the  neat  mansion  of  Spittle  Hill  crowns  a  fine  eminence ;  and  the  prospect  is  termi- 
nated by  a  variegated  and  well  cultivated  countrv. 

The  ancient  and  honourable  Northumbrian  nimily  of  Mitford  were  possessed  of 
the  villa  and  lordship,  from  which  they  derive  their  name,  as  early  as  the  time  of  Ed- 
ward the  Confessor.  This  is  proved  by  undeniable  evidence.  At  the  conquest,  Sibil, 
the  only  daughter  and  heir  of  Sir  John  Mitford,  was  given  in  marriage  by  king 
William  I.  to  Sir  Richard  Bertram,  one  of  his  Norman  adventurers.  By  him  she  had 
issue  two  sons,  William  and  Roger.  Her  eldest  son.  Sir  William  Bertram,  succeeded 
to  the  manor  and  castle  of  Mitford  and  its  dependencies,  which  were  erected  into  a 
barony  by  king  Henry  I.  He  married  Alice,  tne  daughter  of  Sir  William  Merley,  of 
Morpeth,  by  whom  he  had  two  sons,  Roger  and  Robert.  He  was  succeeded  in  his 
barony  by  his  eldest  son, 

Roger  Bertram,  who  being  desirous  of  improving  his  estate,  paid  a  fine  of  50  marks 
to  king  Henry  II.  for  the  privilege  of  a  weekly  market  at  Mitford.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  his  son  William,  whose  barony  was  thus  rated  8  king  Richard  I.  viz.  his 
manor  of  Gretham  at  32s. ;  his  manor  of  Felton  at  41«. ;  his  manor  of  Mitford  at  41«. ; 
and  his  manqr  of  Eland  at  10^. ;  all  of  them  branches  of  his  balk-ony.  He  died  about 
the  8  king^  John,  and  left  a  son, 

Roger  Bertram,  in  his  minority.  Peter  de  Brus  obtained  the  wardship  of  his  per- 
son, with  the  custody  of  his  land^  till  he  should  be  of  full  age,  for  300  marks,  and 
then  there  was  taken  a  particular  account  of  his  barony,  and  all  the  members  of  it, 
appenda^s  of  his  four  great  manors  above-mentioned.  This  Roger  being  of  age,  and 
having  hvery  of  his  estate,  17  John,  adhered  to  the  confederate  barons,  uien  in  wcwf, 
whereupon  the  Flemish  troops,  called  Butars,*  commanded  by  that  inhuman  rava^er, 
in  his  northern  depredations,  seized  the  castle  and  destroyed  the  town  of  Mitford  with 
fire  and  sword.  The  next  year,  probably  whilst  the  castle  remained  in  the  king's 
custofly,  it  was  besieged  by  Alexander,  long  of  Scotland ;  but  whether  it  was  taken 
or  not  is  not  mentioned  in  the  old  chronicle  wherein  the  circumstance  is  recorded. 
The  barony  of  Mitford  was  given  by  the  crown  to  Philip  de  Ulcotes ;  but  upon  the 
king's  demise,  Bertram  found  means  to  make  his  peace  with  king  Henry  III. ;  and 
for  a  fine  of  £  100  obtained  a  restitution  of  his  land,  and  afterwards  grew  into  so  much 
esteem  with  him,  that  he  granted>  on  the  payment  of  10  marks,  that  his  annual  fair  at 

*  Rutar,  Rutaijii^  or  Ruptarii^  who  are  mentioned  by  our  historians  befbre  and  afler  king  John's  reign^  in 
the  times  of  his  fiither^  king  Henry  II.  and  his  son,  king  Henry  III.  were  (according  to  the  best  accounts  w^ 
have  of  them)  mercenary  German  troops,  brought  out  of  Brabant  (as  William  Neubrigensis  tells  us)  by  Fulke 
de  Brent,  and  Walter  de  Buc,  great  captains  of  the  Low  Countries,  to  king  John's  assistance.  Brent  vras  a 
fierce  soldier,  and  making  bold  with  the  monastries  and  their  treasures  as  they  lay  in  bis  way,  the  monkish 
historians  call  him  "  Praedo  nequissimus,"  and  a  thousand  other  bad  names,  and  at  length  procured  his  ba« 
nishment  out  of  the  kingdom ;  but  Buc  was  a  person  of  greater  sobriety,  and  having  done  that  king  good 
service,  had  conferred  on  him,  by  his  royal  bounty,  divers  lands  in  Yorkshire  and  Northamptonshire,  where 
his  posterity  flourished  down  to  John  Buck,  who  was  attainted  in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  VII. :  yet  his 
posterity  grew  up  in  honour,  for  his  great  grandson.  Sir  George  Buck*  knt  was  master  of  the  revels  in  th« 
reign  of  king  James  L 

VOL.  IL  2  N  . 


142  MORPETH  WARD— W.  D. 

Mitford  should  last  eight  days  instead  of  four.     He  died  26  king  Henry  III,  and  was 
succeeded  by  his  son,  the  third 

Roger  Bertram,  baron  of  Mitford.  He  was  one  of  the  northern  barons  who  was 
sent  by  king  Henry  III.  in  the  42d  year  of  his  reign,  to  rescue  Alexander  III.  king 
of  Scotland,  then  in  his  minority  (who  had  married  Margaret,  king  Henry's  eldest 
daughter),  out  of  the  hands  of  his  rebellious  subjects.  Aft^  this,  Ro^er  appeared 
among  the  insurgents  at  Northampton,  where  he  was  taken  prisoner,  and  his  hc^our 
and  castle  of  Mitford,  with  all  his  other  lands,  were  seized  for  the  kin^  use.  The 
castle,  and  part  of  the  castle  demesnes,  and  two  parts  of  the  forest  of  Felton,  were 
given  by  the  queen  dowager,  mother  of  kinj^  Edwsud  I.  to  Eleanor  Stanover,  the  wife 
of  Robert  de  Stoteville,  who  died  34  king  Edward  I.  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son 
and  heir. 

In  the  year  1316,*  this  castle  was  in  the  possession  of  one  Gilbert  Middleton,  a  free- 
booter, who  (says  Stowe)  after  many  injuries  done  to  the  priory  of  Tynemouth  and 
other  places,  was  taken  here  by  Ralph  Lord  Greystock  and  others,  and  carried  to 
London,  and  there  executed.  In  the  year  1318,  it  was  taken  by  Alexander,  king  of 
Scotland,  who  dismantled  it,  and  spoiled  most  of  its  fortifications.  The  entire  barony 
of  Mitford  was  then  the  property  of  Adomer  de  Valence,  Earl  of  Pembroke.  By  the 
escheats  of  the  17th  king  Eaward  II.  it  appears  this  castle  was  in  ruins,  having  been 
destroyed  by  the  Scots. 

This  earl  seems  to  have  had  a  divine  interdict  impending  over  him,  and  the  imme- 
diate vindictive  hand  of  providence  to  have  been  upon  him  and  his  posterity  for  his 
atrocious  deed^.  He  was  a  tool  to  his  prince,  and  servilely  submitted  to  the  mandates 
of  the  crown,  contrary  to  the  dictates  of  honour,  humanity,  and  justice.  He  sat  in 
judgment  on  Thomas  Earl  of  Lancaster,  and  urnustly  acquiesced  in  his  sentence. 
He  was  a  chief  instrument  in  apprehending  the  ramous  Scx>tch  patriot,  Wallace  of 
Craiggy,  in  1305,  accomplishing  his  capture  by  corrupting  his  bosom  firiends,  and  by 
the  treachery  of  his  most  intimate  associates,  and  those  in  whom  he  placed  his  utmost 
confidence,  Sir  John  Monteith  and  others  of  infamous  memory.  Adomer  was  thrice 
married ;  on  his  third  bridal  day  he  was  slain  at  a  tournament,  held  in  honour  of  his 
nuptials,  and  left  a  wife,  at  once  a  maiden,  bride,  and  widow.  It  is  said,  that  for  se- 
veral generations  of  this  family,  a  father  never  was  happy  enough  to  see  his  son ;  the 
proscribed  parent  being  snatched  off  by  the  hand  of  death,  before  the  birth  of  his  issue. 

The  unfortunate  lady  of  Adomer  de  Valence  was  in  her  own  right  baroness  of 
Veisser  and  Montenact,  daughter  of  Guy  ChatUlon,  Earl  of  St.  Paul,  in  France,  and 
his  wife  Mary,  the  daughter  of  John,  the  second  Duke  of  Britanny  and  Earl  of 
Richmond,  by  his  wife  Beatrix,  the  daughter  of  king  Henry  HI.  She  was  so  affected 
%vith  the  loss  of  her  husband,  who  niade  her  joint  executrix  with  others,  that  she  re- 
signed herself  entirely  to  a  religious  and  contemplative  life,  and  bestowed  most  of  her 
fortune  on  acts  of  piety  and  charity,  raising  her  faithful  friends  above  want  and  indi- ' 
gence,  and  erecting  noble  structures  in  honour  of  religion  and  learning,  with  liberal 
endowments ;  Denny  Priory,  in  Cambridgeshire,  for  nuns  of  the  order  of  St.  Clare, 

"*  "  There  be  niines  of  a  castle  longynge  to  the  Lord  Borow,  at  Mydford,  on  die  sowth  syde  of  Wansbecke, 
iiii  miles  above  Morpeth.  It  was  beten  downe  by  the  kynge.  For  one  Ser  Gilbert  Midleton  robby'd  a  car« 
dinal  coming  out  of  Scotland,  and  fled  to  his  castle  of  Midford."— Xe/.  liin,  v,  7,  p<  76, 


MITFORD  PARfSH.  143 

being  of  her  foundation,  endowed  with  the  manor  of  Stroud,  in  Kent,  and  other  lands ; 
also  Pembroke  Hall,  in  Cambridge,  mostly  finished  about  the  year  1347,  and  endowed 
with  lands  for  a  warden  and  feUows,  some  of  whom  she  lived  to  see  preferred  to  the 
highest  dignities  in  England  in  the  course  of  40  years  or  upwards.  She  died  51  king 
Edward  III.  and  was  interred  in  her  own  priory  of  Denny,  under  a  marble  monu- 
ment, between  the  two  choire  of  the  nuns  and  seculars.  She  survived  her  husband  61 
years,  part  of  whose  barony  of  Mitford  was  assigned  to  her  for  life.  His  lordship's 
heirs  were  John  de  Hastings,  and  John  Comin,  of  Badenagh,  whose  sister,  Johanna, 
married  David  de  Strabolgy,  Earl  of  Athol.  This  lady  and  her  sister,  Elizabeth  Co- 
min, shared  their  father's  property  in  Mitford.  The  Earl  of  Athol  died  1  king  Ed- 
ward III.  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son, 

David  de  Strabolgy,  Earl  of  Athol,  at  the  age  of  18,  who  died  49  king  Edward  III. 
leaving  two  daughters,  both  in  their  minority.  EUzabeth,  the  eldest,  married  Sir 
Thomas  Percy;  and  Johanna,  the  other,  his  brother.  Sir  Ralph  Percy.  Johaniia 
having  no  heirs  by  Sir  Ralph,  the  entire  barony  of  Mitford,  and  the  Athol  estate, 
came  to  her  sister's  son,  by  Sir  Thomas,  viz. 

Sir  Henry  Percy,  Lord  of  Athol,  who  died  11  king  Henry  VI.  and  left  two 
daughters  and  coheirs,  viz.  Elizabeth,  aged  20  years,  and  Margaret,  aged  17  years. 
The  eldest  sister,  Elisabeth,  first  married  Thomas  Brough,  Esq.  by  whom  she  had  one 
scm,  Thomas.  She  afterwards  married  Sir  William  Lucy,  knt.  She  died  34  king 
Henry  VI.  and  was  succeeded  in  her  mediety  of  the  barony  of  Mitford  by  her  son 
and  heir,  Thomas  Brough,  Esq.  at  the  age  of  24.  The  younger  sister,  Margaret,  first 
married  Sir  Henry  Grey,  knt.  Lord  Grey,  by  whom  she  ha3  one  son,  Henry.  She 
afterwards  married  Sir  Richard  Veer,  knt.  She  died  4  Edward  IV.  and  was  suc- 
ceeded in  her  mecKcty  of  the  barony  of  Mitford  by  her  son  and  heir.  Sir  Henry  Grey, 
knt.  at  the  age  of  28  years. 

The  castle  and  manor  of  Mitford  were  in  the  possession  of  Lord  Brough  in  the 
reign  of  king  Henry  VIII. ;  and  of  William  Lord  Brough,  4  queen  Mary,  who  in 
that  year  granted  to  Cutbbert  Mitford,  and  to  his  son  Robert,  for  ever,  all  his  lands 
at  Mitford,  reserving  only  to  himself  the  scite  of  the  castle,  and  the  royalties  ;*  whieh 
castle  and  royalties  were  in  the  crown  in  the  reign  of  king  James  I.  who  granted  them 
to  James  Murray,  Earl  of  Annan ;  and  being  in  the  crown  again  in  the  reign  of  king 
Charies  II.  they  were  granted  by  his  majesty  to  Robert  Mitford,  Esq.  He  married 
Jane,  the  daughter  of  John  Mitford,  of  SeghiU,  Esq.  by  whom  he  had  three  sons, 
Cuthbert,  John,  and  WiQiam ;  also  four  daughters,  viz.  Barbara,  married  to  George 
Fenwick,  of  Long  Shawes ;  Eleanor,  to  Danid  Collingwood,  of  Brampton ;  Margaret, 
to  Nicholas  Heron,  of  Meldon ;  Isabell,  to  Richard  Kowmotherley,  Esqrs.  His  son, 
William,  was  fellow  of  Clare  Hall,  in  Cambridge,  and  afterwards  rector  of  Kifby- 
over-Carr,  in  Yorkshire.  His  second  son,  John,  nved  at  Mitford.  He  was  succeeded 
by  his  eldest  son  and  heir,  Cuthbert  Mitford,  Esq.  who  married  Mary,  the  daughter 
of  Christopher  Wharton,  of  Offerton,  in  the  county  of  Durham,  Esq.  by  whom  he 
had  one  son,  Robert.  They  both  died  in  one  day,  at  Mitford.  Their  son  and  heir, 
Robert  Mitford,  Esq.  who  died  in  1674,  married  JPhiladelphia,  one  of  the  daughters  of 

*  Id  tbe  ad  Elisabeth,  1560,  the  queen  granted  to  Matthew  Ogle  the  rectory  of  Mitford^  to  hold  as  of  the 
maner  of  Eart  Grreenwich. 


144  MOEPETH  WARD— W.  D. 

Humphrey  Wharton,  of  Gillin^ood,  in  Yorkshire,  Esq.  by  whom  he  had  seven  sons 
and  six  daughters,  viz.  Humphrey,  Cuthbert,  John,  Edward,  Robert,  William,  Mi- 
chael, Barbara,  Mary,  Philadelphia,  Ann,  Eleanor,  Elizabeth.  He  was  succeeded  by 
his  eldest  son  and  heir,  Humphrey  Mitford,  Esq,  who  married  Frances,  the  daughter 
of  Sir  George  Vane,  of  Long  Newton,  in  the  bishoprick  of  Durham,  by  whom  he  had 
Robert  Mitford,  Esq.  who  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  9  king  William  III. 
1697,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son  and  heir,  Robert  Mitford,  Esq.  who  was  high 
sheriff  of  Northumberland  9  George  I.  172S.  He  was  succeeded  by  Bertram  Mit* 
ford,  Esq.  whose  successor,  Bertram  Mitford,  Esq.  died  in  1800.  He  married,  No- 
vember 28,  1775,  the  daughter  of  Francis  Johnson,  M.  D.  of  Newcastle,  and  sister  of 
the  late  Alderman  Johnson,  by  whom  he  had  issue,  1.  Bertram  Mitford,  Esq.  the 
present  proprietor  of  Mitford ;  2.  Robert,  a  captain  in  the  royal  navy ;  8.  George, 
who  resides  abroad;  4.  Mary  Ann,  married  to  the  late  Joseph  Atherton,  Esq.  of 
Walton  Hall,  Yorkshire,  a  colonel  in  the  army;  5.  Lewis  Tabitha,  married  to  Pri- 
deaux  Selby,  Esq.  of  Twizell  House ;  6.  Frances,  married  to  George  Hutton,  Esq.  of 
Carlton  House,  near  Newark  upon  Trent ;  and,  7.  Jane,  married  to  Philip  Meadows 
Taylor,  Esq. 

Spittle  Hill  House,  at  the  east  end  of  Mitford,  is  a  handsome  modem-built 
hall,  which  occupies  the  sdte  of  St.  Leonard's  hospital,  before  mentioned.  It  stands 
upon  the  summit  of  a  fine  steep  ^een  hill,  which  is  washed  on  the  south  by  the 
Wansbeck,  and  on  the  west  by  the  Font.  At  the  bottom  of  the  hill,  adjoining  the 
latter  river,  stands  a  fine  rookery,  and  another  shelters  the  house  from  the  northern 
blasts.  This  place,  from  its  elevated  situation,  commands  an  extensive  and  most  de- 
lightful prospect.     The  late  proprietor,  William  Bullock,  Esq.*  married  Mary  Ann, 

*  William  Bullock,  Esq.  was  a  keen  and  skilful  sportsman,  and  always  kept  a  small  but  choice  and  valua- 
ble pack  of  hounds.  So  excellently  were  they  trained,  that,  like  the  slough-^Logs  of  the  Borderera,  they  could 
trace  out  a  thief  through  all  his  turnings  and  windings.  One  morning,  for  amusement,  Mr.  B.  pursued  a 
young  man,  who,  according  to  the  custom  of  the  country,  had  spent  the  night  in  sweet  dalliance  with  his 
mistress,  and  discovered  him  in  a  wood  at  some  distance.  The  girl,  however,  was  greatly  ofiended,  and  all 
the  &ir  maids  in  the  neighbourhood  espoused  her  cause,  and  refused  to  hire  to  the  waggish  sportsman,  but 
on  the  express  condition  tliat  their  sweethearts  should  be  permitted,  agreeably  to  ancient  usage,  to  visit  them 
unmolested. 

Whenever  a  hen-roost  was  robbed,  geese  killed,  or  any  other  depredation  committed  by  Rejrnard  in  the 
neighbouring  country,  Mr.  R  was  always  applied  to,  and  seldom  failed  to  exterminate  the  nocturnal  robber. 
At  one  time,  a  most  extraordinary  instance  occurred  of  the  quality  of  two  of  his  fox-hounds.  He  threw  off 
his  pack  on  a  covert  near  this  place,  when,  on  beating  the  bushes,  a  fox  was  unkennelled  on  the  flank  of  the 
rear  hounds.  They  doubled  upon  him  with  their  usual  eagerness,  and  after  a  spirited  chace  lost  his  tract; 
but  the  two  leading  hounds  were  missing,  and  they  neither  came  up  at  the  voice  of  the  huntsman  nor  the 
sound  of  the  bugle.  The  fox  took  towards  Rothbury  Fore&t,  where  it  was  seen,  followed  by  the  hounds. 
Here  it  appears  he  was  headed  off,  when  he  directed  his  course  to  a  stronghold  on  Simonside  Hill,  from 
whence,  being  still  pursued,  he  run  northward,  and  crossed  the  Coquet  at  Cragend,  where  he  expected  to 
find  an  asylum.  Being  again  disappointed,  he  made  towards  Thornton  Crag,  where  he  was  equaUy  unsuc* 
cessful :  he  then  stretched  across  the  country  towards  Cheviot  A  shepherd,  on  the  skirts  of  that  mountain 
(in  the  evening),  heard  the  cry  of  hounds  at  a  distance,'  and  shortly  after  saw  a  fox  coming  towards  him  at  a 
slow  pace,  and  two  hounds  a  few  yards  behind  him,  running  abreast,  and  alternately  chaunting  in  a  feebla 


MITFORD  PARISH.  145 

daughter  of  John  Mitford,  Esq.  HaTing  no  issue,  at  his  death  tiie  estate  devolved 
on  his  nephew,  Thomas  Thompaon,  Esq.  who  died  in  the  year  1821»  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  his  brother,  Robal  Thompsop,  Esq.  of  Morpeth.  They  both,  on  obtaining 
the  estate,  took  the  sinuone  of  Bullock.    The  relict  of  William  Bullock,  Esq.  occupies 

thehalL 
• 

Newton  Park  stands  on  the  north  hank  of  the  Font,  about  one  mile  north-west 
£rom  Mitford.  It  is  the  prc^rty  of  William  Mitford,  Esq.  the  elder  brother  of  LfOrd 
Redesdaie.  He  occasionally  resides  here  during  the  summer  mondis.  The  intuation 
18  naturally  fine ;  but  the  house  is  old,  and  exhibits  such  a  patched  appearance  as  forms 
a  stiiking  contrast  with  the  refined  taste  of  the  propiietcNr. 

John  Mitford,  the  third  son  of  Robert  Mitford,  Esq.  of  Milf  ord,  who  died,  aged  66 
years,  in  1674,  became  a  Londcm  merchant.  He  manied  Sarah,  daughter  and  co-heir 
of  Henry  Powdi,  of  London,  naerdiant.  He  died  in  1730,  and  was  buried  at  Bow, 
in  Westminster.  His  eldest  son,  Wiliiam  Mitford,  Esq.  of  Newton,  and  Gilbury 
House,  in  the  county  of  Hants,  died  in  1747,  having  married  Margaret,  daughter  of 
Robert  Edwards,  Esq.  of  Wingfidd,  in  Beiics.  He  was  succeeded  by  Ins  son,  John 
Mitford,  barrister-at-law,  who  died  in  May,  1761.  He  married  Philadelplda^  daugh- 
ter of  William  Revely,  of  Newby,  Esq.  by  whom  he  had  issue  two  sons,  WiUiam  and 
John.* 

key,  Tlie  nMdi  oonfined  his  cur»4nd«tood  8tatiotnr|rtill  tbey  came  fip  «o  die  Ibx,  which  they  tumbled  down 
and  ^1  ii|K>n,  but  were  nnsble  to  wony.  The  speotater  then  fl|inii^  to  the  spot^  took  Reynard  by  the  brush, 
and  pulled  him  forward,  in  order  to  diapatoh  hiaa,  but  he  was  already  at  the  point  of  expiring.  As  soon  as 
Uie  hounds  were  a  little  recovered,  he  gave  them  some  pieces  of  broad,  and  then  conveyii^  them  to  his  oot« 
tage,  entertained  them  with  the  best  viands  his  cupboard  could  afford.  He  had  them  called  at  Wooler  mar- 
ket and  the  neighbouring  churdies,  but  no  person  claiming  them,  they  continued  under  his  hospitable  roof 
until  Mr.  B.  accidentally  heard  of  their  place  of  residence,  when  he  instantly  reoovered  his  two  favourites^  and 
liberally  rewarded  their  kind  host  The  zig-zag  course  they  had  run  in  the  dhace  was  computed  at  upwards 
of  70  miles ;  and  what  is  vemarkable,  the  fox  seemed  perfectly  well  acquainted  with  all  the  strongholds  in 
tlhis  passage.  This  skilful  sportsman's  matchless  breed  of  hounds  was  k^t  untainted  by  his  heir«  the 
late  Thomas  Bullock,  E^q.  Since  his  death,  they  have  been  disposed  of  to  the  Northumberland  Hunt^  ex« 
cept  a  few  aged  favourites,  that  are  allowed  to  range  about  their  old  haunts. 

*  John  Mitford,  the  second  son,  now  Baron  Redesdale,  of  Redesdale,  in  the  county  of  Northumberland, 
F.  R.  S.^  and  F.  S.  A.  was  bom  in  174S.  After  receiving  m.  excellent  education  at  Oxford,  he  determined  to 
follow  the  profession  of  his  fiMiier.  He  soon  isose  to  ennnence  at  the  chanoeiy  bar,  and,  in  addition  to  great 
wealth,  obtained  a  silk  gown,  with  all  the  advantages  arising  from  the  office  of  king's  council.  He  afterwards 
had  the  honourable  appointment  of  a  Welch  judge  conferred  on  him.  And  in  the  mean  time  obtained  a  seat  in 
the  House  of  Commons.  In  1791«  he  was  appointed  aoUdtor-genend,  and  obtained  the  official  appendage  of 
knighthood.  He  distinguished  himself  in  the  ^moiis  state  trials  that  followed  the  French  Revolution,  and 
uniiformly  supported  the  administmtion  of  Mr.  Pitt  In  ISOl^  he  was  elected  fipeaker  of  the  House  of  Com- 
mons, and  in  a  few  months  he  was  invested  with  the  important  office  of  Lord  High  Chancellor  of  IreLmd,  oi^ 
which  occasion  he  was  raised  to  the  peerage,  by  the  title  of  Baron  Redesdale,  of  Redesdale,  in  Northumberland. 
His  lordship  resided  in  Ireland  until  March,  1S06,  vhen  Mr.  George  Ponsonby  was  appointed  his  successor. 
The  mi^nner  of  his  dismissal,  though  certainly  intended  Id. gxutify  the  Irish  ^CathoUos,  was  rather  too  indeli- 
cate to  obtain  their  approbation.  He  retired  wdth  a  .pcnsioa  of  iixM.  spat  annum.  When  'first  called  to  the 
bar,  he  wrote  the  tsact,  entitled,  '' Jiitibrd's  Fetms  wid  Praottce  «f  the  Courts."    Even  at  the  present  tfaDe^ 

VOL.  XL  2  O 


146  MORPETH  WARD— W.  D. 

William  Mitford,  Esq.  of  Exbury,  in  the  county  of  Hants,  and  proprietor  of  New- 
ton Park,  was  bom  February  10,  1748.  He  became  early  inspired  with  an  ardent 
taste  for  ancient  literature,  and,  what  is  perhaps  singular,  united  a  knowledge  of 
whatever  was  valuable  in  the  arts  and  sciences,  with  me  profession  of  arms.  He  is 
known  as  the  author  of  several  valuable  essays ;  but  his  great  work  is  a  classical  his- 
tory of  Greece,  which  has  acquired  the  applause  of  the  ablest  and  soundest  critics. 
He  first  became  a  member  of  the  legislature  in  1796 ;  and  the  colonel  of  the  South 
Hants  has  frequently  opposed  the  military  schemes  of  administration,  defended  the 
constitutional  establishment  of  the  militia,  and  recommended  a  salutary  jealousy  rela- 
tive to  a  standing  army  in  this  country.  He  married,  in  1766,  Francis,  daughter  of 
James  MeUoy,  Esq.  of  DubUn,  by  whom  he  had  issue,  1.  William  Mitforo,  some 
time  lieutenant  of  the  Royal  Fusiliers,  who  died  in  1790,  unmarried;  2.  Henrv  Mit- 
ford,  a  captain  in  the  royal  navy,  married  at  Antigua,  in  1796,  Louisa,  daughter  of 
Anthony  Wyke,  Esq.  attorney-general  of  Montserrat,  by  whom  he  had  issue ;  he  was 
lost  at  sea ;  3.  John  Mitford,  of  the  Inner  Temple,  barrister  at  law ;  4.  Bertram  Mit-> 
ford,  barrister  at  law,  married,  1806,  Frances,  daughter  of  John  Vernon,  Esq.  of 
Dublin ;  5.  Charles  Mitford,  died  in  infancy ;  and,  6.  Frances,  a  daughter,  who  died 
aged  12  years. 

Newton  under  Wood  stands  on  a  fine  plain,  at  an  equal  distance  from  the  two 
rivers,  which  are  here  about  a  mile  asunder,  and  1^  mile  west-north-west  from  Mit- 
ford. There  is  an  old  arch  here,  which  is  carefully  preserved  by  the  owner,  William 
Mitford,  Esqi  It  appears  to  be  the  remains  of  an  ancient  tower.  There  are  some 
thriving  plantations  of  oak  in  the  old  woodlands  of  Newton.  The  west  part  of  this 
township  belongs  to  Robert  Bullock,  Esq. 

Throphill,  from  Thrm^  a  village,  and  hill,  meaning  the  village  on  the  hiU,  is  a 
small  village  occupied  by  farmers  and  their  labourers,  and  |s  distant  8  miles  west  by 
north  from  Mitford.  It  stands  upon  a  considerable  eminence,  as  its  name  indicates, 
and  commands  an  extensive  prospect  to  the  east,  over  a  well  cultivated  country, 
stretching  to  the  sea ;  while  to  the  north  and  west  the  view  includes  Shaftoe  Crags, 
Wallington,  Tosson  Hills,  and  the  majestic  Cheviot.  This  estate,  which  comprizes 
1300  acres,  is  the  property  of  William  Mitford,  Esq. 

NuNRiDiNG*  is  situated  about  8  miles  north-west  from  Mitford.  The  house, 
called  Wood  Hall,  is  a  large  building,  and  was  fonnerly  the  residence  of  a  branch  of 

though  in  no  official  sitnationy  he  is  eminently  useful  in  the  House  of  Lords  in  afipeal  cases.  His  lordship^ 
in  IS03,  married  Frances  Perceval^  daughter  of  John^  second  Earl  of  Egmdnt  (by  Catharine,  in  her  own  right 
Baroness  Arden  of  Lohert  Castle,  sister  of  Spencer  Compton,  eighth  Earl  of  Northampton),  and  by  her  (who 
died  in  IS  17)  has  issue,  John  Thomas,  bom  September  9^  1805;  Frances  Elizabeth,  bom  April  11,  1804; 
and  Catharine,  who  is  dead. 

*  The  Rev.  A.  Hedley,  in  a  communication  to  the  Society  of  Antiquarians  of  Newcastle  upon  Tyne,  says, 
*^  There  are  no  fewer  than  seven  places  of  this  name  in  this  county.  In  searching  for  its  etymon,  the  York- 
shire Ridings  naturally  present  themselves ;  but  Siding  there  is  a  corruption  of  Thndding,  signifying  the 


MITPORD  PARISH.  147 

the  family  of  the  Fenwicks.  It  stands  on  the  south  side  of  the  Font,  and  the  Nun 
Bum  passes  its  front,  over  which  is  a  small  bridge.  It  is  now  occupied  by  the  farmer 
of  the  estate.  The  abrupt  banks  of  the  Font  at  thisplace  are  beautifully  overhung 
with  wood.    It  is  the  property  of  Thomas  Fenwick,  Esq.  of  London.* 

PiGDON  stands  on  the  north  side  of  the  Font,  and  is  distant  2  miles  north-north- 
west from  Mitford.  It  contains  two  farmholds  and  a  few  cottages.  Being  built 
upon  an  eminence,  it  commands  a  fine  view  of  the  vales  of  the  Font  and  Wansbeck. 
Tnis  estate,  which  contains  1098  aa*es,  was  the  property  of  M.  Milbank,  Esq.  but  was 
lately  purchased  by  Aubone  Surtees,  Esq.  of  Newcastle. 

Benridge  is  situated  upwards  of  a  mile  north  by  west  from  Mitford.  This  town- 
ship  contains  seven  farmholds,  with  cottages  for  labourers,  and  is  the  property  of  the 
Earl  of  Carlisle. 

Heighley  stands  above  two  miles  north-east  from  Mitford.  West  Heigkley  b 
the  property  of  William  Ord,  Esq.  of  Whitfield  Hall,  M.  P. ;  and  East  He^kletf  of 
William  Ord,  Esq.  of  Nunnykirk.    There  is  a  public  house  at  Heighley  Gate. 

EsPLEY  is  a  commodious  farmhold,  pleasantly  situated  on  a  rising  ground,  4*  miles 
north  by  east  from  Mitford.     Low  Espley  Hau  is  also  an  agreeable  place,  and  is  at 

S resent  occupied  by  John  Mitford,  Esq*  brother  of  the  late  Bertram  Mitford,  Esq.  of 
f  itford.  Tnis  gentleman  is  father  to  the  author  of  the  eccentric  Johnny  Newcombe 
of  the  Navy,  and  other  ingenious  works.  During  the  late  war,  he  performed  many 
gallant  feats  under  Lord  Nelson.  Robert,  the  eldest  son,  was  bom  at  Mitford  in 
1780,  and  died  in  1818  at  his  house  in  Bath.    Being  destined  for  a  commercial  life, 

third  part^  i.  e.  of  the  county,  and  can  have  no  relation  to  the  Northumberland  Riding*.  Indeed,  I  gave  up 
the  Tvtyrd  in  despair^  till  I  read  ProfesKM'  Magnuson's  Dissertation  upon  the  Runic  inscriptions  upon  the  gold 
ring  found  near  Carlisle,  which  throws  considerable  light  upon  it  The  inscription  he  thus  translates :— '  This 
ring  belongs  to  Earl  Orme  the  trusty,  of  Ridong.'  And  upon  Ridong  the  Professor  observesr-*  I,  therefore, 
tead  Ridong^  Redong,  or  Readang,  the  same  as  Reading,  of  Reding  (yet  in  use),  or  Fidang,  signifying  campus 
sytveslrii.  We  know  that  the  Northmen,  occupying  Normandy,  imposed  new  names,  derived  from  their  own 
language,  upon  the  places  of  that  country.  And  that  the.  same  thing  was  done  by  the  first  Danes  who  sub* 
dued  parts  oiP  England,  is  not  at  all  improbable.' 

Processor  Magnuson  thinks  it  not  unlikely,  as  Northumberland  and  Cumberland  are  conterminous  counties, 
that  the  ring  ih  question  belonged  to  Orme,  Earl  of  Northumberland  and  Deira,  who  flourished  about  the 
years  941  and  942.  The  Danish  chief  probably  lived  at  one  of  our  Northumberland  Ridings ;  a  word,  it 
would  seem,  of  Scandinavian  origin,  still  used  as  a  local  name  in  Denmark  or  Norway  ;  and  which  signifies, 
in  English,  a  woody,  uncultivated  field  or  pasture,  or  whatever  else  may  be  thought  a  better  translation  of 
'  campus  syhestris* " 

*  April  8,  1577,  19  Elizabeth,  Robert  Beadnell  held  three  messuages  and  appurtenances  in  Nunriding,  vis. 
80  acres  of  land,  60  acres  of  marsh,  100  acres  of  wood,  200  acres  of  pasture  and  moor,  with  appurtenances  to 
this  same,  of  the  queen  in  capite.  He  died  the  12th  of  August,  19  Eliisabeth,  leaving  Robert,  his  son  and 
heit,  aged  10  years.  Beadnell's  pedigree  is  in  the  Herald's  Office.  George  Beadnell  and  others,  oi  Leming^ 
ton,  or  Lemadon,  occur  1627)  &c*  ' 


148  MORPETH  WARD.--W.  D, 

he  passed  a  few  ^ears  at  Mogadore  and  Madeira.  He  held  several  lucrative  and 
conndential  situations  under  the  Irish  government,  while  his  noble  rdative^  Lord 
Redesdale,  was  Lord  Hi^  Chancellor  of  that  country.  In  1806,  he  retunied  to 
England,  and  Was  appointed  Inspector  of  Accounts  at  the  Audit  Office  in  Scmierset 
House.  He  marriea,  in  1805,  Letitia,  dau^ter  of  Dr.  Ledwick  the  antiquary,  and 
relict  of  William  Lawrence,  Esq.  of  Rose  £rook,  in  Queen's  County,  Ireland,  by 
whom  he  had  issue.  Mary  Ann  Mitford  married  the  late  William  Bullock,  Esq.  oi 
Spittle.  Mary  married  -~  Ranshaw,  £sq.  of  London.  Mr.  Mitford  has  other 
daughters,  one  of  w))om  is  married  to  Miles  Bowkar,  Esq.  of  the  Cape  of  Good  H<me. 
Espley  was  the  property  of  the  late  William  Adams,  Esq.  but  has  been  purdiased  hf 
Messrs.  Benjamin  and  William  Thompson,  of  Morpeth, 

MoLESDON  is  a  small  village  two  miles  south-west  from  Mitford*  The  Moks 
Burn  passes  the  east  end  of  the  village,  and  enters  the  Wansbeck  about  half  a  tnile 
further  north.  This  manor  was  granted  bv  the  second  David  de  Strabolgy,  Earl  of 
Athol,  and  Baron  of  Mitford,  4S  king  Edward  IIL  to  Sir  John  de  Mitford^  kn%ht, 
descended  from  Matthew  de  Mitford,  younger  brother  of  Sir  John  de  Mitford,  whole 
only  daughter  and  heir,  at  the  conauest,  married  Sir  Richard  Bertram  before-meii>- 
tioned.  He  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  8  king  Henry  IV.  He  died  the 
11th  year  of  that  reign,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  WiUiam  de  Mitford,  who  mar- 
ried Margay,  the  daughter  of  Sir  Robert  Lisle,  knight,  and  was  high  sheriffi^  Norths 
umberland,  6  and  6  kmg  Henry  V.  He  died  1  kmg  Henry  VI.  and  Was  succeeded 
by  his  son  and  heir,  John  de  Mitford,  at  the  age  of  21  years,  born  30  king  Henry  IV. 
lie  was  a  benefactor  to  the  abbey  of  Newmmster.  jECe  gave  certain  tenemaits  in 
Newcastle  upon  Tyne  to  the  chantry  of  St.  Thomas,  in  the  ohuiich  of  St.  Ni<^olas^  in 
that  town.  He  died  35  king  Henry  VI.  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son  and  heir,  John 
de  Mitford,  then  24  years  of  age.  He  was  succeeded  by  Bertram  de  Mitford,  father 
of  (yawen  de  Mitford,  who  married  the  sister  of  Sir  Thomas  Forster,  of  Etherston^ 
knt.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son  and  heir,  Cuthbert  de  Mitford,  to  whom  John  de 
Widdrington  granted,  4  king  Edward  VI.  his  tenement  and  lands  in  Mitford,  called 
our  Lady's  Land,  from  their  being  part  of  the  possessions  of  Newminster  Abbey. 
He  was  one  of  the  commissioners  for  enclosures  upon  the  Middle  Marches,  6th  of  the 
same  reign.  He  was  succeeded- by  his  son  and  heir,  Robert  de  Mitford,  who  acquired 
the  castle  and  manor  of  Mitford  by  a  grant  from  king  Charles  II.  as  before-mentioned, 
Molesdon  belongs  to  Bertram  Mitford,  Esq.  of  MitronL 

Edingtok  lies  about  a  mile  south  from  the  former  place,  and  is  the  property  of 
Sir  C.  M.  L.  Monck,  Bart,  of  Belsay  Castle,  who  has  lately  erected  a  convenient 
farmstead,  with  a  thrashing  machine,  which  acts  by  the  wind, 

HEBRON  CHAPELRY. 

This  chapelry  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  the  parishes  of  Felton  and  Warkworth, 
on  the  east  by  the  chapelries  of  Widdrington  and  Ulgham,  on  the  south  by  Bothal 
and  Mitford,  and  on  the  west  by  Longhorsley  parish.  It  extends  about  4^  miles 
from  north  to  south,  and  nearly  3  miles  from  east  to  west,  and  contains  111  houses 


HEBRON  CHAPELKY.  149 

and  664  inhabitants.  There  is  a  school  at  Hebron,  the  master  of  Wbidh  has  a  house 
and  £4  per  annum,  from  the  Duke  of  Portland,  Tvith  £8  from  the  rector  of  Bothal, 
for  whioD  he  instructs  sev^n  children,  and  receives  quarterage  from  about  SO  others. 
Henry  Ogle,  Esq.  founded  a  school  at  Causey  Park  bridge,  on  the  east  side  of  the 
post-road,  and  endowed  it  with  a  house,  garden,  and  a  small  field,  and  £15  per  annum, 
arising  from  land ;  but  th^  proprietor  of  the  land  charged  with  the  annuity  has  some- 
times withheld  the  same.  To  remedy  this  irregularity^  the  rector  of  Bothal  suggests 
the  propriety  of  mddng  the  minister  and  churchwardens  trustees.  Children  who  do 
not  belong  to  the  township  pay  a  quarterage.  The  above  Heniy  Ogle,  Esq,  also,  by 
will  dated  1761,  left  £l40,  which  is  v^ted  in  the  minister  and  churchward^M,  and 
the  interest  chrected  to  be  distributed  annually  amongst  the  poor. 

HEttnoN,  or,  as  it  is  sometimes  written,  Hehbwm^  is  situated  3  miles  north  of  Moiu 
peth,  and  about  half  a  mile  east  of  the  great  post-road.  It  is  a  small  but  pleasant  vil- 
We,  containing  two  faimhokls  and  a  few  cottages,  and  is  the  property  of  the  Duke 
oiFortland.  The  chapel,  which  belongs  to  Bothal  rectory,  is  a  small,  neat,  modern^ 
built  structure.  *A  lofty  hiU,  called  iSebron  Shaw^  stands  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile 
north-west  from  the  village.  It  commands  an  extensive  and  pleasant  prospect,  and 
was  formerly  used  as  an  alarm  beacx>n.  In  cutting  down  an  ascent  here,  *about  40 
years  ago,  in  ordo*  to  make  the  road  to  a  stack-^garth  more  level,  four  cannon  balls 
were  found  in  the  gravel,  considerably  beiow  the  soil :  three  of  them  weighed  12  lbs. 
each,  and  the  other  24  lbs.  No  reasonable  conjecture  could  be  formed  to  account  for 
their  being  thei^* 

CoCKLB  Park  Tower  stands  about  one  mile  north  of  Hebron.  In  the  time  of 
Edward  I.  it  was  the  mansion-house  of  a  branch  of  the  family  of  Bertrams,  built  ac- 
cording to  the  fashion  of  most  of  the  ancient  capital  dwellings  in  this  county,  as  a 
stronghold  not  only  for  the  family,  but  a  place  of  security  for  the  tenants  with  thdr 
flocks  and  herds,  at  the  times  of  the  incursions  of  the  Scots,  or  ravages  by  the  banditti 
called  the  moss-troopers.  The  south  part  of  the  building  was  burnt  down  about  400 
yean  ago,  beinff  set  on  fire  by  lightning.  That  part  is  now  elegantly  repaii^ed,  and 
inhabited  by  IVfr.  Bean,  a  respectsUble  farmw*  The  C^le  arms  in  front  of  die  builds 
ing,  supported  by  two  antelopes  collared  and  chained,  are  nearly  obliterated.  It  has 
aaachioolations  cm  the  outside,  and  contains  two  very  curious  fire-places.  It  has  an^ 
dently  been  much  larger  towards  the  south,  as  appears  by  large  remains  of  strong 
foundations,  and  fri^ments  of  arches  between  the  old  and  new  parts.  In  Speed's 
map  it  is  called  CocUky  Thioer,-  and  is  surrounded  by  a  park*  It  has  rather  a  naked 
appeanmce,  being  placed  on  a  rising  ground,  and  having  no  plantations  near  it,  but 
hM  long  been  usmil  as  a  sea-mark.  This  place  is  also  the  property  of  the  Duke  of 
Portland,  to  whom  it  devolved,  with  the  other  dependencies  of  the  Bothal  estate. 

Tritlington  is  a  small  village,  situated  about  If  miles  north-east  of  Hebron,  and 
^ne  mile  east  from  the  great  post-road.  The  Line  runs  through  the  place.  It  oon* 
sists  of  two  farmholds,  the  property  of  the  Duke  of  Portland,  and  a  few  cottages. 
Here  is  an  old  hall,  whidi  has  been  nearly  encompassed  with  excellent  gardens;  but 
although  the  house  is  still  partly  inhabited^  b6th  it  and  the  gardens  are  sinking  rapidly 

VOL.  II.  2  P 


150  MORPETH  WARD.— W.  D. 

into  decay.  It  formerly  belonged  to  a  family  of  the  name  of  Thirkle.  Near  to  thia 
old  bailing  a  neat  little  mansion-house  was  lately  erected  by  Mr.  John  Sadler,  who 
from  a  humble  beginning  has,  by  his  agricultural  Knowledge  and  exemplary  industry, 
risen  to  opulence,  and  acquired  a  valuiuble  estate  here. 

Fenruther,  another  estate  belonging  to  the  Duke  of  Portland,  lies  between  the 
Coldstream  and  Berwick  roads,  2  miles  north-west  from  Hebron.  It  offers  little 
worthy  of  remark. 

Earsdon  is  situated  east  of  the  post-road,  and  about  S  miles  north  from  Hebron. 
It  consists  of  two  farmholds,  and  a  few  indifferent  cottages  for  labourers.  There  is 
a  neat  house  here,  occupied  by  Mr.  Jackson,  steward  to  the  Duke  of  Portland,  who 
belongs  to  the  place.    The  township  of  Earsdon  Forest  lies  north  of  this  yiUage. 

CAtJSEY  Park  is  seated  about  half  a  mile  west  from  the  post-road,  and  near  7  miles 
north  by  west  from  Morpeth.  It  was  one  of  the  manors  of  the  barony  of  Botbal,  of 
which  it  was  held  by  a  younger  branch  of  the  family  of  Ogle,  of  Ogle  Castle ;  by  — ^ 
de  Ogle,  in  the  beginning  of  the  reign  of  queen  Elizabeth ;  by  John  de  Ogle,  the  31st 
of  the  same  rei^,  the  initial  letters  of  whose  name  are  on  the  old  tower,  with  the 
date  of  its  erection,  1589 ;  and  whose  wife,  Catharine,  lies  buried  under  a  flat  stone  in 
Bothal  church,  near  a  fine  tomb  of  the  Lords  Ogle,  with  the  following  inscription : — 

**  HERE  LYETH  CATHARINE  THE  WIFE  OF  JOHN  COLE,  OF  CAWSEY-PARK,  ESQUIRE, 
DAUGHTER  OF  ROBERT  WOODRINGTON,  ESQUIRE,  BY  MARGARET  HIS  WIFE,  WHICH 
MARGARET  WAS   SISTER   TO   ROBERT   THE   6tH   AND   TO   CUTHBERT  THE  7TH  LORD 

OGLE.  SHE  DIED  MAY  23,  1609«"  His  SOU,  Jamcs  Ogle,  Esq.  is  interred  in  the 
chancel  of  St.  Andrew's  church,  in  Newcastle  upon  Tyne,  near  the  altar,  under  a 
marble  monument  with  a  Latin  inscription.  He  was  a  decided  royalist,  and  jpaid  £3£4 
to  redeem  his  estate.  He  was  sudoeeoled  by  William  Ogle,  Esq.  who  left  his  estate  to 
his  son,  Henry  Ogle,  Esq.  Henry  died  without  issue  in  the  year  1761 ;  when  Causey 
Park  devolved  on  his  brother,  William  Ogle,  Esq.  who  died  without  legitimate  issue. 
His  widow,  who  married  Bernard  Shaw,  Esq.  possessed  the  estate ;  but  after  her  de» 
cease.  Colonel  William  Ogle,  an  illegitimate  son  of  her  first  husband,  obtained  pos- 
session of  his  property.  He  dying  Portly  after,  without  issue,  the  estate  became  the 
property  of  W  illiam  Ogle  Wallis,  Esq.  grandson  to  a  sister  of  the  above-mentioned 
Henry  Ogle,  by  a  gentleman  named  Wsdlis.  On  acquiring  the  estate,  he  took  the 
additiomuTname  of  Ogle.  He  was  for  some  time  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  Northum- 
berland militia.  He  died  in  1804,  without  issue,  when  the  estate  came  into  the  pos- 
session of  the  present  proprietor,  William  Ogle  Wallis  Ogle,  Esq.  who  has  issue.* 

The  seat  stands  pleasantly  on  a  risii^  ground,  surrounded  with  a  highly  cultivated 
country.  The  gardens  are  on  a  fine  stope,  bounded  with  handsome  fish-ponds,  and 
ornamented  with  lofty  trees,  all  of  which  combine  to  render  it  an  agreeable  retire- 
ment ;  but  the  present  proprietor  does  not  reside  here.  In  the  hall  a  neayy  dd  spear 
is  hung  up,    The  old  servants  of  the  family  are  unacquainted  with  its  history ;  but 

*  Humphrey,  of  this  line  of  the  fiiinily  of  Uie  Ogles,  was  Dean  of  Hereford,  and  one  of  the  society  of  Bm* 
zen^nose  College,  Oxford,  where  he  foiuided  two  BcJiolarships  in  fitvoor  of  the  beirs  of  his  brother  Roger. 


LONGHORSLEY  PARISH.  151 

from  the  maimer  of  its  exhibition,  and  the  cafe  with  which  it  is  preserved,  it  has  pro- 
hahiy  been  wielded  in  some  suocesrfiil  encoantar,  by  one  of  the  Ogle  family.  The 
chapel,  whidi  formerly  belonged  to  this  place,  and  was  dedicated-  to  St  Cuthbert,  is 
now  totally  in  ruins. 

LONGHORSLEY  PARISH. 

This  parish  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  the  parish  of  Rothbury  and  the  chapelry  of 
FramUngton,  on  the  east  by  t>art  of  Felton  parish  and  Hebron  chapelry,  on  the  south 
by  Mitford  parish,  and  on  tne  west  by  the  chapelry  of  Netherwitton.  It  extends, 
from  north-west  to  south-^east,  nearly  7  miles ;  but  the  average  breadth  does  not  much 
exceed  3  miles.  In  1801,  it  contained  804  houses  and  1006  inhabitants.  The  soil  is 
chiefly  day,  in  its  various  gradations ;  and  though  the  surface  is  generally  flat,  yet  it 
lies  high,  and,  few  parts  being  sheltered  by  trees,  the  ahr  is  usually  sharp  and  piercing. 
Both  coal  and  lime  are  found  in  the  parish. 

There  are  three  day-schools  in  this  parish,  in  which  about  90  children  are  educated. 
One  master  receives  £  4  per  annrim  for  instructing  six  poor  children.  Th^re  is  also  a 
Sunday-school  at  Longhorsky,  and  another  at  Wingates,  attended  by  117  children. 
Mrs.  O^le,  in  1761,  made  a  gift  of  £100 ;  the  interest  to  be  applied  for  teaching  seven 
poor  children,  and  for  the  use  of  the  poor.  It  was  vested  in  Job  Bulman,  who,  in 
1782,  refused  to  p^  the  interest.  The  curate  has  not  stated  who  pays  the  £4,  re- 
ceived at  present  by  a  master. 

LONGHORSLEY  is  a  loug  straggling  village,  about  7  miles  north-west  by  north  from 
Morpeth.  It  stretches  from  east  to  west,  and  is  crossed  at  the  east  end  by  the  Cold*- 
stream  road.  It<<x>ntains  two  public  houses,  and  above  400  inhabitants.  On  the 
THxth  side  of  the  village  is  a  strong  andent  tower,  which  belonged  to  the  Horsleys^ 
but  which  is  now  converted  into  a  Roman  Catholic  chapel,  and  a  dwelling  for  the 
priest.  It  is  a  plain  square  building,  evidently  erected  for  security  against  the  Border 
depredators.  Adjoining  this  lower  is  a  deer  park,  which,  with  part  of  the  village,  be« 
longs  to  Ralph  Riddell,  Esq.  of  Felton.  The  other  part,  except  five  small  fre3iolds, 
is  the  property  of  C.  W.  Bigge,  Esq. 

The  parochial  church,  which  is  dedicated  to  St.  Helen,  stands  half  a  mUe  north- 
east from  the  village.  It  is  a  neat  modem  structure,  and  is  entered  by  a  handsome 
porch.  The  inside  walls  are  hung  over  with  "  texts  of  hcdy  writ ;"  but  contain  no 
mscriptions  worthy  of  remark.  The  living  is  a  vicarage,*  in  the  gift  of  the  crown,  and 
is  valued  in  the  king's  books  at  £7»  ISs.  id.  The  impropriations  and  advowsons  of 
this  church  were  given  by  the  third  Ralph  Lord  Greystpck  to  the  abbey  of  Brink- 
burn,  8  king  Ridkard  II.  In  the  centre  of  the  village  stands  the  vicarage-house ; 
behind  whicti  is  a  commodious  school-room,  wherein  prayers  are  occasionally  read, 
and  baptism  performed. 

The  manor  of  Longhorsley  was  given  by  Cospatrick,  Earl  of  Dunbar,  on  the  mar- 
riage of  his  daughter  .Fulian  to  Sir  Ralph  Merley,  Baron  of  Morpeth ;  whose  succes- 

*  The  Rev.  Mr.  Mitfmsd  died  here  in  1790,  aged  86  years.    He  ymm  vicar  of  this  parish  during  43  years. 


193  MORPETH  WAaD.— W.  O. 

SOT,  the  thijfd  Roger  de  Medey,  in  the  r^ign  of  king  Hcouy  III.  granted  kindfi  iii 
LonghoraLey  and  othto  places  to  Adam  de  Plesns;  '*and  at  the  same  time/'  says 
Wams^  '*  his  lordship  ooitapelled  all  the  Unants  within  the  manor  to  keep  the  wayd 
and  ditches  round  their  grounds  in  good  order,  on  pain  of  being  whipped  the  day 
after  his  court  was  held."* 

The  family  of  the  Horsleys  held  Imdi  here  from  distant  ages.  Robert  de  Horsley, 
a  witness  to  the  above  ancient  grant,  held  also  lands  in  Longborsley,  which  continued 
in  his  family  through  a  long  feaccassicm ;  and  were  pofisessed  by  John  de  Hordey,  1 
long  Edward  III. ;  by  Ri(£aid  de  Horsley,  high  Bheriff  of  Novthttmberland,  $7,  43, 
44^  4rd,  of  the  same  reign ;  by  John  de  Horsl^^  in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  VI. ;  by 
Sir  John  Horsley,  1  king  Edward  VI.  IMf^  who  in  that  year  was  made  a  knight  ha* 
r6net»  after  the  victory*  obtained  over  the  Scots  at  Musselburg  by  the  English  army; 
by  Cuthbert  Hooraley,  Esq.  a  rmrcsentative  in  parliament  ftxr  Northumberhurid^  1  queen 
Mary,  and  for  the  borough. of  Morpeth,:  9d  and  8d  of  the  same  mgn ;  by  \mt  late 
Edward  Horsley  Widdrington,  of  Felton,  Esq.  whose  only  daughter  and  heir  married 
Thomas  Riddell,  of  Swinburne  Castle,  Esq.  His  son  Ralph  Riddell,  Esq.  of  Felton, 
is  the  present  proprietor.  ^ 

The  district  of  Ixmghoridey  is  divided  into  four  quarters,  vi2.  Bike's  Quarter, 
Riddell's  Quarter,  Freeholders*  Quarter,  and  Longshaws'  Quarter,  each  of  which  is 
rated  as  a  separate  township. 

Near  the  viUage  of  Longhorsl^  is  a  moor  or  common,  several  hundred  acres  in 
extent.  It  being  the  proline  source  of  contagious  disorders  incident  to  cattle,  and  of 
little  real  use  in  its  present  state,  it  is  surj^ising  that  the  proprietors,  during  the  pe- 
riod of  agricultural  prosperity,  did  not  attempt  to  procure  an  act  for  its  division  and 
enclosure. 

Ijmdon  is  situated  about  a  mile  north-east  from  Longhorsley,  where  Charles  Wil« 
liam  Bigge,  Esq.  has  erected  a  spacious  and  handsome  mansion-house,  with  convenient 
oui-offices.  The  adjoining  pleasure-grounds  sxe  iudidously  laid  out ;  and  when  the 
pltotations  have  grown  to  matiu*ity,  this  place  will  assume  a  more  rich  and  agreeable 
aspect.  The  larches  seem  to  thrive  particularly  well.  Mr.  Bigge  purchased  a  consi- 
derable estate  here,  which  waa  formerly  possessed  by  the  Ekurl  <h  Carlisle;  and  gave 
the  appellation  of  Linden  to  his  new  mansion-house  trook  the  rivulet  of  tiiat  name, 
whida  nas  its  source  near  the  place.  The  soil  here  being  a  poor  clay,  aU  the  beauties 
that  are  springing  up  around  are  the  creation  of  its  spirited  and  intaligent  proprietor. 
hofngfimmm  consists  of  a  farmhold  and  a  few  cottages,  and  is  the  pr^>erty  of  Thomas 
Fenwick)  Esq.  . 

*  As  his  authority  for  this  strange  penalty,  Mr.  WaUis  quotes  the  Autographo  Perantiquo  >^^'  £t  iste  est 
itogenis,  qui  subdftos  suos  in  Horsley  ad  vias  et  fossatas  cifca  Campos  de  Hofsley  bene  conservandas  et  dili^ 
gentti  sudtentaiidas,  tractare  statuit.  Et  quod  quicunqne  convictus  fuerit  de  aliquo  fl'agmefito  in  fossatis  vel 
viis  preedictis  in  Campo  suo  tenetur  ibidem  in  crastino  inventionis  sanctae  crucis,  et  crastino  sancti  Martini  in 
hierae,  eCreddet  domino  «w  pro  quoKbet  deUcfo  suo  duas  Ptrgas  Jerveas  quotiea  inde  convictus  fUerit"  On 
lliia  Mr.  Hutchinson  observes,  that  the  ir^djerteas  mdst  be  mistranscribed;  tmd  adds,  '*the  l^rga  farrca 
was  a  Toyal  standard  measure  kept  in  the  exchequer  /  and  it  is  niost  probable  the  penalty  inflicted  cm  the 
ceoMrte  of  Hmb^  #aa  a  foHbilme,  nieetsd  by  tht  Virgafirrta"  '   4. 


LONGHORSLEY  PARISH.  158 

ToDBUBN  lies  1^  mile  west  by  north  from  Longhorsley.  It  consists  of  one  farm- 
hold, and  belong  to  C.  W.  Bigge,  Esq.  of  Lindon.  It  probably  acquired  this  name 
from  being  the  haunt  of  foxes,  tod  being  a  Saxon  name  for  that  animal. 

WiNGATES  stands  about  2f  miles  west  from  Longhorsley,  g^nd  contains  threp  farm- 
holds, one  public  house,  and  15  other  houses,  inhabited  by  mechanics  and  labourers. 
Some  years  ago,  this  place  was  much  famed,  in  consequence  of  a  mineral  spring  hav- 
ing  been  discovered  here,  and  which,  it  is  said,  performed  many  remarkable  cures  in 
scrophulas,  external  inflammations,  stomach  complaints,  debility,  haemorrhages,  &c. 
From  a  chemical  analysis  of  this  water,'  it  was  found  to  be  the  strongest  chalybeate 
yet  known,  as  an  English  pint  of  it  contains  six  grains  of  iron,  fourteen  grains  of 
alum,  and  nine  of  an  ochre  earth.  At  this  spa  is  a  commodious  bath,  but  at  present 
it  is  seldom  used. 

Stanton. — ^This  village  is  agreeably  situated  on  the  southern  declivity  of  a  hill, 
2f  miles  south  by  west  from  Longhorsley,  and  5J  miles  north-west  from  Morpeth. 
It  contains  two  farmholds,  and  a  few  cottages  for  labourers.  From  the  many  founda- 
tions of  buildings  still  discernible,  this  place  seems  to  have  been  of  considerable  extent. 
Even  within  the  last  few  years,  many  cottages  have  been  pulled  down,  lest  their  in- 
mates should  become  chargeable  to  the  township.  One  of  the  farm-houses  is  a  good 
stcme  building,  ornamented  by  a  row  of  trees,  with  convenient  gardens  annexed,  and 
appears  to  have  been^  erected  for  the  residence  of  a  private  gentleman's  family.  At 
the  bottom  of  the  hill  stands  the  old  mansion-house.  It  is  a  plain  building  in  the 
form  of  an  oblong  square,  and  has  evidently  been  erected  at  a  time  when  the  conve- 
niences and  comforts  of  modern  times  were  understood.  It  is  now  converted  into 
what  is  called  a  House  of  Industry ;  and  the  gardens,  which  were  long  occupied  by 
an  industrious  mechanic,  are  attached  to  that  estabUshment.  At  a  little  aistance 
north  was  a  domestic  chapel.  Some  old  people  remember  when  part  of  the  outer 
arches  were  standing,  but  now  there  is  not  a  single  vestige  remaining. 

From  the  high  end  of  the  village  some  good  landscape  views  may  be  obtained,  par- 
ticularly to  the  south  and  west.  To  the  south,  the  woods  of  Nunriding  are  seen 
hanging  over  the  banks  of  the  Font,  beyond  which  is  a  view  of  a  populous  and  fertile 
country,  to  a  great  extent.  Towards  the  west,  the  beautiful  and  productive  vale  of 
Netherwitton,  with  its  extensive  woods  and  plantations,  attracts  the  attention.  On 
its  extremity  the  land  rises  in  a  gradual  slope  to  Rothley  Castle  and  Codgey  Crag : 
on  the  left  is  a  view  of  Longwitton,  and  the  hall  peeping  through  the  trees  that  sur- 
round it;  while  the  bleak  mountain  of  Simonside  terminates  the  prospect  on  the 
right. 

The  villa  of  Stanton  formed  part  of  the  portion  of  Julian,  daughter  of  Cospatrick^ 
who  was  given  in  marriage  to  Ralph  Lord  de  Merley,  by  king  Henry  I.  His  son. 
Sir  Roger  de  Merley,  seems  to  have  had  possession  of  this  estate,  as  he  gave  the  an^ 
nual  rent  of  20#.  out  of  his  mill  at  Stanton,  to  the  abbey  of  Newminster,  which  his 
father  had  founded.  In  after  times,  Stanton  became  the  seat  and  viUa  of  a  younger 
branch  of  the  Fenwicks  of  Fenwick  Tower.  It  was  possessed  by  Sir  Ralph  de  Fen- 
wick,  who  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  7  king  Henry  VIH,     He  accompa^ 

VOL,  II,  2  Q 


154  MORPETH  WARD— W.  D. 

nied  Sir  John  de  Fenwick,  of  WaiUngton,  and  several  other  Northumbrian  geitlemen^ 
who,  with  about  900  men,  made  a  plundering  excursion  into  the  rich  and  fertile 
country  of  the  Merse.  On  the  I6th  of  July,  1524,  tins  daring  party  was  unexpectedly 
attacked  by  2000  Scots ;  but  after  a  long  and  obstinate  engagement,  victory  declared 
in  favour  of  the  Northumbrians,  who  carried  200  prisoners  off  the  field*  Sir  Ralph 
de  Fenwick  displayed  great  valour  and  address;  but  his  eagerness  in  the  pursuit 
leading  him  too  far,  he  and  seven  others  were  taken  prisoners.  Amcmg  the  ^ain  (tf 
the  English  was  the  Bastard  Heron,  so  famed  in  the  Border  histwy.*  Stanton  was 
possessal  by  Ralph  de  Fenwick,  Esq.  6  king  Edward  VI.  a  commissioner  that  year 
for  the  enclosures  upon  the  Middle  Marches;  and  by  Richard  de  Fenwick,  Esq.  10 
queen  Elizabeth.  His  estate,  by  the  escheats  of  that  reign,  comprized  the  manor  and 
villa  of  Stanton,  Absheels,  Limekiln-fields,  and  a  mediely  of  the  villa  of  LcHigwitton, 
and  lands  in  Fairnlaw,  Truhedy-sheels,  Eshenden,  and  Cowpen.  He  was  succeeded 
by  his  son,  William  de  Fenwick,  Esq.  whose  son,  Roger  Fenwick,  Esq.  married  the 
daughter  and  heir  of  George  Fenwick,  Esq.  of  Brinkbum^  by  whom  ne  had  issue. 
His  eldest  son,  John  Fenwick,  Esq.  married  Margaret,  one  of  the  daughters  and  co- 
heirs of  William  Fenwick,  Esq.  of  By  well,  by  whidi  means  the  three  bouses  of  Stan- 
ton, Brinkbum,  and  Bywell  became  united.  It  is  now  the  property  of  George  Baker^ 
Esq.  of  Elemore,  in  the  county  of  Durham,  whose  unde  purchased  the  estate. 

RuffHiU^  or  RufflMw^  is  a  lofty  eminence,  which  separates  the  township  of  Stan^ 
ton  from  Longhorsley  Moor,  and  is  remarkable  for  commanding  one  of  the  most  ex- 
tensive and  variegated  prospects  in  the  north  of  England.  Eastward  there  is  an 
uninterrupted  view  of  the  sea^coast  from  South  Shields  ^  the  northern  extremity  of 
Northumberland,  interspersed  with  noble  buildings,  ancient  and  modem,  numerous 

S>rts,  towns,  villages,  and  hamlets,  while  fleets  of  coasters  are  continually  skirting  the 
stant  horizon ;  the  numerous  streams  which  are  seen  glittering  in  the  sun-beams  in 
thdr  meandering  course  towards  the  sea,  through  as  fine  a  cultivated  country  as  any 
in  the  universe,  tend  also  to  heighten  the  beauty  of  the  scene.  To  the  north,  nature 
assumes  a  more  bold  and  imposing-  form :  there  the  lofty  heights  of  Rimside  and  Si- 
monside  are  seen  rising  like  two  immense  pyramids,  between  which  are  perceived  the 
Cheviot  Hills,  whose  grey  tops  seem  enveloped  in  the  clouds ;  while,  turning  the  eye 
westward,  the  distant  horizon  is  faintly  tinged  by  the  Cumberland  mountains: 
Gateshead  Fell  terminates  this  fine  prospect  on  the  south.  At  this  place  there  is  one 
farmhold,  and  a  few  cottages  for  colliers,  sheltered  on  the  north  and  west  by  a  planta* 
tion  of  fir  trees. 

WiTTONSHiELS  is  Situated  on  the  north  side  of  the  vale  between  Stanton  and  Ne- 
therwitton.  It  consists  of  one  single  farmhold,  with  a  strong  old  tower,  now  used  as 
a  Roman  Catholic  chapel,  and  wherein  divine  service  is  perfcM'med  once  a  month  by 
the  priest,  who  resides  at  Thropton.  Above  the  door,  N.  T.  1608,  are  cut  in  a  stone; 
the  letters  are  supposed  to  be  the  initials  of  Sir  Nicholas  Th<H-nton,  and  the  figures 
the  date  of  its  erection.    It  is  conjectured  to  have  been  originally  a  seat  belonging  to 

*  This  is  the  account  of  the  English  historians;  but  Lesley  affiraw  that  the  Engliah  were  defeated^  leavng 
a  number  of  slain,  and  200  prisoners  in  the  hands  of  the  vktoxs. 


/ 


NETHERWITTON  CHAPELRY.  155 

a  branch  of  the  ancient  family  of  Thornton.    It  is  the  property  of  Raleigh  Trevelyan, 
Esq.  of  Netherwitton. 

NETHERWITTON  CHAPELRY. 

This  chapelry  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Rothbury  parish,  on  the  east  by  Long- 
horsley,  and  on  the  south  and  west  by  Hartbum  parish.  It  consists  chiefly  of  a  fine 
rich  vale.  Its  length  is  about  4  miles ;  but  the  breadth,  towards  the  south,  is  incon- 
siderable.  It  is  divided  into  seven  townships,  and  contains  46  houses  and  460  inha- 
bitants. There  is  a  school  at  Netherwitton,  at  which  60  children  are  educated,  some 
of  whom  are  paid  for  by  the  gentlemen  of  the  chapelry.  The  vicar  of  Hartbum 
states,  that  "  tne  poor  of  Netherwitton  are  so  very  anxious  to  have  their  children  in- 
struirted,  that  there  are  few  instances  of  their  not  being  able  to  read  and  write." 
Lionel  Winship,  in  1778,  left  by  will  £10  to  the  poor  of  this  chapelry;  but  the 
money,  it  is  said,  has  all  been  appropriated. 

Netheewitton,  formerly  called  Wittfm-hy^ke-  Waters^  is  pleasantly  situated  about 
8  miles  west-north-west  from  Morpeth,  and  is  surrounded  by  a  rich  fertile  country, 
through  which  runs  the  river  Font,  whose  abrupt  banks  are  clothed  with  fine  woods. 
Here  are  many  convenient  cottages,  several  of  which  have  small  gardens  attached ; 
and  a  commodious  public  house.  A  large  building  was  erected  here  about  30  years 
ago,  and  excellent  machinery  set  up,  for  the  purpose  of  manufacturing  cotton ;  but 
the  speculation  was  ultimately  abandoned.  It  is  now  converted  into  a  woollen  ma- 
nufactory by  Messrs.  Dixon,  Walker,  and  Co.  of  Morpeth.  The  chapel,  which  is  a 
neat  small  structure,  is  dedicated  to  St  Giles,  and  belongs  to  the  vicarage  of  Hartbum. 

Some  years  ago,  the  inhabitants  of  the  viUage  were  almost  exclusively  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  persuasion,  when  all  the  ancient  customs  of  the  country  were  religiously  ob- 
served. Old  people  remember  when  the  villagers  used  to  assemble  in  the  evening, 
and  dance  around  a  cross  to  the  music  of  the  Northumberland  bagpipes,  while  their 
aged  friends  sat  around,  enjoying  the  sportive  scene.  On  Sunday  evenings  they  were 
joined  by  several  of  their  neigUbours,  who  came  to  partake  in  the  joyous  pastime. 
The  cross,  on  certain  festival  days,  was  decked  out  with  a  profusion  of  flowers,  rib- 
bons, &c.    Some  vestiges  of  these  customs  still  remain. 

Netherwitton  was  the  manor  of  the  ancient  family  of  the  Thorntons.  It  belonged 
to  Rc^er  Thornton,  so  justly  celebrated  for  his  numerous  and  liberal  benefactions  to 
the  town  of  Newcastle,  and  who  died  8  king  Henry  VI.  (1429),  after  building  his 
castle  or  tower  of  Witton.  His  son.  Sir  Roger  Thornton,  married  Elizabeth,  the 
daughter  of  John  Lord  Grey  stock.  Baron  of  Morpeth,  and  was  high-sheriff  of  North- 
umberland, 29  and  36  king  Henry  VI. ;  his  daughter  Elizabeth  married  Greorge  Lord 
Lumley,  of  Lumley  Castle.  The  town  and  manor  of  Ludworth,  Bradbury  with  the 
Isle,  Bolam,  AxweU,  SwalweU,  and  lands  scattered  broad  and  wide  over  Durham  and 
Northumberland,  formed  a  part  of  this  rich  heiress's  inheritance.*    In  a  quarrel  which 

*  *'  The  lands  of  Thorton  be  descended  to  Lorde  Lumley,  so  that  almost  all  the  faire  lands  that  Lomely 
cam  by  this  Thorton.  Witton  in  Northumberland,  and  the  Isle  in  the  Bishoprick,  and  also  Ludworth,  were 
Thorton's.     Thorton,  first  a  merchante  and  then  a  landid  man.**— -I<e?.  liin,  6foL  62. 


\ 


156  MORPETH  WARD.— W.  D. 

arose  concerning  this  succession,  Lord  Lumley  slew  Giles  Thornton,  his  wife's  bastard 
brother,  in  a  duel  in  Windsor  Castle  ditch.*  He  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland 
six  times  during  the  reign  of  king  Edward  IV ;  in  the  4th  year  of  that  reign  he  was 
appointed  conservator  of  the  Peace  and  Trewe  between  England  and  Scouand,  and 
had  the  honour  of  knighthood.  Netherwitton  was  possessed  by  Roger  Thornton, 
6  king  Edward  VI. ;  by  Sir  Nicholas  Thornton,  whose  estate  was  sequestered  by  the 
parliament,  4  king  Charles  II.  (1652) ;  by  the  late  James  Thomtcwn,  Esq.  who  left 
two  daughters  and  coheirs.  Walter  Trevelyan,  Esq,  married  the  eldest.  The  other 
married  into  the  Witham  family ;  and  Henry  Silvertop,  Esq.  third  son  of  George 
Silvertop,  Esq.  of  Minsteracres,  by  marriage  with  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Thomas 
Witham,  Esq.  obtained  an  interest  in  the  Netherwitton  estates.  Walter  Trevelyan, 
Esq.  married,  second.  Miss  Hicks,  of  Penzance,  in  Cornwall,  by  whom  he  had  one 
son  and  two  daughters.  He  was  an  active  justice  of  the  peace,  and  died  in  July,  I8I99 
and  was  succeeded  by  his  eldest  son,  Walter,  on  whose  decease  the  estate  came  into 
the  possession  of  his  brother,  Raleigh  Trevelyan,  Esq.  the  present  proprietor. 

Tne  old  castle  built  bv  Roger  Thornton  is  in  ruins ;  but  the  present  seat  is  a  gen- 
teel modem  structure  of  white  freestone.  On  the  west  are  fine  gardens,  kept  in  ex- 
cellent order;  and  a  plantation  to  the  east.  Before  the  south  front  is  a  beautiful 
grass  lawn ;  and  all  the  adjoining  lands  are  highly  cultivated,  as  the  father  of  the 
present  possessor  was  much  attacned  to  agricultural  pursuits.  On  the  extremity  of 
the  lawn  is  a  curious,  lofty,  and  impenetrable  hedge :  it  was  formed  by  erecting  a 
mound  of  earth,  seven  feet  wide  at  the  bottom,  four  feet  wide  at  the  top,  and  five  leet 
in  height.  The  quicks  were  planted  in  the  middle  of  the  top,  and  on  each  side,  and 
at  two  feet  distance ;  willow  stakes  were  inserted,  an  inch  in  diameter,  and  one  and  a 
half  or  two  feet  long,  sloping  downwards,  which  have  taken  root,  and  formed  a  live 
fence  for  the  preservation  of  the  quicks  in  the  middle.  Such  a  mode  of  fencing,  in 
some  situations,  especially  in  cold,  soft,  marshy  soils,  may  be  useAil ;  but  it  is  liable 
to  so  many  objections  as  to  prevent  its  general  adoption. 

NuNNYKiRK  is  about  one  mile  north  by  west  from  Netherwitton,  from  which  there 
is  a  beautiful  ride  along  the  woody  banks  of  the  Font.  This  estate  came  into  the 
possession  of  the  late  William  Ord,  Esq.  by  mfuriage  with  Miss  Ward,  in  whose  fa- 
mily it  had  been  for  a  length  of  time.  He  died  at  Morpeth,  February  11, 1814,  and 
was  succeeded  by  his  son,  William  Ord,  Esq.  The  hall  is  a  modem  building,  seated 
in  a  little,  beautiful,  romantic  vale,  embowered  in  wood,  and  enlivened  by  the  mean«- 

,  * 

*  "  Thomas  Lumley,  after  Lorde  Lumley,  slew^  in  the  diche  of  Windsor  Castelle,  Giles  Thoniton,  bastard 
to  riche  Thornton.  Thornton,  mayre  of  Newcastel,  borne  yn  Witton.  He  purchased  800  marke  land,  and 
died  wonderful  riche,  sum  say  by  pieces  of  silver  oure  taken  on  the  se." — Ibid, 

It  was  the  grand-daughter  of  the  rich  merchant,  Roger  Thornton,  who,  as  stated  above,  carried  her  im- 
mense wealth  into  the  family  of  Lumley.  ''  There  seems  also,"  says  the  industrious  and  accurate  Surtees, 
''  some  doubt,  from  entries  iu  the  College  of  Arms,  of  the  asserted  bastardy  of  Giles  Thornton.  The  pedigree 
registered  in  l6l5  gives  to  the  youngest  Roger  a  second  wife,  daughter  of -»  Law,  and  states  the  issue  of 
this  match,  Sir  Roger,  GiUs,  and  John  Thornton ;  the  latter  was  lineal  ancestor  of  Thomt<m,  of  Nether  Wit« 
ton,  who,  as  Bourne  says,  were  '  very  regular  possessors  and  proprietors  of  that  manor.' "— -iSee  Bourne^  p.  95» 
nole.    History  ofDurhamt  voL  iu  p.  157. 


HARTBURN  PARISH,  157 

derings  of  the  river.  Mr.  Ord  is  now  building  two  additional  wings,  which  project 
from  the  extremities  of  the  hall,  but  are  to  be  joined  by  a  neat  portico.  These 
tasteful  additions  and  alterations,  which  are  in  a  chaste  style  of  architecture,  are  pro- 
under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Dobson,  of  Newcastle. 


RiTON  Colt  Pakk,  which  lies  at  a  little  distance  north-west  of  Nunnykirk,  is  in 
the  possession  of  Calveriy  Walter  Trevelyan,  Esq.  son  of  the  late  Walter  Trevelyan, 
Esq.  l^  his  second  wife.  Riton  White  House  adjoins  this  township.  Coal,  or 
Coat  Yards,  forms  the  northern  extremity  of  the  chapelry.  Part  of  this  township, 
with  Healy  and  Comb  Hiil,  which  lie  further  south,  constitute  part  of  the  Netherwit- 
ton  estate.  Ousley,  which  stands  above  a  mile  west  from  Nunnykirk,  is  the  pro. 
perty  of  William  Ord,  Esq.  of  the  latter  place. 

HARTBURN  PARISH. 

This  parish*  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Rothbury ;  on  the  east  by  Netherwitton 
chapelry,  and  the  parishes  of  Mitford,  Meldon,  and  Bolam ;  on  the  south  by  the  latter 
parish ;  and  on  part  of  the  south  and  the  west  by  Kirkwhelpington.  The  length  from 
north  to  south  is  estimated  at  7^  miles ;  but  the  breadth,  whidi  is  irregular,  does  not 
exceed  4  miles.  It  is  divided  into  24  townships,  of  which  14  are  in  the  west  division 
of  Morpeth  Ward,  and  the  other  10  in  the  north-east  division  of  Tindale  Ward.  The 
entire  parish,  in  1821,  contained  263  houses,  and  1474  inhabitants.  The  soil  of  this 
parish  is  various.  The  north-western  district  consists  of  bleak  moorlands,  while  othar 
parts  present  scenes  the  most  picturesque  and  luxuriant.  It  is  well  provided' with 
good  roads,  has  an  abundance  of  excellent  lime,  and  coal  is  wrought  both  at  Hare- 
wood  and  Shaftoe.  At  Hartington  there  is  a  seam  of  lead  ore,  which  some  imagine 
might  be  wrought  to  advantage.  The  number  of  farms,  which  average  about  200 
acres,  amounts  to  62,  of  which  38  belong  to  Sir  John  Trevelyan,  Bart,  8  to  Ralph 
Atkinson,  Esq.  6  to  Greenwich  Hospital,  and  the  rest  to  various  proprietors.  There 
are  three  schools :  one  at  Hartburn,  containing  50  children,  one  at  North  Middleton, 
and  another  at  Cambo.  Sir  Walter  Blackett,  in  1777^  amongst  his  other  charitable 
bequests,  left  £100  to  the  poor  of  this  parish. 

Habtburn  is  a  delightful  little  village,  situated  S^  miles  west  by  north  from  Mor- 
peth, upon  the  road  which  leads  from  that  place  to  the  western  turnpikes.  It  lately 
received  the  addition  of  a  few  neat  stone  coMages,  erected  by  Ralph  Atkinson,  Esq. 
of  Newcastle.  The  church  is  a  spacious  old  building,  with  a  square  tower.  The  roof 
is  flat,  and  supported  by  two  rows  of  pillars.  The  uving  is  a  vicarage,  in  the  gift  of 
the  bishop  of  ^Durham,  and  is  valued  in  the  king's  books  at  £20,  0^.  lOd.f    Near  the 

*  W.  C.  Trevelyan,  Esq.  of  Wallington,  has  obligingly  contributed  to  give  accuracy  and  interest  to  the 
description  of  this  parish.  The  Editor  has  also  to  acknowledge  the  information  so  kindly  communicated  by 
Mr.  Orr,  surgeon,  at  Cambo. 

t  ^awritfaig  dated  on  the  ftasCsof  St  Philip  and  St  James,  1252,  tiie  abbot  and  convent  of  the  monastry 
of  St  Alban  nominate  two  persons  (**  Btduphum  prionm  de  TifiemtmiA  et  WMmo  de  HorUm,  celerarium  nor* 
trum,"  I  e.  bnrser  or  steward)  as  proctors,  to  treat  with  the  Lord  Walter  (Kirkham),  then  Uahop  of  Diubani^ 

VOL.  II. — (28)  2  R 


I 


158  MORPETH  WARD.~W.  D. 

west  end  of  the  church  is  the  vicarage-house,  with  the  garden  and  shrubbery  adjoin- 
ing, which,  when  in  good  repair,  give  it  an  agreeable  appearance.  Here  is  a  curious 
Gk>thic  tower,  in  which  is  a  school-room,  and  stables,  for  the  use  of  the  parishioners. 
The  west  side  is  finely  mantled  with  ivy,  which  gives  it  a  most  antique  and  venerable 
appearance.    It  was  buUt  partly  by  the  parish,  and  partly  by  the  late  Dr.  Sharp. 

The  Rev.  Dr.  Sharp,  late  archdeacon  of  Northumberland,  when  vicar  of  Hartbum, 
formed  several  of  the  most  pleasant  and  romantic  walks  imaginable  on  the  woody 
banks  of  the  adjoining  rivulet,  called  the  Hart. .  Entering  a  small  wicket  near  the 
tower  mentioned  above,  the  visitant  approaches  the  wood,  and  passes  along  the  brink 
of  a  steep  precipice,  at  the  foot  of  whicn  the  wandering  stream  pursues  its  course  in 
silence.  Descending,  by  stone  steps,  to  the  margin  of  the  water,  he  finds  himself  in 
a  solitude  incomparably  soothing  and  a^eeable.  Here  is  a  lofty  tree  of  the  larch 
kind,  which  towers  up  to  a  wonderful  height,  in  the  most  regular  and  beautiful  man- 
ner, without  the  least  bow,  or  irregular  branch  to  injure  its  fine  symmetry.  A  little 
further  are  four  remarkably  high  firs,  planted  at  the  four  comers  of  a  square,  and  at 
such  a  distance  that  their  brandies  approach,  and  form  a  lofty  canopy ;  beneath  which 
Dr.  Sharp  had  a  small  pavilion,  wnerein  be  occasionally  drank  tea.    Between  this 

Elace  and  the  water  is  a  semicircular  stone  waU,  intended  to  represent  a  half-moon 
attery.  At  a  little  distance  is  a  cave  in  the  rock,  which  rises  above  the  water :  it  is 
called  the  grotto.  The  bank  here  is  covered  with  rough  and  coarse  grasses  and  plants. 
The  grotto  seems  mostly  the  work  of  nature,  assisted  a  little  by  art.  It  is  approached 
by  steps ;  the  entrance  is  about  the  breadth  of  a  room-door,  but  higher.  A  wall  runs 
across  the  inside,  and  divides  it  into  two  apartments.  It  was  used  as  a  retreat  for 
bathers ;  and  there  is  a  covefed  way  leading  from  the  outer  door  to  the  water  edge, 
along  which  they  might  pass  unperceived  by  the  impertinent  eye  of  vulgar  curiosity. 
But  any  verbal  description  must  fail  to  convey  an  adequate  idea  of  the  various  beau- 
ties of  this  romantic  solitude. 

Thohnton  stands  upon  the  summit  of  a  verdant  eminence,  ftbout  a  mile  north-east 
from  Hartburn.  The  celebrated  Roger  Thornton,  the  munificent  patron  of  Newcas- 
tle, is  supposed  to  have  derived  his  name  from  this  place»  Though  it  now  contains 
but  one  farmstead  and  two  cottages,  it  was  formerly  a  place  of  consequence.  Mr. 
Gale  conjectures  it  to  have  been  a  turris,  or  castellum,  to  Glanoventa ;  and  Warbur- 

conceming  the  ordinance  and  governing  of  the  church  of  Hartburn^  especially  in  taxing  of  the  vicarage  of  the 
same  church,  if^  through  the  bishop's  grace;  it  should  be  appropriated  to  the  said  monastry.  By  another  writ- 
ing, without  date,  the  said  proctors  submit  themselves  to  the  bishop's  ordinance  concerning  the  same  church. 
The  following  is  a  translation  of  the  writing  of  appropriation : — "  Walter,  by  the  grace  of  God  bishop  of 
Durham,  T»  all  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  greeting.  Know  ye  that  we,  in  the  presence  of  God,  for 
the  augmentation  of  the  hospitality  of  the  monastry  of  St.  Alban,  have  given,  granted,  and  by  this  our 
charter  have  confirmed  to  the  abbot  and  convent  of  the  said  monastry,  the  church  of  Heftebum,  with  the  ap« 
purtenances,  for  their  own  proper  use,  to  have  and  to  hold  for  ever.  Wherefore,  as  soon  as  it  shall  become 
vacant,  by  the  resignation  or  by  the  death  of  Master  Hugh  dc  Florenton,  rector  of  the  said  church,  they  may 
freely  and  of  their  own  authority  enter  upon  possession  of  the  said  church,  and  keep  it ;  saving  the  perpetual 
vicarage,  consisting  of  a  third  part  of  the  said  church,  together  with  all  the  land  of  the  same  church,  which  is 
to  be  conferred  by  us  and  our  successors  for  ever.  Saving  also  to  us  and  our  successors  the  pontifical  autho* 
rity  and  dignity  of  the  church  of  Durham.    In  witness  whereof,"  &c. 


HARTBURN  PARISH,  159 

ton  says  (in  1717-18)  the  vestigia  of  a  remarkable  town  yet  remained  here.*  It  was 
also  intersected  by  a  high  military  way,  to  which  a  square  platform  was  joined.  These 
two  were  evidently  Roman.  An  aged  and  respectable  correspondent,  when  young, 
was  once  expressing  his^  surprise  at  the  many  foundations  of  buildings  whicn  were 
visible  here,  when  he  was  accosted  by  a  very  old  man,  who  said,  "  Sir,  I  was  one  of  se- 
venteen farmers  who  formerly  lived  here ;  and  of  these,  sixteen  had  horses,  which  were 
entered  the  lists.  Then,"  continued  he,  "  the  moor  north  of  this  place  used  to  be  co- 
vered  with  coimtry  people,  who  assembled  there  to  see  the  gallopers  exercised  every 
Sunday  afternoon."  If  gambling  was,  indeed,  carried  to  such  a  neight  among  these 
little  farmers  as  this  ageoTperson  represented,  we  need  not  wonder  at  the  dispersion  of 
their  posterity. 

Hartbubn  Grange  is  a  hamlet,  containing  two  farmholds  and  four  or  five  cot- 
tages, that  stands  on  the  road  leading  to  Cambo,  and  which  now  belongs  to  Greenwich 
Hospital.        .^ 

LoNGWiTTON  stands  nearly  two  miles  north  of  Hartbum,  and  above  one  mile 
south-west  from  Netherwitton.  It  is  an  irregular  built  village,  containing  three 
farmholds,  one  public  house,  and  a  few  cottages  for  mechanics  and  labourers.  Long- 
witton  Hall  belonged  to  the  Swinbumes,  but  was  sold  by  William  Swinburne,  Esq. 
to  Sir  Walter  Blaekett,  bv  whose  will  it  came  to  the  present  owner,  Sir  John  Tre- 
velyan.  It  stands  on  an  elevated  situation,  fronting  the  south,  but  is  sheltered  by  a 
thick  grove  on  the  north,  east,  and  west.  It  commands  a  view  of  the  woody  banks  of 
the  Hart,  with  a  glimpse  of  the  vicarage  and  church  of  Hartbum,  and  a  wide  range 
of  countiy  as  far  as  the  southern  banks  of  the  Tyne,  The  house  is  ancient,  except 
a  small  wmg,  added  by  the  last  Mr.  Swinburne.  It  is  now  occupied  by  James  Fen- 
wick,  Esq.  before  mentioned  in  our  account  of  the  honourable  and  ancient  family  of 
the  Manners.     Thomas  Harle,  Esq.  also  has  an  agreeable  residence  at  this  place. 

Below  a  neat  garden,  which  belongs  to  Longwitton  Hall,  is  a  winding  path  through 
a  wood  of  fine  oaks,  leading  to  three  medidnaf  springs,  called  Thurston  Wells.  They 
issue  out  of  a  high  ridge  of  rocks  of  coarse  whinstone,  that  adjoins  the  Wansbeck. 
The  western  spring  is  the  largest ;  at  the  bottom  is  a  quantity  of  yellow  ochre,  under 
which  is  a  vitnolii^  sediment  of  a  .blueish  grey.  Its  water  is  said  to  have  been  used, 
with  the  best  eflfect,  in  cases  of  scurvy,  agues,  and  sore  eyes. 

RoTHLEYf  is  a  small  well  built  village,  seated  on  the  south  side  of  a  freestone  rock, 
about  2^  miles  north-west  from  Hartbum.    At  some  distance  south  from  the  village, 

*  Places  whose  names  terminate  with  the  Saxon  ton  have  formerly  been  towns,  or  places  of  some  conse- 
quence ;  while  the  adjunct  ham  indicates  a  mere  hamlet  or  dwelling. 

f  55  Henry  III.  1S71>  the  king  by  his  charter  confirmed  and  rehearsed  the  gifts  to  the  monastry  of  New- 
minster,  by  William  de  Flotwayton,  of  part  of  Rothley,  and  of  the  mill  there,  which  he  had  purchased  of 
Adam  de  Blakedon ;  and  the  gift  to  the  same  monastry  by  Hugh,  son  of  Hugh  de  Bolebeck,  of  the  manor  of 
Rothley,  which  he  had  purchased  of  Alanus  de  Ormston.-~-S6  Henry  VHI.  Rothley,  together  with  other 
possessions  of  the  dissolved  monastry  of  Newminster,  was  granted  by  the  crown  to  William  Lord  Eure.— 
1618,  William  Lord  Eure  obtained  a  license  from  the  crown  to  sell  to  Sir  John  Fenwick,  of  Wallington,  the 


160  MORPETH  WAKD— W.  D. 

tradition  states,  there  was  formerly  a  circular  plot  of  ground,  sunk  several  feet  below 
the  surface,  and  environed  with  tall  and  strong  whins  and  broom.  It  was  approached 
b^  a  narrow  avenue.  In  this  secluded  retreat  the  inhabitants  secured  then:  cattle  at 
night,  during  the  summer-^nonths,  from  the  moss-troopers  who  infested  the  country. 
At  last  a  roving  banditti  attempted  to  rob  this  rich  depot ;  but  the  alarm  beacon 
above  Rothley  Deing  fired,  the  country  people  crowded  irom  every  quarter,  and  the 
lawless  Borderers  were  driven  back  with  great  loss.  The  slain  were  buried  near  Hie 
scene  of  action,  which  is  still  known  by  the  name  of  ScoW  Gap.  A  frnmnent  of  a 
stone,  with  an  inscription  perpetuating  tne  memory  of  the  event,  was  stanmng  in  the 
last  century ;  but  was  broken  on  forming  the  turnpike  that  leads  from  Morpetli  to 
Cambo,  and  which  passes  close  to  the  spot.* 

Rothley  Castle  is  seated  on  a  high  and  rugged  crag,  near  one  mile  north  from  the 
village,  on  the  west  side  of  Rothley  Park.  It  was  erected  by  the  late  Sir  Walter 
Calverley  Blackett,  of  Wallington,  merely  for  omam^it ;  and  from  its  commanding 
situation,  it  certainly  has  a  fine  effect  when  viewed  from  a  distance,  having  the  ap« 
pearance  of  the  seat  of  some  ancient  baron.  This  is  even  allowed  by  Mr,  Hutchinson, 
who,  in  a  peevish  humour,  ridicules  the  taste  it  displays.  Having  with  difficulty 
mounted  the  rugged  steep  on  which  it  is  seated,  he  found  this  object  of  **  curiosity  no 
other  than  an  ornamental  structure,  composed  of  a  square  tower,  flanked  with  a  cur* 
vated  wall,  embattled,  and  pierced  with  loop-holes,  and  each  wing  terminated  with  a 
bastion :  the  situation  romantic,  on  the  brink  of  a  broken  precipice.  The  sides  of  this 
hill^  to  the  west  and  south,  present  a  shaken  and  tronendous  rocky  steep,  rent  into 
vast  impending  columns  and  massive  tables ;  tiie  stones,  of  enormous  bulk,  in  many 
places  hang  on  each  other  in  such  loose  positions,  as  if  ready  to  fall  into  the  vale ; 
forming  caverns  and  recesses,  and  rude  heaps  of  rocks  of  a  most  wild  and  grotesque 
appearance."  The  entrance  into  this  tower  is  from  the  east ;  the  southern  front  opens 
on  a  small  circular  plain ;  and  on  the  west  side  is  a  flight  of  stairs  leading  to  the  top, 
from  whence  there  is  an  extensive  view  of  the  surrounding  country.  Eastward  tne 
Ltor  overlooks  the  rich  vale  which  extends  towards  the  sea,  and  which  forms  the 
[istant  horizon ;  to  the  southward  there  is  a  prospect  of  Cambo  and  the  hills  beyond 
Wallington.  The  western  view  is  more  confined,  but  wholly  cultivated,  and  the 
north  frowns  in  rocks,  mountains,  and  barren  heath,  amongst  which  objects  Codgey 
Craig  forms  a  striking  object.  Near  the  castle  are  the  traces  of  an  anaait  earthen 
encampment. 

Rothley  Park  comprizes  a  large  tract  of  ground  of  various  qualities.  It  is  bounded 
by  a  strong  stone  wall,  one  mile  in  length.  The  late  Sir  W.  C.  Blackett  kept  it  well 
stocked  with  deer,  Scotch  cattle,  and  sheep,  for  his  own  use.  It  has  been  msparked, 
enclosed,  and  improved  by  Sir  John  Trevelyan,  the  present  owner.    At  the  foot  of 

manor  of  Rothley,  and  l6  messuages,  10  cottages,  1  mill,  I  dove-oote,  l6  gardens,  6  orchards,  300  acres  of 
land,  100  acres  of  meadow,  300  acres  of  pasture,  30  acres  of  wood,  1000  acres  of  heath  and  fiirze,  100  acres  of 
moor,  200  acres  of  turbury  and  common  of  pasture  for  all  cattle,  in  Rothley. 

*  The  late  Mr.  John  Spearman  was  a  native  of  this  place.  He  was  a  man  of  extraordinaiy  endowments; 
and  being  skilful  in  the  sciences  of  botany  and  chemistry,  he  applied  their  principles  with  success  to  the  art 
of  agriculture.  His  knowledge  in  surgery  was  also  evinced  in  many  instances ;  and  his  afiability  and  general 
knowledge  rendered  his  conversation  highly  amusing  and  instructive. 


HAilTBURN  PARISH. 


161 


tke  hill  on  which  the  castle  stands,  near  the  north-west  comer  of  the  park,  were  two 
fine  sheets  of  water,  communicating  with  each  other,  called  JRothley  Ponds.  Formerly 
they  were  tastefully  ornamented  by  a  shrubbery.  A  boat  and  fishing  tackling  were 
also  kept  here,  and  a  tent  was  pitched  in  summer  near  the  lakes,  where  visitants  often 
were  entertained  by  the  late  proprietor.  Whitridge,  a  small  hamlet,  is  situated  at 
the  east  side  of  the  park. 

High  Angerton  stands  a  short  distance  south-east  from  Hartbum.  It  contains 
a  farmstead,  and  four  or  five  cottages  for  labourers.  Low  Angerton  lies  a  little, 
further  south,  and  on  the  banks  of  the  Wansbeck.  Here  the  proprietor,  Ralph  At- 
kinson, Esq.  of  Newcastle,  has  e]:ected  a  neat  mansion-house,  and  greatly  improved 
the  adjoining  lands  by  excellent  drains  and  enclosures.  Highlaws  stands  about  one 
mile  to  the  south-west  of  the  latter  place. 

North  Middleton  lies  1^  mile  west  by  south  from  Hartbum,  and  north  of  the 
Wansbeck.  This  small  village  contains  a  public  house,  and  a  dissenting  meeting- 
house of  the  denomination  now  called  the  United  Secession.  W.  Coull,  Esq. 
Mr.  Robert  Hepple,  and  Mr.  Thomas  Shanks,  have  each  a  farm  in  this  township. 
ToDRiDGE,  a  small  adjoining  freehold  belonging  to  Mr.  Shanks,  ranks  as  a  township. 
South  Middleton,  containing  three  farmhold  and  a  few  cottages,  is  situated  above 
2^  miles  south-west  from  Hartbum,  and  is  the  property  of  Ralph  Atkinson,  Esq. 

The  adjoining  township,  called  Corridge,  and  which  contains  two  farms,  became 
the  property  of  Thomas  Carr,  Esq.  of  Newcastle,  by  his  marriage  with  Miss  Robson. 
The  other  townships  in  this  parish  are  locally  situated  in  Tindafe  Ward. 

Cambo  is  distant  above  4  miles  west  from  Hartbum,  12  miles  west  from  Morpeth, 
and  21  miles  north-west  from  Newcastle.  From*  its  name  it  appears  anciently  to  have 
been  a  military  station ;  Camhoe  signifying  the  camp  or  fort  on  the  hill.  It  gave 
name  to  an  ancient  family,  and  was  the  viUa  and  seat  of  Sir  Robert  de  Camhoe,  who 
held  the  office  of  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  during  three  successive  years  in  the 
reign  of  king  Henry  III.     Latterly  it  became  annexed  to  the  Wallington  estate. 

Cambo  is  delightfully  seated  on  an  eminence  at  the  junction  of  three  roads,  and  is 
justly  esteemed  one  of  the  most  agreeable  villages  in  the  county.  On  the  south  the 
road  ^adually  declines  in  a  direct  line  to  Wallington,  above  a  mile  distant;  the 
hedge-rows  forming  a  vista,  terminated  by  the  dome  of  the  offices,  which  has  a  fine 
effect.  The  prospect  altogether  is  extensive  and  noble,  being  of  that  happy  composi- 
tion, which  cultivation,  mixing  with  natural  woods  and  fanciful  plantations,  give  the 
landscape ;  object  decreasing  after  object,  and  stretching  from  the  eye  till  mingled  in 
the  azure  of  the  atmosphere,  in  which  all  the  horizon  lies  softened  and  blended. 

This  village  consists  of  a  row  of  houses  which  runs  east  and  west :  at  the  east  end 
there  is  a  good  house,  occupied  by  Mr.  Snowball,  steward  for  the  Wallington  estate. 
The  neighbourhood  is  supplied  with  almost  every  necessary  commodity  at  this  place, 
which  also  can  boast  of  a  subscription  library  and  a  good  inn.  At  the  school  here 
many  have  been  instruct;ed  who  now  hold  respectable  situations  in  different  parts  of 

VOL.  II*  2  S 


162  MORPETH  WARD.-*W.  D. 

the  world.*  There  was  formerly  a  chapel  at  Cambo,  ])art  of  the  waUs  of  which  was 
standing  within  the  last  60  years.  In  the  year  179&f  as  some  workmen  were  di^gin^ 
stones  in  order  to  improve  the  field  wherein  the  structure  had  stood,  they  discovered 
the  base-stones  of  the  pillars,  and  a  few  yards  to  the  southward,  a  little  below  the 
surface  of  the  earth,  found  several  grave-stones,  in  the  form  of  coffins,  tying  flat,  on 
one  of  which  was  sculptured  a  woman,  and  a  dog  at  her  feet ;  and  on  each  of  the 

*  Laonedot  Brown,  the  celebrated  landscape  gardener,  received  his  early  edttcation  at  Cambo  sdiool.  He 
was  bom  at  Kirkbarle  in  1716,  and  left  his  nadve  county  in  1739*  He  was  employed  by  Lord  Cobham  in 
improving  the  grounds  at  Stowe,  and  afterwards  at  Richmond,  Blenheim,  Luton,  Wimbledon,  Hce.  He  sac* 
cessftilly  exploded  the  old,  stiff^  unnatural,  Dutch  style  of  gardening,  and  introduced  an  improved  fashion 
that  prevailed  Ibr  nearly  half  a  century.  Hie  works  discover  a  highly  cultivated  taste,  and  hsrve  commanded 
the  admiration  both  of  Englishmen  and  foreigners.  In  1759,  he  was  appointed  head  gardener  to  king 
George  11.  at  Hampton  Court.  He  associated  familiarly  with  many  of  his  noble  and  opulent  employers,  and 
lenlized  a  handsome  fortunek  In  1770,  he  served  the  office  of  high  sheriir  for  the  counties  of  Huntingdon 
and  Cambridge.  He  died  suddenly  in  Hertford  Street,  Iftay-fidr,  February  6,  1783.  From  a  word  he  often 
use4  in  lajriog  out  grounds,  he  waa  generally  caMed  CapabUii^  Bromn.    Mason,  in  his  English  GaadeB^  says^ 

<'  Him  too,  the  living  leader  of  thy  pow'rs,  * 

Great  Nature !  him  the  Mnae  shall  haU  in  notes 

Which  antedate  ^be  praise  true  G^cnius  ckrana 

From  just  posterity.     Bards  yet  unborn 

Shall  pay  to  Brown  that  tribute,  fitliest  paid 

In  strains  the  beauty  of  hi^  scenes  inspire." 

EngUth  Garden,  i  530. 

The  epitaph  of  L.  Brown,  Esq.  expresses  a  siasilar  sense  of  his  talents.  Lord  Orfbrd,  **  On  Modem  Gtf« 
dening,"  says,  ^*  It  was  fortunate  for  the  country  and  Mr.  Rent,  that  he  was  succeeded  by  a  very  able  master  ; 
and  did  living  artists  come  within  my  plan,  I  should  be  glad  to  do  justice  to  Mr.  Brmon :  but  he  mtcy  be  a 
gainer,  by  being  reserved  f»r  an  abler  pen." 

Cambo  was  the  fiivourite  residence  of  the  ingenious  and  eccentric  Tkamtu  WkUtie,  whose  comic  productimu 
of^  beguile  the  long  winter  evenings  of  our  rustic  Northumbrians.  His  parents  and  the  place  of  his  birth 
are  unknown.  His  brother,  it  is  said,  was  parish  clerk  at  Earsdon,  1750«  Shilbottle,  Ovingham,  and  Long 
Edlingham,  have  severally  laid  claim  to  the  honour  of  having  given  him  birth.  However  this  may  be,  cer^ 
tain  it  is,  that  Thomas,  either  in  consequence  of  ill  usage^  or  from  a  restlessness  of  disposition^  left  hia  native 
home  when  a  boy,  about  the  beginning  of  the  last  century,  and  made  his  appearance  in  Cambo  mounted  on 
an  old  goat,  which  he  had  selected  from  the  flock  he  had  in  charge,  m  order  that  it  might  be  his  assistant  and 
companion  in  his  intended  adventures.  On  his  arrival,  he  was  engaged  by  a  miller,  with  whom  he  continued 
some  years.  About  the  dose  of  his  servitude,  he  became  a  disdple  of  Bacchus,  and  continued'attached  to  the 
service  of  the  drouthy  god  while  he  lived.  Possessing  a  fertile  imagination,  brilliant  wit,  and  a  happy  com- 
mand of  hmguage,  the  temptations  to  assume  the  character  of  a  boon  companion  were  irresistible.  Occasion* 
aUy  he  worked  with  exemplary  industry,  and  became  remarkably  expert  in  many  of  the  branches  of  art  which 
he  practised,  but  particularly  in  painting.  The  versatility  of  his  talents  enabled  him  to  personate  different 
characters,  during  his  various  peregrinations  through  the  county  and  the  south  of  Scotland.  Some  relics  of 
his  workmanship  in  painting,  executed  in  a  very  superior  style,  may  be  seen  at  Belsay  Castle,  Hartbum, 
Ponteland,  and  other  churdies  in  Northumberland.  Numerous  anecdotes  are  related  of  this  ingenious  man ; 
but  their  authenticity  cannot  now  be  ascertained.  His  **Rape  of  the  Garter !*  written  on  the  marriage  of 
Benjamin  Riehey  (otherwise  Redshaw),  was  celebmted  on  liie  Slst  of  May,  1721;  but  his  song  on  the  ^' A1r« 


HARTBURN  PARISH.  168 

I 

others,  a  cross,  with  either  a  sward  or  a  pair  of  wool-shears  at  their  sides,  sculptured 
in  the  same  manner :  but  as  there  were  neither  letters  nor  figures  on  any  of  the  stones, 
the  era  is  unknown.  In  1797*  a  bam  was  built  at  Cambo,  and  the  graye-stones  placed 
perpendicukr  upon  the  base  stones  in  the  walls  thereof.  At  Sattgh  House,  a  little 
distant  to  the  east,  the  Methodists  of  the  New  Connection  have  a  meeting4iouse. 

Hartingtok,  Hartinoton-Hall,  and  Farnlaws,  three  townships  belcxiging 
to  the  WaDington  estate.  Me  at  a  short  distance  north  and  north-west  from  Cambo. 
Gheenlightgn,  noted  for  its  fine  hill  and  the  excellent  limestone  it  i»*od[uces,  stands 
a  little  west  of  Bathley  Shield.  The  moor  of  H arwood  forms  the  north  part  of  the 
parish,  and  is  mostly  the  property  of  Sir  John  Trerelyan.  The  hamlet  or  Harwood 
is  on  the  north  side  of  the  Hart,  and  at  a  little  distance  south-west  from  Greenlight<xi. 

Wallington. — ^This  is  a  small  village,  consisting  of  a  few  cottages,  pleasantly 
seated  near  a  wood,  and  is  about  three  mues  south-west  from  Hartbum,  ana  19  miles 
north-west  from  Newcastle.  The  rejital  of  this  township. is  equal  to  two-sevenths  of 
the  whole  west  division  of  the  parish. 

WaUmgton  HaU  is  an  elegant  and  extensive  square  building,  and  is,  for  the  most 
part,  erected  with  a  fine  freestone,  of  a  br^ht  whitiab-farown  colour,  with  splendid 
particles  of  talc,  from  a  quarry  at  Cambo.  It  stands  on  a  gentle  eminence,  and  every 
surromiding  object  is  so  tastefully  arranged,  as  to  form  a  scene  beautifully  romantic. 
On  the  east,  west,  and  north,  are  thick  groves  of  luxuriant  forest  trees ;  and  the  Wans- 
beck  At  the  bottom  of  the  lawn  is  crossed  by  an  elegant  stone  bridge,  with  three  arches 
and  open  battlements.  Mr.  Hutchinson,  who  was  not  easily  pleased,  says,  ^*  Wallington 
House  is  a  handsome  stone  structure,  but  iGrom  the  mode  of  architecture,  doth  not  seem 
to  take  its  date  in  this  century.     Before  the  south  front  is  a  pretty  pasture  ground,  in- 

wick  Election"  geems  to  have  been  written  in  171 1.  After  experiendng  all  die  yidarititdeft  of  a  poet's  life^  he 
died  in  indigent  cireomstanees  at  Eaxt  Shqftoe,  a  place  he  had  cdebrated  in  a  poem^  and  was  huried  at  Hart- 
bam  on  the  19th  of  April,  1736. 

Thomas  Whittle's  poems  and  songs,  though  sometimes  rather  licentious,  are  not  destitute  of  poetic  merit 
They  are  perused  by  the  natires  of  the  county  with  admiration  and  delight,  and  will  probably  be  a  source  of 
entertainment  to  many  succeeding  generations*  His  "  Whimsical  Love"  is  a  masterpiece  of  its  kind ;  and 
his  poetic  letter  to  the  ''  Basor-setter,"  his  satirical  poem  on  '' William  Carstairs/'  and  his  song  called  ''  The 
Mitford  Galloway,"  are  replete  with  wit  and  humour,  and  are  well  calculated  to  interest  those  who  have  a 
taste  fiar  comic  poetry.  Whittle  is  represented  to  have  been  slovenly  in  his  dress  and  clownish  in  his  appear- 
ance. Like  other  poor  men  of  genius,  he  was  always  extremely  jealous  of  the  insolence  of  wealth.  On  a 
tomb-stone  in  Whitting^bam  ohurch-yard,  the  following  occurs:— >''  Thomas  Whittle  died  Feb.  2,  1736,  aged 
60  years."    This  man  had  probably  belonged  to  a  branch  of  our  poet's  family. 

WiUidm  Rcbton,  a  respectable  and  ingenious  man,  was  for  some  time  a  schoolmaster  at  Cambo.  He  after- 
wards removed  to  Morpeth,  where  he  died  in  1821.  In  1815,  he  published  ''The  Poetical  Works  of  the 
late  celebrated  and  ingenious  Thomas  Whittle,"  from  an  original  manuscript  in  the  author's  own  writing,  and 
which  he  procured  for  the  purpose  from  Mr.  Robert  Codling,  late  of  Wallington  Dovecot,  but  now  of  Ja- 
maica. Mr.  Robson  himself  was  also  a  poet,  and  many  have  smarted  under  the  lash  of  his  satire.  He  was 
likewise  author  of  several  political  pamphlets,  and  contributed  to  various  periodical  publications.  Being  to- 
nuirkably  quick  in  the  discrimination  of  character,  he  could  seldom  be  converted  into  a  tool  for  the  designing. 
He  liberally  furnished  some  curious  particulars  for  the  fbrmer  edition  of  this  work. 


164  MORPETH  WARD— W.  D. 

clining  to  the  brook  of  Wansbeck :  at  the  east  front  is  the  grand  approach,  having  a 
circular  coach-road,  with  a  beautiful  green  plot,  parterres,  and  ft)wering  shrubs: 
plantations  and  covered  walks  dose  it  to  the  north,  and  conceal  the  offices :  the  gar- 
dens seem  well  disposed,  on  a  warm  inclination;  and  the  whole  makes  a  pleasing 
rural  appearance,  without  any  intrusion  of  costly  ornaments  and  laboured  works.  In 
the  whole  composition  there  is  a  degree  of  taste  mixed  with  a  countenance  of  rusticity, 
which  characterizes  an  agreeable  retirement.  Nothing  is  so  displeasing  to  the  eye  as 
temples,  pagodas,  columns,  pyramids,  Gk)thic  banquetting-houses,  and  modem  ruins, 
jumbled  into  a  few  acres,  wijth  that  confusion  and  want  of  taste  which  overloaded 
opulence  often  disgorges  round  a  modem  villa.  True  taste  is  attached  to  nature  so 
intimately,  that  ea<m  disposition  by  art  must  be  made  to  heighten  her  beauties,  not  to 
distort  her,  and  over-burthen  the  scene  with  a  progeny  adopted  from  all  the  quarters 
of  the  earth.  A  bad  situation  cannot  be  changed ;  nay,  it  is  not  even  improved  with 
gorgeous  works :  a  load  of  edifices  is  only  like  finery  on  a  deformed  object — but  dis- 
pose the  works  of  art  in  a  just  adaption  to  the  situation,  and  in  the  mode  pointed  out 
by  natiure,  and  they  grow  into  elegance."  Leland  calls  Wallington  Castle  "the 
chefest  houce  of  the  Fenwicks." 

In  a  poem  lately  printed  by  John  Adamson,  Esq.  entitled  C/ieviot,  supposed  to  be 
written  by  one  of  the  family  of  Wharton,  of  Wooperton,  near  Wooler,  me  old  £ng« 
lish  hospitality  of  Wallington  is  thus  described : — 

<^  Fair  Wallington  has  been  decreed  by  fate 

To  be  the  capital  of  a  large  estate; 

The  wine  of  Wallington  old  songsters  praise. 

The  Phoenix  from  her  ashes  Blacketts  raiae.^— Pogv  14 

Wallington  was  one  of  the  manors  of  the  barony  of  Bolbeck,  and  was  held  by  John 
Grey,  commonly  called  John  de  Wallington,  20  king  Edward  II.  and  39  king  Ed- 
ward III. ;  also  by  Robert  de  Wallington,  whose  omy  daughter  and  heir,  Johanna, 
married  William  le  Strother ;  on  whose  death  it  came,  with  its  dependences^  to  Sir 
John  de  Fenwick,  of  Fenwick  Tower,  who  married  Mary,  his  youngest  daughter  and 
coheir,  in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  IV.  It  was  possessed  by  this  family  Uirough  a 
long  succession ;  by  John  de  Fenwick,  12  king  Henry  VI. ;  by  Sir  Henry  de  Fen- 
wicK,  the  28th  of  the  same  reign,  in  which  year  he  was  one  of  the  conservators  of  the 
peace  and  trewe  between  the  two  kingdoms  of  England  and  Scotland;  by  Sir  John 
de  Fenwick,  16  king  Henry  VIII. ;  by  Sir  William  de  Fehwick,  high  sheriff  of 
Northumberland,  20  and  31  queen  Elizabeth.*  He  married  Grace,  the  daughter  of 
Sir  John  Forster,  Lord  Warden  of  the  Middle  Marches ;  her  other  sister  marrying 
Francis  Russel,  son  to  the  Earl  of  Bedford. 

His  son  and  heir.  Sir  John  Fenwick,  knt.  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumlferland, 
17  king  James  I.  and  created  a  baronet  4  king  Charles  I.  1628.     He  was  a  represen- 

*  20  Elhahedk,  157B,  and  31  Elizabeth,  1589^  by  the  escheats  of  that  reign^  William  Fenwick,  Esq.  was 
•seized  of  the  manor  and  viUa^  of  Fenwick,  and  manors  of  Wallington  and  Walker,  Camhow,  Harterton^ 
Harterton  Hall,  Catcheside,  moiety  of  RyhiU,  Greenlighton,  Gunnerton,  and  Hawick,  and  various  lands  and 
tenements  in  East  Matfen,  and  of  and  in  a  village  called  Eshendon,  near  Bothal,  Longwitton,  and  Hawick. 


HARTBURN.  PARISH.  169 

* 

tatiTe  in  parliament  for  the  bordugli  of  Cbckermooth,  bat  made  his  election  for  the 
county  of  Northumberland,  17  king  Charles  I.  He  was  expelled  the  house,  in  1643, 
for  non-attendance,  and  giving  his  service  to  his  sovereign,  and  WiUiam  Fenwick, 
Esq.  was  chosen  in  his  room.  He  was  taken  prisoner  the  year  following,  with  some 
other  gentlemen,  80  horse,  and  arms,  and  a  sumpter  with  rich  clothes,  between 
Northampton  and  Banbury,  by  the  iPorces  of  the  parliament,  then  caUed  New  Noddles^ 
from  their  establishing  their  armies  on  a  new  model.  His  son,  John  Fenwick,  was 
slain  in  the  same  year  at  the  battle  of  Marston  Moor.  In  the  year  1645,  he  was  high 
sheriff  of  Northumberland,  and  at  the  head  of  the  militia  for  the  parliament,  having 
made  his  peace  with  them.  The  royalists  are  said  to  have  had  an  mtention  of  giving 
Irifm  correction,  by  surprising  him  and  the  militia,  but  were  prevented  on  his  receiving 
private  notice  of  their  design.  He  was  re-admitted  to  his  seat  in  parliament  for 
Northumberland,  in  1646,  by  a  majority  of  124  voices  against  73.  He  first  married 
Catharine,  the  daughter  of  Sir  Henry  SUngsby,  by  whom  he  had  one  son,  John, 
above-mentioned,  and  two  daughters,  Cathanne  and  Elizabeth.  He  afterwards  mar- 
ried Grace  (reputed  a  great  beauty),  daughter  of  —  Loraine,  of  Kirkharle,  Esq.  by 
whom  he  had  two  sons,  William  and  Alan,  and  one  daughter,  Grace.  He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  his  son  and  heir. 

Sir  William  Fenwick,  Bart,  who  was  a  representative  in  parliament  for  Northum- 
berland, 6th  and  8th  of  king  Charles  II.  He  first  married  Grace,  daughter  of  Henry 
Stapleton,  of  Wiffhall,  in  Yorkshire,  Esq.  by  whom  he  had  one  son,  John,  and  two 
daughters,  the  eldest  of  whom,  Grace,  married  Sir  Thomas  Loraine,  of  Kirkharle, 
Bart.  He  afterwards  married  Margaret,  the  daughter  of  William  Selby,  of  Newcas- 
tle, Esq.  sister  to  Sir  George  Selby,  knt.  by  whom  he  had  two  sons  and  five  daugh- 
ters, viz.  William  and  Roger,  Elizabeth,  Dorothy,  Ann,  Margaret,  and  Mary.  He 
was  succeeded  by  his  son  and  heir. 

Sir  John  Fenwick,  Bart.  After  the  great  fire  of  London,  18  king  Charles  II. 
1666,  he  built  the  great  hall  in  Christ's  Hospital,  in  which  the  boys  dine  and  sup. 
He  was  condemned  and  beheaded  for  treason  on  Tower-hill,  28th  January,  8  king 
William  HI.  I696.  The  evidence  against  him  was  very  defective,  as  was  fully  ac- 
knowledged by  parliament,  in  a  future  declaratory  act,  that  Fenwick's  case  should 
not  be  considered  as  a  precedent.  He  married  the  Right  Hon.  Lady  Mary,  eldest 
daughter  of  Charles  Howard,  Earl  of  Carlisle,  by  whom  he  had  four  chil^en,  one 
daughter  and  three  sons :  Jane,  the  eldest,  died  very  young,  and  was  buried  in  a 
vauK  in  the  parish  church  of  St.  Nicholas,  in  Newcastle  upon  Tyne.  Charles,  having 
attained  the  age  of  15  years,  died  of  the  small-pox ;  William  was  six  years  old,  and 
Howard  a  year  and  a  half,  when  they  departed  this  life.  These  three  sons  lie  with 
their  father  in  the  parish  church  of  St.  Martin  in  the  Fields,  London.  Lady  Fen- 
wick  died,  27th  October,  1708,  in  the  50th  year  of  her  age.*     Before  his  attainder. 


"*  Sir  John  Fcsnwidi^  of  Fenwick  Castle^  in  the  county  of  Northumberland,  Bart  a  man  of  abilities,  but 
profligate  a[nd  restless,  who  had  commanded  a  regiment  in  the  .service  of  William,  as  Prince  of  Orange,  in 
1676,  was  apprehended  in  Kent,  when  on  his  way  to  France,  upon  suspicion  of  being  engaged  in  a  plot  to 
assassinate  William  III.  He  endeavoured  to  escape  punishment  by  moving  the  king's  compassion,  represent- 
ing that  he  had  prevented  his  majesty's  violent  death  previous  to  diis  last  supposed  design.  He  then  at- 
tempted  to  bribe  one  of  the  jury  to  starve  the  others  into  an  acquittal,  declaring,  ''  this  or  nothing  can  save  ; 

VOL.  II.  2  T 


166 


MORPETH  WAKD—W.  D. 


Sir  John  sold  Wallington  demesne  and  other  lordships  to  the  second  Sir  William 
Blackett.  This  is  said  to  have  been  a  very  cheap  purchase :  Sir  John  Fenwidc,  as 
also  his  lady,  retained  very  considerable  annuities  out  of  the  estate,  which  the  attain- 
der and  execution  of  the  former,  and  the  death  of  the  latter  in  the  prime  of  life,  soon 
annuUed. 

William  Blackett,  the  first  baronet,  having  settled  in  Newcastle  upon  Tyne,*  ac- 
quired the  freedom  of  that  town,  and,  by  unceasing  industry  and  the  produce  of  bis 
mines  and  collieries,  gained  a  large  fortune,  whilst  lUie  strictest  probity  and  honour  in 
his  dealings  obtained  nim  the  highest  credit  and  confidence  of  his  townsmen.  In  the 
year  1660,  he  was  appointed  sheriff  of  Newcastle,  and  soon  afterwards  alderman  of 
that  corporation ;  was  governor  of  the  hostmen's  company  in  166S  and  166S,  and 
again  in  1667  and  1668 ;  mayor  of  Newcastle  in  1666 ;  and  one  of  the  representatives 
of  that  town  in  parliament  from  1678  to  1680,  Soon  after  he  was  returned  to  parKa^ 
ment,,  he  received  the  honour  of  knighthood  from  king  Charles  II.  and  was,  the  same 
year,  advanced  to  the  dignity  of  baronet  (letters  patent,  dated  12th  December,  1678). 
He  married^  first,  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Michael  Kirkley,  or  Kirklair^  a  respectable 
merchant  in  Newcastle,  by  whom  he  had  issue  several  children,  of  whom  three  sons 
and  three  daughters  survived  him.    She  departed  this  life  April  7,  1674;  and  he 

my  life."  This  also  fitiling,  he  prevailed  upon  the  principal  evidence  to  leave  the  kingdom.  The  goyenihi 
ment,  having  only  one  witnen,  yet  resolutely  determined  to  pnniah  him,  brought  in  a  bill  of  attainder  (a  bold 
expedient),  whidi,  with  great  difficulty,  passed  both  houses;  and^  in  consequence,  he  was  beheaded  on 
Tower«hill,  January  23,  l69f),  aged  53,  and  was  burled  near  the  altar  in  the  church  of  St.  Martin's  in  the 
Fields,  London,  with  his  three  sons.  The  precedents  for  this  violent  act  were  sought  for  by  Dr.  Burnet, 
bishop  of  Salisbury,  in  the  reign  of  Henry  VIII.  who  so  loudly  dedaimed  against  the  ill  conduct  of  James  II. 
He  says  that  "  I  offered  what  resons  occurred  to  him  in  justification  of  his  giving  his  vote  for  the  attaintvre  i 
but  this  did  not  exempt  him  from  falling  under  a  great  load  of  censure  upon  this  occaBion."^See  Granger's 
Biographical  History  of  England,  vol,  t.  p,  199*  This  writer,  in  the  same  volume,  p.  333,  gives  the  following 
account  of  Sir  John  Fenwick's  affectionate  wife  :«- 

"  Lady  Mary,  eldest  daughter  of  Charles  Howard,  Earl  of  Carlisle,  was  the  amiable  wife  of  the  profligate 
and  criminal  Sir  John  Fen  wick,  Bart,  of  Wallington,  in  Northumberland,  and  endeavoured  with  as  much 
zeal  to  obtain  the  liberty  of  a  faithless,  tyrannical  husband,  as  if  he  had  been  a  true  and  gentle  (me,  and  even 
requested  to  share  his  confinement ;  but  he  would  not  permit  it,  because  he  knew  "  h  would  kill  her."  She 
aittempted  to  bribe  two  of  the  witnesses  against  him,  Porter  and  Goodman.  The  former  pretended  to  be 
overcome  with  her  promises ;  and,  having  drawn  her  ladyship  and  Chancey,  an  agent,  into  a  private  apart- 
ment, he  placed  witnesses  in  an  adjoining  room,  who  came  in  and  seized  them  with  the  money  which  they 
had  brought;  in  consequence  of  which,  Chancey  was  convicted  of  subornation  and  peijury,  and  pilloried; 
but  she  succeeded  in  buying  off  Goodman,  who  disappeared.  All  her  exertions,  however,  did  not  save  Sir 
John,  who  had  the  indulgence  of  being  executed  ]}y  the  axe  instead  of  the  halter,  more  on  account  of  Lady 
Mary's  Inrth,  and  an  attention  due  to  her,  than  fVom  any  claim  of  his  own  for  such  a  commutation  of  his 
sentence.  This  lady  died  October  27>  1708,  being  then  in  her  50th  year,  and  was  buried  in  York  cathedral. 
The  epitaph  on  her  monument  asserts,  '  her  life  was  a  patrimony  to  the  poor  and  friendless,  and  her  many 
virtues  make  her  memory  precious.' "  The  ardent  and  steady  love  evinced  by  Lady  Mary  for  her  husband 
does  not  countenance  the  charge  of  his  domestic  tyranny  ;  while  the  subsequent  vote  of  the  House  of  Com- 
mons, relative  to  his  case,  does  not  certainly  corroborate  the  truth  of  his  criminaUh/, 

^  For  further  particulars  of  the  Blackett  family,  see  Matfen,  Wylam,  and  Newcastle.  Mr.  John  Straker,  of 
Newcastle,  in  1819  published  "Memoirs  of  the  Public  Life  of  Sir  Walter  Blackett,  Bart  of  Wallington,"  &c. 


HARTBURN  PARISH.  ^  167 

married,  secx>nclly,  the  widow  of  Captain  John  Rogers,  of  Newcastle,  daughter  of  a 
Mr*  Cock  of  that  town,  and  a  relative!  of  Alderman  Cock.*  Sir  William  died.  May 
16, 1680,  and  was  buried  in  St.  Nicholas'  church,  Newcastle.  He  is  said  to  have  been 
possessed  of  excellent  talents  for  business,  and  unwearied  in  their  application,  though 
engaged  in  a  great  variety  and  extent  of  affairs ;  and  being  successful  without  pride, 
and  rich  without  ostentation,  he  lived  ffatierally  esteemed,  and  died  universally  la- 
mented. His  issue  were,  1.  William  Bw;kett,  who  died  young,  and  was  buried  in 
St.  Nicholas'  church,  Newcastle,  9th  August,  1654.  2.  Isabella  Blackett,  who  was 
married  to  Shem  Bridges,  Esq.  of  Ember  Court,  in  the  county  of  Surrey.  3.  Edward 
Blackett,  eldest  surviving  son,  and  second  baronet.  4.  Christian  Blackett,  who  mar* 
ried  Robert  Mitford,  Esq.  of  Seghill,  in  the  county  of  Northumberland,  and  had  issue 
tiiree  sons,  who  all  ched  unmarried,  and  a  daughter,  married  to  the  Rev.  —  Laidman, 
of  Whakon.  5.  Michael  Blackett,  second  surviving  son,  succeeded  his  father  in  bu- 
siness, and  was  appointed  sheriff  of  Newcastle  in  1676,  and  afterwards  aldennan  of 
that  town.  He  married  Dorothy,  daughter  of  Alderman  Barnes,  by  whom  he  had 
issue  one  daughter,  Elizabeth  Blackett,  who  died  young,  ISth  January,  1677,  and  was 
buried  in  St.  Nicholas'  church.  The  said  Michael  died  April  26,  168S,  and  was  also 
buried  in  that  diurch.  His  wife  survived  him,  and  married  (secondly)  Sir  Richard 
Brown,  Bart,  and  (thirdly)  the  Rev.  Dr.  John  Moore,  bishop*  of  Ely.  6.  John 
Blackett,  who  died  young,  and  was  buried  in  St.  Nicholas'  church,  Newcastle,  4th 
May,  1654.  7.  William  Blackett,  third  surviving  son,  and  also  a  merchant  in  New- 
castle,  of  whom  hereafter.  8.  Christopher  Blackett,  who  died  young,  and  was  buried 
in  St.  Nicholas'  church,  8th  July,  1678.  And,  9.  Elizabeth  Blackett,  who  married 
Timothy  Davison,  Esq.  of  Beamish,  in  the  county  of  Durham. 

The  second  Sir  Wimam  Blackett,  third  son  of  Sir  William,  tracing  the  steps  of  his 
wx>rthy  sire,  was  elected  alderman  of  Newcastle;  mayor,  1683  and  1698 ;  governor  of 
the  hostmen's  oompany,  1684,  I69I9  and  169S ;  and  one  of  the  representatives  of  that 
town  in  parliament,  from  1685  to  his  decease  in  1705.  He  was  advanced  to  the  dig- 
nity of  banmet,  January  28,  1684 ;  and  filled  the  office  of  high  sheriff  of  NorUium- 
berland  in  1689  (Ist  William  and  Mary),  having  previously  purchased  the  Walling- 
ton  estate.  Sir  William  married  Julia,  only  daughter  of  Sir  Christopher  Conyers, 
Bart,  and  had  issue  two  sons  and  eight  daughters ;  and  after  a  well  spent  life,  he 
died,  December  29,  1705,  equally  regretted  and  respected  as  his  father.  His  lady 
surviving  him,  married,  secondly,  Sir  William  Thompson,  knight,  recorder  of  Lon- 
don, and  baron  of  the  exchequer.    The  issue  of  Sir  William  were, 

1.  William  Blackett  succeeded  to  the  honours  and  estates  of  his  father,  and  being 
appointed  alderman  of  Newcastle,  was  mayor  of  that  town  in  1718,  governor  of  the 
boatmen's  company  from  1725  to  1728,  and  one  of  the  representatives  in  parliament 
for  the  town  or  Newcastle  frpm  1710  tp  his  death  ip  1728.    He  married  the  Hon, 

*  Sir  Wfllkin  had  no  isBue  by  bis  second  wife.  Aldennan  Ralph  Cock  was  an  eminent  merchant  in  New- 
eastle,  where  he  acquired  a  large  fortune ;  his  residence  was  in  one  of  the  narrow  lanes  on  the  Quayside, 
dnce  called  (after  him)  '<  Cock's  Chare ;"  he  left  four  daughters,  viz.  Dorothy,  wife  of  Mark  Milbank ;  Jane, 
wifb  of  William  Carr ;  Ann,  wife  of  Thomas  Davison  ;  and  Barbara,  wife  of  Henry  Marley,  all  eminent 
merchants  in  Newcastle.  Alderman  Cock  used  to  call  his  daughters  his  *'four  canny  hinnies ;"  and  **  as  rich 
as  Cock's  canny  hinnies/  was  a  proverbial  saying  at  that  time. 


168  MORPETH  WARD.~W.  D* 

Lady  Barbara  Villiers,  daughter  of  WilKam  Earl  of  Jersey,  by  whom  he  had  no  MMie } 
and  dying  September  25,  1728,  the  baronetcy  granted  his  father  became  extinct*  By 
his  will,  dated  August  14,  1728,  he  left  his  natiural  daughter,  Elizabeth  Ord,  alias 
Blackett,  daughter  of  Etoabeth  Ord,  of  West  Ord,  in  the  county  of  Durham,  soke 
heir  of  his  immense  property,  on  condition  that  she  should  intermarry  with  his  ne- 
phew, Walter  Calverley,  within  twelve  months  after  his  decease,  which  marriage  in 
consequence  took  place.  Walter  Calverley  by  this  arrangement  held  the  estate,  with 
remainder  to  his  first  and  other  sons  in  tail  male,  with  remainder  to  the  other  sons  of 
Sir  William's  sisters.  He  devised  his  fourth  part  of  the  manor  of  Winlatcx),  in  the 
county  of  Durham,  upon  trust,  by  sale  or  mortgage,  to  raise  money  to  pay  his  debts, 
legacies,  and  funeral  expences,  and  upon  further  trust,  to  pay  to  his  wife.  Lady  Bar- 
bara Blackett,  several  annual  or  yearly  sums  therein  mentioned.  S*.  Christc^her 
^  Blackett,  second  son,  died  in  infancy.  8.  Julia  Blackett,  who  married,  Januaty  7, 
1706,  Sir  Walter  Calverley,  Bart,  and  had  issue  one  son,  Walter  Calverky,  who  mar- 
ried Elizabeth  Ord  as  before  mentioned,  and  one  daughter,  Julia  Calverley^  who  mar- 
ried Sir  George  Trevelyan,  Bart  of  Nettlecomb,  near  Taunton,  in  Somersetshire. 
4.  Elizabeth  Blackett,  who  married  William  Marshall,  Esq.  eldest  son  of  Sir  John 
Marshall,  knt,  and  had  issue  two  daughters ;  Ann  Marshall,  who  married  Peter  Stan- 
ley,  of  Little  Pacton,  in  the  county  of  Huntingdon,  Esq.  but  died  without  issue ; 
and  Lucy  Marshall,  who  married  Nicholas  Wescomb,  of  Cheverell's  Green,  in  the 
county  of  Hertford,  Esq.  and  who  also  died  without  issue.  5.  Isabella  Blackett,  third 
daughter,  died  young.  6.  Frances  Blackett,  fourth  daughter,  who  married,  February 
8,  1728-9,  the  Hon.  Robert  Bruce,  eldest  surviving  son  of  Charles  Lord  Bruce,  third 

*  Sir  William's  conduct,  during  the  rebellion,  having  been  considered  very  doubtful,  when  he  was  prO* 
posed  to  serve  the  office  of  mayor  of  Newcastie,  in  1717>  he  was  rejected  by  the  loyal  mhabitants  of  that  town, 
and  was  elected  the  year  following,  only  on  his  producing  two  letters  froha  the  secretaries  of  state,  testifying 
that  he  was  well  affected  to  government.  Rae  says,  that  ''aliout  the  latter  end  of  September,'  1715,  warrants 
were  issued  from  the  secretaries  of  state,  for  apprehending  the  Earl  of  Derwent  Water,  the  Lord  V^^iddring^ 
ton,  the  Lord  Dunbar,  Sir  Marmaduke  Constable,  papists,  8ir  William  Blackbti*,  member  of  parliament 
far  Newcastle  upon  Tyne,  Thomas  Forster,  jun.  of  Elherston,  knight  of  the  shire  ibr  Northumberlimd,  and 
several  other  conspirators  in  the  north.  The  Lord  Dunbar  and  Sir  Marmaduke  Constable  were  accordingly 
secured ;  but  the  rest,  to  prevent  this  fate^  assembled  in  arms  at  Green  Rig,  in  Northumberland,  on  the  6th 
of  October,  and  commenced  a  rebellion  there,  which  was  carried  on  in  concert  with  the  Earl  of  .Mar."  This, 
however,  as  far  as  relates  to  Sir  William,  cannot  be  correct,  from  the  letters  produced  by  him  in  17I8. 

Patten,  in  his  History  of  the  Rebellion,  speaking  of  Sir  William,  says,  "  If  all  that  was  said  of  this  gentle- 
man's conduct  was  true,  they  were  not  in  the  wrong  to  have  some  dependence  upon  his  assistance ;  but  whe- 
ther or  not  he  was  actually  engaged,  remains  a  secret ;  for  he  managed  so  well  as  to  keep  out  of  the  way. 
His  interest  is  indeed  very  considerable  in  the  town  of  Newcastle,  being  one  of  their  representatives  in  par- 
liament, and  he  has  in  his  service  a  great  many  colliers  and  keelmen,  who,  in  flat  boats  called  keels,  convey 
the  coals  from  the  collieries  to  the  ships.  He  has  likewise  several  lead  mines  on  that  side  of  the  country, 
which  employ  a  great  many  hands.  Whether  his  intra^st  was  so  strong  among  the  people  a«  to  bring  them 
to  take  arms,  by  hi«p  order,  against  their  sovereign>  I  wOl  not  say,  or  whether  they  received  any  orders  of 
that  kind  fVom  him ;  but  diis  we  had  a  certain  account  of,  vis.  that  these  men  were  ordered  to  provide  them* 
selves  with  arms,  and  to  be  ready  to  go  with  one,  who  is  a  kind  of  steward  or  governor  over  them,  wherever 
he  should  direct;  but  whether  this  was  to  be  fbr  the  sendee  of  the  govemment,  or  finr  the  service  of  th» 
Pretender,  is  not  certainly  known." 


HAHTBURN  PARISH.  16» 

Earl  of  Aylesbury,  but  died  without  issue.  7.  Isabella  Blackett,  who  married,  Sep- 
temh&c  15f  174f3,  the  Right  Hon.  David  Earl  of  Buchan,  but  died  without  issue,  on 
the  14th  May,  1763,  and  wa9  buried  at  Hampstead  on  the  ^Ist  May  following. 
8.  Mary  BladCLett,  the  sixth  daughter,  died  young. 

9.  Diana  Blackett,  seventh  daughter,  married  Sir  William  Wentworth,  of  Bretton 
Hall,  in  the  county  of  York,  Bart,  and  had  issue  five  sons  and  three  daughters ;  of 
whom  Sir  Thomas  Wentworth,  his  only  surviving  son,  succeeded  to  his  title  (as  fifth 
baronet)  and  estates,  and  served  the  ofi^ce  of  high  sheriff  of  Yorkshire  in  the  year 
1765.  He,  on  the  decease  of  Sir  Walter  Blackett,  in  1777,  succeeded  to  tji^e  entailed 
estates  of  the  Blackett  family,  and  according  to  the  provisions  of  his  uncle's  will,  asr 
sumed  the  name  of  Blackett;  and  died  without  issue,  at  Bretton  Park,  July  9)  179S. 
The  entail  ceasing  with  him,  there  being  no  male  issue  from  any  of  the  other  branches 
of  Sir  William's  family,  he  bequeathed  his  ample  possessions  to  Diana,  wife  of  Tho- 
mas Ridiard  Beaumont,  Esq. ; — to  Mrs.  Lee,  and  Mrs.  Stackpole,  and  to  WiUiam 
BosviUe,  Esq.  only  son  of  Godfrey  Bosville,  Esq.  by  a  daugnter  of  Sir  William 
WentwOTth,  Bart. 

10.  Anne  Blackett,  eighth  daughter,  was  twice  married ;  first,  to  John  Trenchard, 
Esq.  and  secondly,  to  -*^  Gordon,  Esq.  of  Abbots  Leigh,  in  the  county  of  Somerset^ 
but  died  wiHiout  issue,  in  A^ml,  1783. 

Sir  Walter  C.  Blackett,  Bart,  was  bom  December  29»  1708,  and  was  the  son  and  heir 
of  Sir  Walter  Calverfey,  of  Calverfe^,  Yorkshire.  On  August  29,  1729,  he  married 
Elizabeth,  daughter  and  heiress  of  his  uncle.  Sir  William  Blackett,  in  conformity  with 
whose  will  be  took  and  used  the  simame  and  arms  of  Blackett  only.  On  the  13th  of 
October,  in  that  year,  he  was  admitted  to  the  freedom  of  Newcastle  upon  Tyne,  and 
shortly  after  was  elected  an  alderman  of  that  corporation.  In  1732,  he  served  the 
office  of  high  sheriff  for  the  county  of  Nbrthumberlaad ;  and  in  May,  1734,  was  re- 
turned one  of  the  representatives  for  Newcastle,  which  high  station,  notwithstanding 
isome  xx>ntested  elections,  he  iilled  until  his  death,  by  a  great  majority  of  votes,  during 
the  long  period  ^of  40  years.  In  the  foUowiijg  year,  he  served  the  office  of  mayor  of 
Newcastle,  as  also  again  in  the  years  1748,  1756,  1764,  and  1771.  He  erected,  in 
1736,  tiie  handsome  edifice  oo.  the  south  side  of  St.  Nicholas'  church,  in  Newcastle, 
for  the  reception  of  the  library  bequeathed  to  the  inhabitants  by  Dr.  Thomlinsop. 
On  tiie  death  of  his  father,  October  17,  1749*  he  succeeded  to  the  title  of  baronet,  and 
also  to  the  estates  of  Xllalverley  and  Eshott,  both  of  which  be  soon  after  spW.  His 
princely  income  was  employed  in  acts  of  public  utility.  His  exertions  dn  establishing 
the  Newcastle  Infirmary,  his  fo^mding  an  hospital  in  that  town  to  maintain  six  poor 
unmarried  and  decay^  burgesses,  and  his  llb^ al  distribution  of  money  and  prpvisioi^ 
in  times  c^  scarcity,  were  striking  proofs  ^of  his  humane  and  charitable  disposition. 
He  also,  in  the  course  of  eleven  years,  laid  the  foundation  for  the  augmentation  of 
seventeen  small  livings  in  the  county.  His  mujpdfiQeffice  to  Hexhaw  wlQ  be  notic^ 
hereafter.  The  charities  of  his  amiable  eonso^  ^€^e  .equally  canstan.t,  extensive,  and 
bountiful.  She  died  Septcanber  21,  17 09i$  and  »eas  buried  in  the  family  vault  i^  St. 
Nicholas'  church,  Newjcastle.  Sir  Walta*  hiinseltf  «died  in  hondon^  February  14, 
1777,  aged  59  years,  and  was  buried  in  Calverley  church.  Leaving  no  issue,  his  title 
became  extinct.  He  bequeathed  a  k^oy  of  £.4iOjdOQ  to  Walter  Trevelyan,  Esq.  and 
numerous  legacies  to  the  poor  .and  toliis  £piwds>  'With  aooiiitied  io  hjs  servants.    Jf^ 

VOL,  n.  2  U 


iro  MORPETH  WARD.— W.  D. 

was  tall,  well  proportioned,  and  had  an  erect,  dignified  carriage.  His  complexion  wafi 
florid,  and  his  features  regular  and  expressive.  Though  he  did  not  figure  as  an  orator^ 
yet,  from  his  independence,  he  possessed  considerable  influence  in  parliament  After 
the  accession  of  G^rge  III.  he  left  the  opposition,  and  became  a  strenuous  supporter 
of  the  court  party ;  which  circumstance,  witli  the  part  he  took  in  the  violent  party 

auestion  relative  to  the  town-moor,  injured  his  popularity  in  Newcastle :  but  the  in- 
uence  of  his  aflable  deportment,  unbounded  benevolence,  and  generous  hospitality, 
could  never  be  seriously  diminished.  He  had  the  Blackett  estates  for  his  life ;  but,  in 
1752,  he  purchased  Wallington,  which  was.  sold  by  an  order  of  chancery  to  pay  off^  Sir 
William  Blackett*s  debts,  and  this  estate  was  inherited  by  his  sister's  issue. »  The  other 
estates,  at  his  death,  in  default  of  male  issue  of  the  other  sisters,  descended  to  Sir 
Thomas  Wentworth,  son  of  Diana  Blackett,  as  before  mentioned. 

Julia,  sister  of  Sir  Walter  Blackett,  married  Sir  George  Trevelyan,  Bart,  (son  of  Sir 
John  Trevelyan,  of  Nettlecomb,  near  Taunton,  Somersetshire,  Bart)  He  had  issue. 
Sir  John,  of  whom  hereafter;  Julia,  married,  January,  1756,  to  Sir  William  Yea,  of 
Tyrland,  Somersetshire,  and  had  issue  six  sons ;  Susanna,  married,  February  S,  1764, 
to  John  Hudson,  of  Bessingby,  in  Yorkshire,  Esq. ;  Charlotte,  married,  April,  1757, 
to  Tobias  Freer,  Esq.;  Frances,  married,  January  14,  1761,  to  Capt.  James  Feild; 
and  Walter,  who  married,  January  18,  1772,  the  eldest  daughter  of  the  late  James 
Thornton,  of  Netherwitton,  Esq.  a  joint  heiress,  by  which  means  he  became  possessed 
of  that  estate, — ^he  served  the  office  of  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  15  George 
III.  or  1775. 

Sir  John  Trevelyan,  Bart,  bom  1735,  succeeded  to  his  family  possessions  Decern* 
ber  28,  1768.  He  married  Louisa  Marianna,  daughtelr  and  coheiress  of  Peter  Sy- 
mond,  Esq.  a  very  opulent  merchant  of  Austin  Fryers,  London,  with  whom  he  got 
a  fortune  of  £20,000 ;  and  by  her  (who  died  in  1772)  he  had  issue  four  sons  and  one 
daughter:  1.  John,  by  whom  he  was  succeeded.  2.  The  Rev.  Walter,  who  married 
Charlotte,  third  daughter  of  the  late  John  Hudson,  of  Bessingby,  in  Yorkshire,  Esq. 
by  whom  he  has  nine  children.  3.  George,  in  holy  orders,  archdeacon  of  Bath,  and 
canon-  residentiary  of  the  cathedral  of  Wells,  who  married  Harriet,  third  daughter  of 
Sir  Richard  Neave,  Bart,  of  Dagnam  Park,  Essex,  by  whom  he  has  six  children. 
4.  Willoughby,  who  died  in  1784.  And,  6.  Louisa.  Sir  John,  in  1777,  was  elected 
member  for  Newcastle  upon  Tyne,  and  in  the  three  succeeding  parliaments  he  was 
knight  of  the  shire  for  the  county  of  Somerset. 

Sir  John,  eldest  son  of  the  above,  married,  August  16, 1791,  Maria,  third  daughter 
of  the  late  Sir  Thomas  Spencer  Wilson,  of  Charlton,  in  Kent,  Bart,  (sister  to  Marga- 
ret, wife  of  Lord  Arden,  and  Jane,  wife  of  the  late  Right  Honourable  Spencer  Eer- 
ceval),  by  whom  he  has  a  large  family,  the  eldest,  a  son,  named  Walter  Calverley. 
This  ancient  family  takes  its  name  from  Trevelyan^  or  Trevilian,  in  the  parish  of  St. 
Vehep,  near  Fowey,  in  Cornwall,  of  which,  and  other  lordships  in  that  county,  they 
were  anciently  possessed,  at  or  soon  after  the  Conquest. 

A  mile  east  of  Wallington  is  a  stone  bridge  over  the  Wansbeck,  at  the  south  end 
of  which,  on  each  side  of  the  road,  are  the  grass-grown  ruins  of  a  considerable  village. 

East  Shaftoe  is  situated  on  the  southern  extremity  of  the  parish.  The  old  hall 
is  finely  seated  on  the  south  side  of  an  eminence,  adorned  with  all  the  ornaments  of 


BOLAM  PAKISH.  171 

wood  and  water.  Behind  the  hall  stands  Shaftoe  Crag^  a  lofty  and  most  picturesque 
eminence,  the  sides  6i  which  afibrd  a  fine  pasturage.  The  rock  called  Shafto^  HaU 
contains  a  spacious  natuial  cave,  wherein  40  persons  might  be  seated.  In  old  records, 
Shaftoe  is  sdways  spelt  Schc^tiww^  which  Mr.  Hedley  conjectures  to  be  compounded 
of  the  German  scm^^  a  sheep,  and  the  Anglo-Saxon  ^o^,  a  hill.  This  place  gives 
name  to  a  very  ancient  Nortnumbrian  family.  After  remaining  long  in  the  posses- 
sion of  the  Shaftoes,  it  became  the  property  of  the  Aynsleys,  and  latterly  of  the 
Vaughans,  the  last  of  whom  sold  it  to  Robert  Horsley,  Esq.  of  Bolam.  It  now  be- 
longs to  Lord  Dedes.  West  Shaftoe  is  a  contiguoits  township,  which  was  the 
estate  and  residence  of  the  Aynsleys  before  they  acquired  Little  Harle.  It  was  lately 
purchased  by  Lord  Dedes.  Deanham  is  a  township  that  lies  at  a  short  distance 
south  from  Wellington,  and  is  the  property  of  Sir  Charles  Loraine,  Bart 

BOLAM  PARISH. 

The  parish  of  Bolam  is  boun,ded  on  the  north  by  Hartbum  parish,  on  the  eart  by 
Meldon  and  Whalton,  on  the  south  by  Stamfordham,  and  on  the  west  by  Ku-k- 
whelpington  and  part  of  Hartbum.  It  is  about  4  miles  in  length,  and  2^  miles  in 
breadth ;  and  is  divided  into  eight  townships,  three  of  which  are  in  this  division,  four 
in  the  north-east  division  of  TKndale  Ward,  and  one  in  the  west  division  of  Castle 
Ward.  The  entire  parish  contains  119  houses,  and  651  inhabitants.  There  are  two 
schools,  containing  about  70  children ;  and  about  twice  the  number  attend  the  Sun- 
day schools. 

Bolam  is  a  pleonastic  compound  of  the  Scandinavian  hol^  a  habitation,  and  the 
Anglo-Saxon  ham.  It  is  a  small  village,  seated  on  a  rising  ground,  9^  miles  west- 
south-west  from  Morpeth.  The  church,  which  is  dedicated  to  St.  Aiidrew,  is  an 
andent  structure.  It  contains  the  efligy  of  a  knight  templar,  cut  in  stone,  in  the 
usual  habit  and  attitude,  supposed  to  be  that  of  Sir  W'alter  de  Bolam ;  also  a  tomb  of 
the  Middletons  of  Belsay  castle.  The  living  is  a  vicarage^  in  the  gift  of  the  crown, 
valued  in  the  king's  books  at  £6, 13*.  4r?.  This  village  is  said  to  have  consisted  of 
200  slated  houses ;  but  it  now  contains  only  the  vicarage,  a  schooUhouse,  one  farm- 
stead, a  public  house,  and  two  cottages.  The  vicarage  is  rated  as  a  distinct  township. 
West  of  the  village  is  an  oblong  piece  of  ground,  120  yards  long,  and  80  broad,  forti- 
fied with  a  vallum  and  double  trench,  having  a  raised  pass  leading  to  it.  Wallis  con- 
jectures it  was  the  keep  or  fort  for  the  security  of  the  town.  V\^burton  thinks  it  is 
a  Saxon  work ;  but  6de  and  Hutchinson  attribute  it  to  the  Romans.  Mr.  Gale  even 
goes  further,  and  thinks  it  probable  that  Bolam  might  have  been  the  town  of  Glano- 
venta,  which  Mr.  Camden  concluded  was  somewhere  on  the  banks  of  the  Wansbeck. 
The  Herman-street  passes  at  a  short  distance  west  from  Bolam,  and  in  many  places  is 
•perfectly  to  be  distinguished.  Close  by  this  military  way  are  two  pillars  of  stone,  and 
betwixt  them  a  tumulus,  which  Mr.  John  Warbiirton  opened.  It  contained  a  stone 
coffin,  about  three  feet  in  length,  two  in  breadth,  and  two  in  depth,  which  was  black 
on  the  inside  with  smoke,  and  had  in  it  several  lumps  of  glutinous  matter.  It  was 
covered  over  with  two  flat  stones,  and  not  above  a  yard  in  depth  from  the  summit  of 
the  tumulus,  but  had  neither  inscription,  bones,  coins,  urns,  nor  other  remarkable 


17a  MORPE^  WARD.— W.  D. 

thing  about  it.  On  the  north-east  side  of  Bolam  moor  is  a  rock,  trenched  round,  con» 
tainmg  the  ruins  of  interior  buildings ;  but  its  history  is  lost  in  the  oblivion  of  aces. 
Bolam  Was  the  batony  of  Sir  Gilwrt  de  Bolham,  to  whom  it  was  granted  by  kmg 
John.  It  next  was  possessed  by  Sir  Walter  de  Bolham»  and  by  his  son,  and  John 
and  James  de  Calcey,  in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  III. ;  by  Alice  de  Bolam,  and  James 
de  Calcey  and  his  W)fe  Alice,  1  kingEdward  I.  A  mediety  of  Bolam  was  afterwards 
possessed  by  thd  andent  family  of  Uaymes  in  the  time  of  kinff  Edward  III.  b&  ap- 

Sars  by  the  escheats  of  the  several  reigns  of  king  Richard  II.  kin^^  Henry  IV.  king 
enry  VI.  queen  Elizabeth,  and  king  Charles  I.  It  remained  m  that  family  for 
many  generations.  Bolam  was  afterwards  possessed  by  the  Horsleys.  In  I8O99  the 
heiress  of  this  branch  of  the  Horsleys  married  the  Rev.  J.  W.  Beresford,  now  Lord 
Dedes,  son  of  the  Lord  Archbishop  of  Armagh,  Primate  of  all  Ireland^  Lord  De« 
des  and  his  lady  reside  occasionally  at  Bolam  Hall. 

Gallow  Hill..*— This  township  lies  south-west  from  Bolam.  It  was  lately  pur- 
chased by  Lord  Dedes.  The  hill  from  which  it  is  named  was,  no  doubt,  the  piaoe  of 
execution  for  the  Bolam  barony,  before  tkejusjurcdt  was  taken  from  the  lords^ 

Belsat  is  about  8  miles  south  from  Bolam,  9  miles  west-south-west  from  Mor- 

Eeth,  and  14  miles  north-west  from  Newcastle.    It  contains  six  or  seven  dwelling 
ouses. 

Bekay  Castie  is  seated  on  a  rising  ground,  into-spersed  with  trees.  It  consists  of 
an  old  tower,  to  which  additions  were  made  by  Sir  Charles  Middleton,  who  died  in 
1628.  The  domestic  chapel  stood  in  a  field  to  the  south,  and  above  the  castle  is  an 
ancient  stone  cross.  Sir  Chailes,  tiie  present  proprietor,  has  been  several  yeso^  em* 
ployed  in  erecting  a  spacious  and  elegant  mansion.  This  splendid  edifice  is  designed 
agreeably  to  the  purest  models  of  Grecian  ardiitecture,  and  presents  the  most  dignified 
simplid^,  without  any  false  and  meretricious  ornaments.  The  prc^etor,  b^g  aa 
ardent  admirer  of  tslassical  antiquity » has  travelled  through  Greece  to  improve  his  taste, 
of  which  this  family  seat  will  prolntbly  remain  for  ages  a  noble  spedmen.  Part  of  the 
old  castle  is  now  demolished.  * 

Belsay  is  the  ancient  seat  and  inheritance  of  the  Middletons.  It  was  possessed  by 
Sir  John  Middleton  in  the  reagn  of  king  Edward  II.  At  this  turbulent  period,  Sir 
John  Middleton,  Sir  Gilbert  Middleton,  and  Walter  Selby,  were  leagued  together  for 
mutual  defence.  These  fiery  and  warlike  Northumbrians  homing  incensed  against  the 
king,  disclaimed  his  authority  in  the  yelar  181 7,  and  took  all  the  castles  in  tte  county, 
except  Alnwick,  Bambrough,  and  Norham.  This  party  mtfie  an  incursion  into  the 
county  of  Durham,  when  Lewis  Beaumont  was  travdlmg  northward  to  be  installed 
at  Durham  di  the  high  fe^vsd  of  St.  Cutlibert.  He  was  attended  by  a  numerous 
and  splendid  retinue,  and  accompanied  by  his  brother,  Henry  Beaumont,  and  by 
Romish  caa-dinals,  who  were  charged  with  a  pacific  embassy  into  Scotland.  At  Dar^ 
lington  the  bishop  was  met  by  a  messenger  from  the  convent,  to  warn  him  that  liie 
roM  was  in  possession  of  marauders ;  but  t^e  hiffh  rank  and  siKsred  dignity  of  Lewis 
and  his  companions  seemed  to  place  danger  at  aefiance,  and  the  friendly  notice  was 
treated  with  neglect  or  suspidon.  A  few  hcmrs  verified  the  prediction.  At  Rushy-* 
ford,  midway  betwixA;  the  ssmiitt  villages  of  Woodhna  and  F^rryfaill,  tihe  Toad  orossea 


BOLAM  PAKISH.  178 

a  small  and  sullen  rivulet,  in  a  sequestered  spot,  well  calculated  for  surprise  and  the 
prevention  of  escape.  Here  a  desperate  band  anxiously  awaited  the  arrival  of  their 
prey ;  and  the  bishop  and  his  companions  had  no  sooner  reached  the  ford,  than  they 
were  enveloped  in  a  doud  of  light  norsemen,  under  the  command  of  Sir  Gilbert  Mid- 
dleton.  After  rifling  the  whole  party,  Middleton  restored  the  cardinab'  horses,  and 
suffered  them  to  proceed  on  their  journey  to  Durham,  where  their  influence  was  suc- 
cessfully used  in  exciting  the  liberality  of  the  monastries  towards  their  captive  prelate. 
The  bishop,  meanwhile,  and  his  brother,  Henry  Beaumont,  were  carried  off*  with  the 
rapidity  ot  a  Border  raid,  across  a  tract  of  60  miles,  through  the  heart  of  the  bishopric 
and  Northumberland,  to  the  castle  of  Mitford,  of  which,  says  Graystanes,  Middleton 
was  the  keeper,  not  the  proprietor.  The  treasuiies  of  the  church  were  cheerfully  liu 
vished  for  Lewis'  redemption ;  and  after  giving  security  for  the  payment  of  a  heavy 
ransom  to  the  successful  freebooter,  both  the  captives  were  liberated.  Middleton's 
good  fortune  soon  after  deserted  him :  he  was  surprised  in  his  strong-hold  of  Mitford, 
as  before  related,  by  some  neighbouring  chief,  betrayed  into  the  hands  of  government, 
and  was  executed  at  London.*  His  followers,  neither  reclaimed  nor  dismayed,  fled 
to  range  themselves  under  the  banner  of  Walter  Selbv,  who  stiU  held  the  little  for- 
tress of  Horton.  In  consequence  of  these  daring  exploits,  the  lands  of  Sir  John  Mid- 
dleton were  seized  for  the  king's  use,  and  given  to  John  de  Cromwell,  and  Thomas 
de  Bambrough,  derk,  in  the  year  1819.  On  the  death  of  CromweD,  they  were 
granted  to  Sir  John  de  Strivelinff,  knt.  a  celebrated  commander  under  king  Edward 
III.  who  was  summonm^  to  paniament  among  the  barons  of  the  realm  in  the  16th 
year  of  that  reien. 

John  de  Middleton  (a  descendant  of  the  before^mentioned  Sir  John  Middleton) 
married  Christiana,  the  daughter  and  sole  heiress  of  Sir  John  de  Striveling.  He  was 
infeoflTed  during  the  reign  of  king  Henry  V.  in  the  manor  and  villa  of  JUrunton,  as 
was  found  by  an  inquisition  after  their  deaths  in  the  10th  of  the  same  reign.  They 
were  succeeded  by  their  son  and  heir. 

Sir  John  de  Middleton,  then  upwards  of  40  years  of  age,  who  was  returned  among 
the  gentlemen  of  Northumberland  by  the  commissioners,  12  king  Henry  VI. ;  by  Sir 
John  de  Middleton,  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  1  king  Edward  IV.  and  a  repre- 
sentative  for  it  in  parliament,  12th  of  the  same  reign ;  by  Thomas  Middletx)n,  a  com- 
missioner for  enclosures  upon  the  Middle  Marches,  6  king  Edward  VI. ;  by  Robert 
Middleton,  10  queen  Elizabeth ;  by  Thomas  Middleton,  one  of  the  parliament-com- 
missioners for  sequestering  lands  in  Northumberland,  19  king  Charles  I,  1643.  He 
was  succeeded  by 

*  ''  I  cannot  agree  with  my  predecessor,  Hutchinson,  that  Middleton  was  actuated  on  this  occasion  solefy 
by  resentment  The  king  had,  it  seems,  used  Middleton's  relative,  Adam  Swinbum,  harshly  in  some  busl* 
ness  of  the  Marches ;  and  the  former,  in  vindication  of  the  family  honour,  adopted  the  pious  resolution  of 
irobbing  the  bishop  of  Durham,  The  times  were  lawless,  the  government  weak,  and  the  gentry  of  the  North 
were  frequently  obliged  to  take  upon  themselves  the  defence  of  their  own  property ;  and,  with  all  its  hasardc 
and  inconveniences,'  the  lifb  of  a  freebooter  had  some  romantic  and  some  substantial  attraclaons,  which  seem 
to  have  rendered  it  very  difficult  fbr  a  Borderer,  who  had  once  adopted  it,  to  retrace  his  steps  towards  the 
path  of  alliance  and  legitimate  subjection.  Under  the  first  Edward,  the  gentiemen  of  the  English  March 
were  faithful  subjects ;  under  his  feeble  successor,  they  were  frequently,  from  necessity  rather  than  cliQiice« 
freebooters  and  outlaws.^— ^tfr^/  Durham,  voL  t.  jMge  xxxix. 

VOL.  II.  2  X 


174  MORPETH  WARD.~W.  D. 

I,  Sir  William  Middleton,  who  was  created  a  baronet,  October  24,  1662,  and  was 
high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  1666.  He  married,  first,  Mary,  daughter  of  Tho- 
mas Wentworth,  Esq.  of  Elmsall,  in  Yorkshire,  and  had  issue  by  her  (who  died  Sep- 
tember 16,  1667)  four  children,  who  died  unmarried ;  secondly,  Elizabeth,  daughter 
of  John  Munday,  Esq.  of  Markheaton,  in  Derbyshire,  and  by  her  (who  died  February 
23,  1680)  had  issue  Sir  John,  his  successes ;  Elizabeth,  married  —  Clavering,  Esq. ; 
Mary,  Martha,  and  William,  all  died  without  issue.  Sir  William  died  in  March, 
1690,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son, 

II.  Sir  John,  born  March,  1678,  married  Frances,  daughter  and  sole  heiress  of  John 
Lambert,  Esq.  of  Calton,  in  Craven,  in  Yorkshire,  who  was  descended  from  William 
Lambert,  who  married  Gundred,  grand-daughter  to  king  William  I,  widow  to  Roger 
Beaumont,  Earl  of  Warwick,  of  the  same  name  with  her  mother,  wife  of  William 
Count  de  Warren,  whom  the  king  enriched  with  many  seigniories.  This  lady  of  the 
blood  royal  was  mother  to  Walleron,  Earl  of  Warwick,  also  to  Henry  de  Lambert, 
standard-bearer  to  king  Henry  11.  A.  D.  1167,  who  married  Alice,  sister  to  William 
Maundeville,  Earl  of  Essex,  by  whom  he  had  John  Lambert,  Esq.  who  was  presented 
with  a  very  considerable  estate  by  his  uncle,  the  Earl,  at  Skipton,  in  Yorkshire,  after- 
wards the  seat  of  the  family  till  their  removal  to  CsJton.  He  was  father  to  Sir  Ed- 
mund Lambert,  knt.  and  to  Thomas  Lambert,  sheriff  of  London,  7  king  Henry  III. 
1215 :  and  grandfather  to  Edmund  Lambert,  Esq.  who  married  into  the  family  of 
Calverley,  of  Calverley,  in  Yorkshire,  formerly  the  seat  and  estate  of  Sir  Walter  Cal- 
verley,  Bart,  father  of  the  late  Sir  Walter  Calverley  Blacketj^  of  Wallington,  in  this 
county,  Bart.  This  family  received  many  marks  of  royal  lavour  in  different  reigns. 
Four  of  them  were  honoured  with  the  order  of  knighthood.  Thomas  Lambert,  Esq. 
of  Skipton,  married  Ellen,  daughter  and  heir  of  Thomas  Wykis,  Esq.  of  Flitby, 
without  her  father's  consent,  and  even  here  an  award*  was  made  to  compel  the 

*  This  document  is  too  curious  to  be  omitted.  It  is  addressed  "  To  owre  right  trustie  and  entyrely  beloved 
cosyn  and  counsellor  Charles  Duke  of  Suffolk  owre  lyevetenant  in  the  north  partes,  and  to  our  counsel  there 
established. 

*'  Deed  of  Award,  viz.— To  all  christen  people  to  whom  this  present  writinge  shall  come,  se,  rede,  or 
hearde.  Forasmuch  as  ther  has  been  certain  variance,  debate,  and  strife,  had  and  moved  betwixt  Thomas 
Lambart  of  Skipton,  Gent,  sonn  of  John  Lambart  of  Preston,  deceased,  and  Thomas  Wikes  of  Flithy,  Gent, 
for  and  touching  the  weddinge  of  Ellen  the  only  daughter  of  the  said  Thomas  Wikes,  which  the  said  Thomas 
Lambart  wedded  at  kirk  dore  witliout  his  love  and  his  leave  gitten  or  asking  before ;  for  the  which  variance 
and 'strife  hath  the  said  parties  standen  bounden  eyther  to  other  to  fulfill  and  holde  the  award  and  doome  of 
bus  Richard  Cockson,  the  vicar  of  the  kirk  of  Batoley,  William  Blackburne,  cannon  of  Bolton,  William  Daw-, 
son,  prest  and  Thomas  Ferrand,  Gent.  Whereupon  we  awarde,  ordaine,  and  dome,  the  said  parties  to  be 
accorded  and  frendful  for  evermore,  and  that  the  said  Thomas  Lambart  shall  for  evermore  do  knowledge  to 
the  said  Thomas  Wikes  as  his  fadder  in  lawe,  and  shall  geve  as  good  a  childes  part  to  little  Christer  bis  sonn, 
'  gitten  by  the  said  Ellen  in  lawful  wedloch,  as  to  his  toher  sonnes,  called  John  and  gitten  and  bom 

by  his  first  wyfe  in  that  wedlock,  and  shall  make  the  said  Christopher  his  heire  (if  his  brother  .die)  before  the 
sisters  that  are  of  the  hale  blood  to  the  alder  bames,  and  the  said  Ellen  shall  go  to  Flithy  to  aide  Mrs  Wilkes 
her  grandam,  and  to  her  fader  and  moder,  and  ask  all  their  blessinge  and  forgivenesse  for  God  and  our  Lady 
sake,  and  they  shall  forgeve  her,  and  speake  to  her  afterwards  as  to  their  awne  barne.  And  we  ordaine, 
awarde,  and  dome  also  as  follows,  that  the  said  Thomas  Wikes  shall  geve  to  his  daughter  Ellen  no  other 
diildes  part  than  he  vontis  meet^  but  if  his  sonn  Henry  Wikes  doe  die  before  him,  the  said  Ellen  and  her 


BOLAM  PARISH.  175 

offended  piurent  to  approve  of  her  marriage.  The  famous  General .  Lambert,  who 
cx>mmanded  the  parhament  army  during  the  usurpation,  was  of  this  ancient  family, 
as  appears  by  their  genealogy,  attested  by  Camden,  St.  George,  Segar,  and  Tresswell. 
Sir  John  Middleton  had  issue.  Sir  William,  his  successor ;  Sir  John,  4th  baronet ; 
Robert,  Barbara,  Elizabeth,  Frances,  and  Catharine,  all  died  unmarried ;  Thomas,  of 
Maldon,  in  Yorkshire,  died  February  27,  1792,  having  married  Barbara,  daughter  of 
—  Guy,  Esq.  of  Newcastle  upon  Tyne,  and  had  issue  Barbara,  married  Hugh  Nauney, 
in  holy  orders,  vicar  of  Haltwhistle  in  Northumberland.  Sir  John  died  in  1721,  and 
was  succeeded  by  his  eldest  son, 

III.  Sir  William,  representative  in  parliament  for  the  county  of  Northumberland, 
married  Anne,  daughter  and  coheiress  of  WiUiam  Ettrick,  purchaser  of  the  Silks- 
worth  estate,  and  by  her  (who  died  December  12,  1763)  had  no  issue.  Sir  William 
died  September,  17d7»  and  was  succeeded  by  his  brother, 

IV.  Sir  John  Lambert,  married  Anne,  daughter  of  Sir  Nathaniel  Hodges,  of  the 
dty  of  London,  knt.  widow  of  Charles  Perkins,  Esq.  and  by  her  (who  died  in  1 762) 
had  issue.  Sir  William,  his  successor;  Thomas,  diea  in  1772,  unmarried;  Elizabeth, 
married  Jacob  Reison,  Esq.  and  died  without  issue ;  Frances,  married,  in  1770,  Sir 
George  Cooke,  Bart,  of  Wheadey,  Yorkshire,  deceased,  leaving  issue  Barbara,  died 
young;  John,  died  in  November,  1778,  having  married  Catharine,  daughter  of  Amos 
Thorne,  Esq.  of  Cork,  in  Ireland.  Sir  John  Lambert  died,  March  22,  1768,  and  was 
succeeded  by, 

V.  Sir  William,  bom  June  6, 1788,  many  years  representative  in  parliament  for  the 
county  of  Northumberland,  married  Jane,  only  surviving  daughter  and  issue  of  Lau- 
rence Monck,  Esq.  of  Caenby,  in  Lincolnshire,  and  had  issue,  William  Laurence, 
died  young ;  Thomas  Ogle,  died  young ;  Charles  Miles  Lambert,  the  present  baronet ; 
Jane  Maria,  bom  January  16, 1782 ;  Isabella  Cecilia  Viviana.  Sir  William  died  July 
7,  1795,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  only  surviving  son, 

VI.  Sir  Charles  Miles  Lambert  Monck,  the  present  baronet,  who,  in  1799,  changed 
his  name  from  Middleton  to  Monck,  in  compliance  with  the  will  of  his  grandfather, 
Laurence  Monck,  Esq.  He  married,  Septemoer  11, 1804,  Louisa  Luda,  5th  daugh- 
ter of  Sir  George  Cooke,  Bart  of  Wheatley,  in  Yorkshire,  and  has  issue,  the  eldest  of 
whom  is  Charles  Atticus,  born  at  Athens,  July  17»  1805,  and  baptized  at  Belsay  Castle 
in  1806.  Sir  Charles  was  high  sheriff  of  the  county,  41st  G^rge  III.  and  was  returned 
one  of  its  representatives  in  parliament  in  1812,  and  a^n  in  1818.  He  was  distin- 
guished in  the  House  for  his  warm  advocacy  of  the  Greek  cause,  in  the  Ionian  Islands. 

* 

Shortflat  Tower  stands  about  two  miles  south  by  west  from  Bolam.  In  the 
time  of  Edward  II.  it  was  in  the  possession  of  the  Raymes  family,  and  afterwai*ds 

bames  shall  be  beires^  and  he  shall  charge  his  said  sonn  Harry  uppon  his  blessinge  never  to  hinder  this 
awarde.  And  if  Harry  do  live  longer  than  his  fadir,  the  fadir  shall  give  his  land  in  Flithy^  (alias  Flashby) 
and  Skipton  to  his  sonn  Thomas  Lambart^  or  Christer  his  grandbame,  find  bid  Harry  that  he  shall  not  make 
away  that  in  Somersetshire.  And  we  charge  them  on  God's  name  to  fulfill  all  this  upon  payne  of  curses  of 
haly  kyrke.  In  witness  of  this  our  awarde,  we  the  said  Richard  Cockson,  William  Blackbume,  William 
Dowson^  and  Thomas  Ferrand^  have  sett  our  seales  gyfven  the  xivth  daye  of  February  in  the  yeere  of  the 
reigne  of  Kinge  Edward  the  Fourth,  the  one  and  twentieth." 


176  MORPETH  WAKD,— W,  D, 

belonged  to  the  Fen  wicks.  It  is  now  the  property  of  William  Dent,  Esq.  who  spent 
his  youth  in  the  military  service,  and  who  still  serves  his  country  in  the  honourable 
office  of  a  justice  of  the  peace. 

Harnham  is  situated  a  short  distance  south-west  firom  Shortflat.  Here  was  also 
an  ancient  fortlet,  which,  with  the  estate,  was  held  in  capite  of  the  king,  1  Edward  I. 
1272,  by  Bernard  de  Babington;  and  in  the  reign  of  king  Charles  II.  by  Colonel 
Philip  Babington,  governor  of  Berwick  upon  Tweed.  He  married  Catharine,  the 
widow  of  Colonel  George  Fenwick,  of  Brinkbum :  she  was  the  eldest  daughter  of  Sir 
Arthur  Heselriege,  of  Nosely,  in  Leicestershire,  Bart,  by  Dorothy  Greenville,  sister 
to  Robert  Lord  Brooke.  She  was  bom  at  Brook  House,  London,  in  November, 
1635 ;  and  was  interred  here  in  a  lead  coffin,  in  a  vault  cut  out  of  the  solid  rock. 
In  1760,  most  of  the  coffin  and  some  of  the  bones  were  remaining.  On  a  pane 
of  glass,  in  the  middle  window  of  the  house,  her  name  and  the  colonel's,  with 
the  date  of  the  year,  are  written  with  a  diamond : — **  philip  babington,  sept.  5, 
1668.     K.  BABINGTON,  SEPT.  7,  1668."    On  another, — ^**how  vain  is  the  help  of 

MAN.      K.  BABINGTON.      OMNIA  VANITAS.      JUNE   9TH,   1670."      It  is   Said,   shc  Wafi 

denied  Christian  burial  by  an  excommunication  for  contempt  of  ecclesiastical  censure,* 
which  was  the  reason  of  her  sepulture  in  the  curious  grot  in  the  rock.  The  colonel 
survived  her,  and  marrying  again,  had  several  children ;  the  youngest  of  whom  he 
named  after  her,  Catharine,  who  married  one'  of  the  Pultenies,  of  Carlton,  in  York- 
shire, where  is  a  pedigree  of  the  Babington  family,  beautifully  illuminated.  The 
crest,  a  dragon's  head ;  from  the  mouth  proceeding  the  words,  "  Foy  est  tous"  Sir 
John  Babington,  of  the  Harnham  family,  acquired  this  crest  and  motto  of  his  coat- 
armour  by  a  desperate  service  under  king  Henry  IV.  in  France ;  on  his  own  petition, 
he  was  one  of  six  young  knights  sent  on  this  duty ;  and  on  his  leaving  the  royal  pre- 
sence, he  brandished  his  sword,  and  exclaimed,  **  Fey  est  Ums^^  that  is — Faith  is  aU. 

Harnham  occupies  a  singularly  picturesque  situation.  Mr.  Hodgson  observes,  that 
"  seen  before  the  setting  sun,  it  appears  like  one  of  the  fine  towered  hiUs  in  the  pic- 
tures of  Nicholas  Poussin."  Wallis  derives  the  name  from  "  Aam,  or  hem^  as  a  con-, 
traction  of  the  Roman  herman,  from  Hermes^  the  god  of  travellers  and  custos  manium 
of  highways,  and  of  the  Saxon  herman^  or  hareman^  a  military  raadr  Mr.  Hedley 
remancs  (Archaeologia  j£liana,  vol.  i.  page  259)  that  this  etymology  is  confused  and 
inaccurate,  "for  Harnham,"  says  he,  *<cannot  be  derived  both  from  the  Roman,  or  rather 
the  Greek  Hermes^  and  the  Saxon  hereman^  which  are  words  that  have  not  the  slightest 
mutual  relation.  Besides,  hereman  is  not  Saxon  for  a  military  road^  but  for  miles^  a 
soldier ;  and  it  may  be  remarked  further,  that  the  place  in  question  lies  at  the  distance 
of  nearly  two  miles  from  the  Devil's  Causeway — ^the  military  road  referred  to  by 
Wallis,  and  therefore  not  at  aU  likely  to  derive  its  name  from  it.    It  is,  I  am  per* 

*  Mr.  Hutchinson  condemns  this  proceeding  in  his  severest  manner^—''  It  is  a  disgrace,'^  he  exdahns,  ^'  to 
a  polished  and  enlightened  nation,  that  such  a  court  has  existence ;  but  to  a  state  professing  the  rights  and 
and  religious  tenets,  and  enjoying  the  liberty  of  Britain,  it  is  infamy !  A  court  where,  in  despight  of  the 
right  of  trial  by  juries,  property  is  disposed  by  arbitrary  sentence,  and  where  the  grossest  acts  of  inquisitorial 
iniquity  are  daily  practised ;  such  as  private  examination  of  witnesses,  and  suppresaion  of  evidence  i  and  yet 
this  scab  upon  the  constitution  remains  uneradicated."«-*Fieip  f^Ninih.  voL  u  p.  s218, 


MORPETH  PARISH.  177 

8uad6«^  to  be  derived  from  the  Anglo-Saxon  kom^  a  oomer,  and  ham,  a  house  or  ha- 
bitation. Nothing  can  be  well  more  descriptive  of  its  singular  situation  than  this 
etytnology,  -which  will  sufficiently  appear  from  Wallis's  own  account  of  the  place. 
*  It  stande^'  says  he»  ^  on  an  eminenoe,  and  has  been  a  place  of  great  strength  and 
security,  a  range  of  perpendicular  rock«  of  rag-st(Hie  on  one  side»  and  a  morass  on  the 
other ;  the  entranoe  by  a  narrow  declivity  to  the  north,  which,  in  the  memory  of 
some  persons  now  living,  had  an  iron  gate.  The  manor-house  is  on  the  south-west 
comer  of  the  precipice.'  It  is  indeed,  literally,  a  horn-ham^  or  comer  hotise,  which,  by 
the  change  of  a  single  letter,  has  been  oonvaibed  into  HamAam.'' 

Bradford  is  situated  on  the  south  side  of  a  rivulet,  2^  miles  south-west  from  Bou 
lam.  Teewick  lies  in  a  vale  on  the  north  side  of  the  Blyth  river,  S  miles  south  by 
east  from  Bolam,    It  is  the  property  of  Sir  Charles  Loraine,  Bart 

MORPETH  PARISH. 

•  1. 

The  parish  of  Morpeth  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  part  of  the  parish  of  Mitford 
and  the  parochial  chapelry  of  Hebron,  on  the  east  by  Bothal  and  Bedlington,  on  the 
south  by  the  latter  parish,  Stannington,  and  Ponteland,  and  on  the  west  by  Whalton 
and  Mitford.  It  extends  from  north  to  south  7  miles ;  but  the  extreme  breaath  does  not 
exceed  6  miles.  The  soil  is  various.  Near  the  town  there  is  some  good  old  grass  land, 
and  a  strong  loam  incumbent  on  clay.  In  some  parts  there  are  good  turnip  soils,  upon  a 
dry,  sandy  bottom ;  while  others  present  a  dark  top  and  sandy  bottom,  or  moss  resting 
upon  a  white  sandy  day.  The  farms  are  of  a  moderate  size,  and  the  rents  at  present 
vary  from  15#.  to  £3  per  acre.  The  rental  of  the  whole  parish  in  1809  was  £15,785 
.per  annum.  Coal  has  been  found  in  most  parts  of  the  parish,  and  ffood  freestone 
abounds.  A  dike  or  vein  of  whinstone  proceeds  from  Cottenwood  to  the  Wansbeck, 
which  it  crosses  below  the  Quarry  Bridge,  and,  running  behind  Park  House,  recrosses 
the  river  near  St.  Catherine's  Well. 

This  parish  is  divided  into  two  parts :  the  one  containing  the  Borough  and  BuUars 
Green;  and  the  othar  the  townships  of  Newminster,  Tranwell,  Slulvingtcwi,  and 
Twizell,  in  the  west  division  of  Castle  Ward,  with  Catchbum  and  Hepscott,  in  the 
east  division  of  the  same  Ward.  The  entire  parish,  in  1821,  contained  594  dwelling 
houses,  and  4292  inhabitants.  The  amount  of  the  poor-rate  is  as  follows : — ^in  1815, 
£2140;  in  1816,  £1796;  in  1817,  £1874,  6s.;  in  1818,  £2250;  in  1819,  £2430,3*.; 
in  1820,  £2069,  10*.;  and  in  1821,  £1841,  17*.*  In  the  year  1754,  Thomas  Pve 
willed  £3,  and  a  rent-charge  on  £20,  to  the  poor  of  this  parish ;  and  Mrs,  Nay  lor  £2 
in  the  same  year.  The  former  also  left  £5  annually  to  the  poor-house.  In  the  fol- 
lowing year,  Thomas  Shipley  wiUed  £10  for  the  same  purpose.  William  Steel,  in 
1705,  left  £20,  the  interest  of  which  was  yearly  to  be  expended  in  the  purchase  of 
bread  for  the  poor.  Edward  Lumsden,  in  1762,  left  by  will  a  rent-charge  of  8,?.  per 
annum  to  the  poor.    Jane  and  Edward  Ward,  in  1713,  bequeathed  by  deed  10*. ; 

*  The  following  is  the  part  raised  in  the  town  «f  Morpeth :<.^1S  15,  £16^9^1816,  £l327,  ^.— 1817> 
£1381,  Ij.— 1818,  £1760,  6*.— I8I9,  £1966,  S#.~18«0,  £\66\,  12*.— 1A«I,  £1410,  7s.  The  vestry  affairs 
of  this  place  have,  during  some  years  past,  been  the  subject  of  aMich  aogry  debate,  squibbery,  and  litigi^tion, 

VOL.  II,  2  y 


178  MORPETH  WARD,— W.  D. 

and  John  Wilkinson,  in  1734,  the  like  sum  of  10#.  annually  to  the  poor-    Other  small 
sums  have  been  left  to  the  poor,  of  which  no  accurate  record  has  been  kept. 

Including  the  grammar-school,  there  are  sixteen  day-schools  in  Morpeth  town,  in 
which  520  children  are  instructed.  The  Methodist  Sunday-school  is  attended  by 
about  45  children,  20  of  whom  have  no  other  means  of  education.  There  are  also 
about  90  children  who  attend  a  Sunday-school  under  the  superintendance  of  the  Rev. 
G^eorge  Atkin,  37  of  whom  receive  no  other  education.    - 

MoKPETH  is  291i  miles  north  by  west  from  London,  14|,  miles  north  by  west 
from  Newcastle,  ana  19^  miles  south  from  Alnwick.  Its  name  is  supposed  to  have 
been  derived  from  More-path^  or  the  road  through  the  mare  or  moor.  It  is  a  well- 
built  town,  and  is  pleasantly  seated  on  the  northern  banks  of  the  river  Wansbeck,  in 
a  warm  and  sheltered  vale,  and  is  surrounded  by  a  fine  cultivated  country,  and  the 
most  beautiful  and  picturesque  scenery.* 

**  Morpet,"  says  Leland,  Itin.  voL  vii.  p.  58,  "  a  market  towne,  is  xii  longe  miles 
from  New  Castle.  Wansbeke,  a  praty  ryver,  rynnithe  thrwghe  the  syde  of  the 
towne.  On  the  hether  syde  of  the  river  is  the  principall  churche  of  the  towne.  On 
the  same  syde  is  the  fayre  castle  stondinge  upon  a  bill,  longinge  with  the  towne  to 
the  Lord  Dacres  of  Gilsland.  The  towne  is  longe  &  metely  well  buylded  with  low 
housys,  the  streets  pavyd.     It  is  far  fayrar  towne  then  Alnwicke." 

Alnwick  must  have  been  greatly  improved  since  diis  comparison  was  made,  or 
Morpeth  has  deteriorated.  At  present,  this  town  stretches  from  the  bridge  about 
half  a  mile  to  the  north-west,  the  river  running  nearly  parallel  with  the  build- 
ings for  that  distance.  Several  handsome  modem  houses  have  been  recently  erected 
in  different  parts  of  the  town,  particularly  in  the  southern  suburbs.  Many  of  the 
houses  have  a  small  garden  attached,  which  must  contribute  essentially  to  the  comfort, 
health,  and  morals  of  the  inhabitants,  who  have  also  the  advantage  of  possessing  an 
abundance  of  excellent  water.  The  market-place  is  conveniently  situated  near  the 
centre  of  the  town,  though  much  too  small  for  the  numerous  nerds  of  cattle  and 
flocks  of  sheep  and  pigs  which  are  there  exposed  for  sde.  The  sheep-pens  partly 
front  the  shops,  leaving  a  narrow  passage  to  the  door,  atid  are  partly  set  up  in  narrow 
lanes  Adjoining  the  market-place«  It  would  certainly  be  more  convenient,  and  pre- 
vent much  dirt  and  confusion,  were  some  contiguous  place  appropriated  to  the  pur- 

*  This  river  takes  its  rise  from  the  back  o£  the  JVannie,  which,  in  the  British  knguage,  signifies  the  Green 
Crag,  at  the  western  extremity  of  Kirkwhelpington  parish,  and  which  name  has,  no  doubt,  been  contracted 
into  Wanniei'becL  This  Northumbrian  river  has  been  song  by  Akenside,  who  wrote  the  first  copy  of  his 
"  Pleasures  of  Imagination"  at  Morpeth  :— 

.  ''  O  ye  Northumbrian  shades,  which  overlook 
The  rocky  pavement  and  the  mossy  falls 
Of  solitary  Wansbeck,  limpid  stream  ; 
How  gladly  I  recal  your  well-known  seats. 
Beloved  of  old,  and  that  delightftil  time 
When  all  alon6  for  many  a  summer's  day 
I  wandered  through  your  calm  recesses,  led 
In  silence  by  some  pow'rfbl  hand  unseen." 


MORPETH  PARISH.  179 

pose ;  nor  could  it  affect  the  interest  of  any  individual  were  care  taken  to  prevent 
new  buildings  from  being  erected  where  the  new  stock-market  might  be  placed.  The 
cross  is  a  commodious  structure,  on  which  is  the  following  inscription : — **  the  hon. 

PHILIP   HOWARD,   AND   SIR   HENRY   BELOSYSE,   KNT.   THE   ONLY   BENEFACTORS   OF 

*His  CROSS.  ANNO  DOM.  1699-"  On  the  west  side  of  the  market-place  is  the  Town- 
hall.  It  is  an  elegant  structure  of  hewn  stone,  with  a  piazza  ornamented  with  rustic 
work :  the  superstructure,  which  is  now  in  a  state  of  dilapidation,  is  tastefully  deco- 
rated with  turrets,  and  wa^  erected  in  the  year  1714,  at  the  expence  of  the  Carlisle 
family,  whose  manorial  court  is  held  in  it.  It  has  also  been  used  as  a  public  hall,  a 
session-house,  and  the  lower  part  is  occasionally  converted  into  a  theatre.  Near  the 
market-place  is  a  square  tower,  containing  a  good  ring  of  bells,  which  is  very  useful, 
as  the  church  is  at  some  distance  from  the  town.  Between  the  town-hall  and  the 
bridge  stands  the  county-gaol,  which  will  very  shortly  be  pulled  down. 

At  the  north-east  end  of  the  bridge,  and  fronting  the  river,  is  a  very  handsome 
modem-built  chapel,  of  white  freestone*  The  grammar-school,  which  was  founded 
by  king  Edward  V I.  is  kept  in  the  west  part.  This  was  an  old  chantry,  which  was 
partly  demolished  at  the  dissolution  of  the  monastries,  and  remained  in  that  situation 
till  the  school  was  erected.  The  king  endowed  it  with  the  revenues  of  two  dissolved 
chantries  in  Morpeth,  and  one  at  Netherwitton,  The  middle  area  of  the  old  chantry 
to  the  west  is  pretty  entire,  only  the  windows  are  enlarged  and  the  original  entrance 
built  up.  The  north  area  was  almost  totally  demolished,  and  many  houses  built  out 
.  of  the  materials  on  the  ground.  In  a  yard  behind  these  houses,  the  ground-plan, 
which  has  been  crudforin,  may  still  be  traced  out. 

The  bridge  is  a  strong  old  structure,  consisting  of  two  wide  arches.  It  is  extremely 
narrow,  and  so  steep  as  to  be  very  difficult  in  the  ascent,  and  not  less  dangerous  in  the 
descent,  especially  to  heavy-loaden  waggons.  Both  to  people  on  foot  and  horseback 
the  passage  is  equally  inconvenient  and  perilous.  It  is  the  property  of  the  Earl  of 
Carhsle,  by  whose  family  it  was  erected  for  the  use  and  convenience  of  the  burgesses. 
Though  it  has  been  indicted,  yet  it  does  not  seem  that  either  the  lord  of  the  manor 
or  the  corporation  can  be  legally  compelled  to  repair  or  rebuild  it  The  house  of  cor- 
rection stands  on  the  south  side  of  the  bridge. 

The  parochial  church  is  seated  on  an  eminence  called  Kirkhill,  on  the  west  side  of 
the  post-road,  and  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  south  of  the  river.  It  is  dedicated  to  St. 
Mary,  and  is  a  very  plain  structure.  It  has  three  good  aisles,  a  gallery  at  the  west 
etid,  and  another  between  the  pillars  pf  the  north  aisle.  There  are  few  inscriptions 
worthy  of  notice,  except  a  Latin  one  in  the  chancel,  belonging  to  the  Greys  of  Chil- 
lingham.  In  this  church  was  a  chantry  dedicated  to  the  \lrgin  Mary,  but  by  whom 
founded,  or  how  endowed,  is  not  known.  John  Anderson  was  chaplain  8  king 
Henry  VII.    The  living  is  a  rectory,*  in  the  gift  of  the  Earl  of  Carlisle,  valued  in  the 

*  1645,  John  Pye,  rector.  1662,  John  Pye,  his  son,  rector.  l672,  he  exchanges  with  Ralph  Fenwick  for 
Stamfordham.  John  Pye,  in  Arlibus  Mag.  27  Mar.  l672,  on  resignation  of  Ralph  Fenwick.  1691^  Cuth* 
bert  Fenwick  presented  on  death  of  John  Pye.  1745,  Oliver  Naylor  presented  on  death  of  Cuthbert  Fen« 
wick.  1775,  Jefirey  Ekins,  D.  D. :  he  was  also  rector  of  Sedgefield  and  dean  of  Carlisle,  resigned  1782,  died 
1792.  1782,  Jeffrey  Ekins,  A.  M.  succeeded  hia  fiither;  he  married  the  daughter  and  coheir  of —  Tyler,  of 
Whalton,  son  of  the  steward  of  the  Portland  fiunily.    Frederick  Ekins  is  the  present  rector. 


180  MORPETH  WARD^—W.  D 

king's  books  at  £3S,  16^.  8<f.    The  rectory-house^  which  stands  on  the  east  side  of  the 
road  is  a  very  handsome  building. 

The  old  baronial  castle*  stands  at  a  short  distance  from  the  church.  It  is  in  ruins, 
little  remaining  thereof  but  an  old  gateway  tower,  inhabited  by  meC^hanics^f  and  part 
of  the  outward  wall  which  enclosed  the  area  and  interior  buildings.  This  space  in- 
dudes  about  an  acre  of  ground,  which  is  now  converted  into  a  garden.  It  is  placed 
on  a  lofty  eminence,  unassisted  by  art ;  the  northern  side  being  secured  by  a  deep 
valley.  The  tower  has  formerly  had  angular  turrets  at  the  north-east  and  south-east 
comers,  with  a  communication  by  an  open  gallery,  which  was  supported  by  project- 
ing corbies :  there  is  no  portcullis.  In  the  centre  of  the  arched  roof  of  the  gateway 
is  a  square  aperture,  calculated  to  annoy  assailants  who  should  gain  the  outward  gate. 
It  commands  a  fine  prospect,  overlooking  the  town  of  Morpeth,  and  the  banks  of  the 
Wansbeck,  where  large  tracts  of  woodlands  are  beautifully  disposed.  Near  this 
tower,  towards  the  north-east,  and  on  the  other  side  of  the  deep  ddil  or  valley  before 
mentioned,  is  a  round  mound  of  earth,  on  a  natural  mount,  whose  height  is  greatly 
increased  by  art.  It  appears  to  have  been  raised  rather  by  assailants  than  as  an  out- 
work or  defence  to  the  castle ;  for  from  thence,  by  engines,  stones  and  missile  wea- 
pons might  be  thrown  into  the  interior  parts  of  the  fortress,  to  annoy  the  garrison : 
and,  agreeably  to  the  modes  practised  in  early  times,  perhaps  this  was  cast  up  for  an 
opposing  fort  and  malvaisin  op  some  blockade. 

The  weekly  market  is  held  on  Wednesday,  for  com  (sold  by  sample),  butchers' 
meat,  butter,  eggs,  poultry,  &c.  and  for  fat  cattle  and  sheep :  of  the  former,  on  an 
average,  not  less  than  200  are  sold  weekly ;  and  of  sheep  and  lambs  abcmt  2500 ; 
which  are  principally  bought  up  for  the  consumption  of  Newcastle,  Shields,  Sunder- 
land, &c4  Sixty  years  ago,  there  was  not  above  one-fourth  of  tiiis  number  offered  for 
sale,  and,  for  jseveral  weeks  in  the  winter,  very  few  sheep  or  cattle,  if  any,  were  exhi-* 
bited.  At  this  time,  also,  the  butchers  of  the  neighbouring  maritime  ports  were 
obliged  to  purchase  a  great  deal  of  fat  cattle  in  me  vicinity  of  Darlington,  and 
other  parts  of  the  county  of  Durham ;  but  circumstances  are  now  changed,  the  north-^ 
em  farmers  being  not  only  able  to  supply  the  increasing  population  of  these  places, 
but  to  send  great  numbers  of  both  fat  cattle  and  sheep  every  year  to  Leeds,  Wake^ 
field,  Manchester,  and  other  manufacturing  towns.  The  internal  consumption  of 
Morpeth  is  also  considerable ;  for,  during  the  year  1822,  there  were  8S7  bullocks,  872 
calves,  and  3640  sheep  and  lambs  killed.  But  this  statement  does  not  include  aU  the 
cattle  and  sheep  kiUed  by  the  butchers  of  Morpeth,  as  many  are  brought  from  the 
neighbourhood,  and  their  skins  inspected  elsewhere. 

*  Morpeth  castle  stondytbe  by  Morpith  towne^  it  is  let  on  a  highe  hille,  and  aboot  the  hill  is  moehe  wood^ 
Towne  and  castle  belongeth  to  the  Loffd  Dacres.     It  is  well  msyntayned."— JLeioTuf. 

t  1627,  S,  9,  Charles  I.  Sir  Edward  Grey,  of  Morpeth  Cattle,  was  returned  as  grand  juror,  being  there  re^ 
sident  as  tenant  of  the  Howard  family. 

X  The  cattle  market  lately  establidxed  at  Sunderland  has  not  materially  aiected  the  demand  here.  The 
project  for  holding  a  weekly  market  for  live  cattle  and  sheep  in  Newcastle,  was  supported  by  many  of  the 
Inhabitants,  but  rejected  by  the  common  council  of  that  town.  Many  aiguments  were  urged  against  tiie 
adoption  of  this  plan,  which  would  evidently  prove  highly  injurious  to  the  interests  of  Morpeth, 


MORPETH  PARISH.  181 

Morpeth  has  the  privilege  of  two  annual  fairs ;  the  one  held  on  the  Wednesday 
se'nnight  before  Whitsuntide,  for  cattle,  sheep,  &c.  and  the  other  on  the  Wednesday 
preoemng  the  22d  of  July.  There  are  also  hirin^-^ys  for  hinds,  female  servants,  &6. 
which  are  subject  to  the  control  of  the  bailiffi,  who  may  alter  them  to  suit  the  public 
convenience. 

The  Queen's  Head,  the  Old  and  New  Phoenix,  and  the  Black  Bull,  are  the  prin- 
cipal inns ;  and  there  are  about  thirty  other  inns  and  public  houses,  many  of  which 
possess  very  comfortable  accommodations  for  travellers.  There  are  also  two  common 
breweries :  the  subscription  brewery,  carried  on  by  Messrs.  J.  and  W.  Thompson,  is 
an  extensive  concern.  The  tanning  business  is  carried  on  here  with  considerable 
spirit,  there  being  four  respectable  tanneries ;  and  there  is  a  flannel  manufactory,  be- 
longing to  Mes&rs.  R.  and  B.  Thompson.  The  banking  house  of  Messrs.  Lambton 
and  Co.  and  that  of  Messrs.  Chapman  and  Co.  has  each  a  branch  establishment  here^ 
which  is  a  great  convenience  to  the  butchers,  farmers,  and  graziers,  M'ho  attend  the 
market.  Morpeth,  from  its  inland  situation,  is  not  advantageously  situated  for  ma^ 
nufacturing  establishments,  so  that  its  trade  will  always  depend  upon  its  great  market 
for  agricultural  stock  and  produce.* 

The  Presbyterians  have  long  had  a  meeting-house  here ;  the  Methodists  have  also 
a  neat  place  of  worship,  and  the  Roman  Catholics  a  small  chapel.  The  grammar- 
school  was  founded  and  endowed  by  Edward  YI. ;  and  statutes  and  ordinances  for 
this  school  were  made  by  the  bailiffs  and  bu^esses,  and  confirmed  by  the  Right  Rev. 
Father  in  God,  William  Lord  Bishop  of  Durham,  the  7th  day  of  Januaiy,  17S5» 
amongst  which  the  following  are  particularly  worthy  of  notice : — ^**  10.  The  master 
shall  be  of  the  degree  of  Master  of  Arts.  11.  The  usher  shall  be  Bachelor  of  Arts. 
IS.  They  shall  teach  all  freemen  and  brothers'^ children  gratis.  14.  That  the  sons  of 
all  tenants  and  farmers,  who  have  not  a  freehold  estate  above  the  value  of  £20  per 
annum,  shall  be  taught  for  20«.  per  annum,  and  the  master  and  usher  shall  ask  no 
more."  Bv  a  return  made  to  parliament,  and  printed  in  18199  it  then  contained  but 
twdve  children,  sons  of  freemen.  By  the  royal  charter,  a  chantry  was  given  at  Ne- 
therwitton ;  ^d,  in  consequence  of  some  disputes  one  hundred  years  ago,  an  agrees 
ment  was  made  between  the  bailiflfk  of  Morpeth  and  the  proprietor  of  the  estate,  that 
£l00  per  annum  should  be  paid  in  lieu  or  the  said  land  belonging  to  the  chantry; 
and  which,  with  other  charities  and  tenements,  produce  altogether  £  244  per  annum. 
Two-thirds  of  this  sum  is  paid  to  the  master,  and  one-third  to  the  usher,  who  rive 
£70  between  them  to  a  writing  assistant ;  and  the  master  has  about  45  extra  scholars, 
who  pay  a  quarterage,  with  10  of  the  free  boys,  who  pay  for  learning  the  mathema- 
tics. Ilere  is  also  a  free  school,  which  is  attended  by  about  60  of  the  children  of  the 
burgesses.    It  is  supported  by  sybscriptions  from  th^  corporation  and  som^  of  the  im 

*  It  has  been  recommended  to  render  the  bed  of  the  Wansbeck  navigable  to  Morpeth;  and  as  the  tide 
flows*  up  as  &T  as  Sheepwash^  within  four  miles  of  the  town,  the  project,  it  would  seem,  mi^t  be  executed 
without  much  expence  or  difficulty.  It  would  certainly  be  productive  of  incalculable  advantages,  not  only 
to  Morpeth,  but  to  the  surrounding  country.  There  exists  however^  some  formidable  obstacles  against  the 
adoption  of  this  desirable  scheme.  Whilst  op.  the  subject  of  improvements^  it  may 'be  proper  to  remark,  that 
the  pavement  of  the  streets  is  generally  in  a.  most  wretched  ooiidilioi^.  This,  defect  would  undoubt^y  be 
remedied,  i(  pi^operly  represented  to.  the  Bail  of  Carliste. 

VOL.  II. — (29)  2  Z 


182  MORPETH  WARD--^W.  D. 

corporated  companies.  The  master  has  £ 47  per  annum.  Exclusive  of  the  other  four- 
teen day-schools,  there  is  a  boarding-school  here  for  young  ladies,  kept  by  Mi«s  Lee. 

Besides  a  circulating  library,  kept  by  Mr.  Stephen  Wilkinson,  a  bookseller,  there  is 
a  book-club,  supported  by  the  clergy  and  principal  gentlemen  of  the  town  and  neigh- 
bourhood. Each  member  pays  two  guineas  at  entrance,  and  one  guinea  annuafly. 
The  subscription  is  applied  to  the  purchase  of  books,  which  are  annually  sold  by  auc- 
tion. There  is  another  similar  institution  on  a  small  scale.  Here  is  a  Masonic  lodge 
and  a  lodge  of  Odd  Fellows ;  also  four  benefit  societies  belonging  to  men,  and  one  to 
women,  whose  funds,  it  is  said,  are  judiciously  managed.  The  prosperity  of  the 
Savings  Bank  and  the  Bible  society  is  much  owing  to  the  exertions  of  the  Rev. 
Thomas  Shute.  During  the  last  seven  years,  two  hundred  patients  have,  on  an  ave- 
rage, been  annually  admitted  into  the  Dispensary  here ;  but  the  number  of  applicants 
is  gradually  decreasing. 

Many  officers  upon  half-pay  have  found  Morpeth  a  cheap  and  agreeable  place  of 
residence.  The  inhabitants,  in  regard  to  good  sense  and  general  information,  are  cer- 
tainly not  inferior  to  those  of  any  other  country  town  whatever ;  and  this  place  can 
boast  of  having  been  the  birth-place  or  residence  of  many  illustrious  charactCTS,  who 
have  reflected  honour  on  their  country** 

•  fVUliam  Turner,  A.  M.  and  M.  D.  was  a  native  of  Morpeth.  He  received  his  first  academical  education 
at  Chriaf  8  College  in  Cambridge,  under  the  patronage  of  Sir  Thomas  Wentt^orth.  His  tutor  was  the  learned 
George  Folbery,  S.  T.  P.  preceptor  to  the  Duke  of  Richmond,  brother  to  king  Edward  VI.  He  acquired 
great  reputation  for  his  learning,  and  was  elected  fe!h>w  of  Pembroke  Hall  about  the  year  1581.  His  coun- 
tryman. Bishop  Ridley,  was  then  fellow  of  the  same  college,  between  whom  and  Dr.  Turner  there  were  a 
great  intimacy  and  friendship,  and  both  were  strenuons  advocates  of  the  dawning  reformation.  About  1556, 
he  ifiras  admitted  to  deacon's  orden,  being  at  the  same  time  Maater  of  Atts.  He  applied  himself  with  pecu- 
liar di%ence  to  philosophy  and  physics,  and  espedally  to  the  study  of  plants  and  the  materia  medAoa  of  tiie 
andents.  He  complams  <^  the  little  assistanoe  he  oonld  nKsdve  in  these  pursuits.  **  Being  yet  a  studmt  of 
Pembroke  Hall,  where  I  could  learn  never  one  Gr^e,  neither  Latin,  nor  English  name,  even  amongst  die 
physicians,  of  any  herbe  or  tree;  such  was  tibe  ignorance  of  that  time;  and  as  yet  there  was  no  Engttsh 
herbal^  but  one  all  full  of  unlearned  cacographies  and  falsely  nanii^  of  herbes,"  Uniting  the  diaraeter  of 
divine  and  physician,  agreeably  to  the  practice  of  many  othiers,  he  travelled  im  many  pmts  of  England,  and 
propagated  the  doctrines  of  the  reformation  with  so  much  seal,  that  %hop  Gardiiier  had  him  thrown  into 
prison.  When  set  at  Jiberty,  he  went  into  voluntary  exile  during  the  remainder  of  the  reign  of  Henry  VHI. 
This  banishment  proved  favourable  to  his  advancement  in  medical  and  botanical  studies ;  he  resided  alt  Iftisfl, 
Strasbargh,  and  at  Bonn,  but  principal]^  at  Cologn,  with  many  other  English  refugees.  He  dwelt  for  some 
time  at  Weissenburgh ;  and  travelled  also  into  Italy,  and  took  the  degree  of  doctor  of  physic  at  Ferrara.  As 
at  this  period  the  learned  were  applying  with  great  assiduity  to  the  illustration  of  the  ancients,  it  was  a  for- 
tunate circumstance  for  Dr.  Turner,  that  he  had  an  opportunity  of  attending  the  lectures  of  Lucas  Grhinus, 
at  Bologna,  of  whom  he  speaks  in  his  ''  Herbal"  with  great  satisfaction,  and  frequently  cites  his  authority 
against  odier  comanentatora.  Turner  resided^  considerable  time  at  Basil,  %he«ice  he  dsitOB  Ifete  dedication  of 
Ins  book  **  On  tibe  Baths  of  England  and  Germany."  During  Ms  residence  in  Swftserland,  he  oontracted  a 
friendship  with  Geotier,  ttnd  af^rwards  kept  ^  a  coiyedpondence  wkh  him.  (Sesner  IhhI  «  hlg^  opmion  of 
Tui'ner,  as  a  phymcian  and  man  <yf  general  learn^g,  whose  e^afl,  lie  says,  he  scaroify  remembered.  Tkb 
eiAcomittm  occurs  in  Gesner's  book  "  De  Herbis  Lunarik."  On  tke^sfcoesskm  of  Sdwcod  Vf .  Or.  Tnmer  f»- 
turued  to  Englsind,  was  inoorporated  M.  D.  at  <hfdk:d,  appointed  a  phyaician  ifeo  the  praite<Aor,  E^ard, 
Duke  of  Somerset,  and,  as  a  divine,  was  rewarded  with  a  pi^band  of  Yerk,  ^-^sancnry  of  Wiadaor,  and  the 


MORPETH  PAEIfiia  183 

In  1821,  the  town  of  Morpeth,  including  BuUersgveen,  contained  48A  uihablted 
houses,  and  3670  inhabitants,  being  a  decrease  of  22  houses  and  14  families  since 
the  year  1811*    In  1819»  the  poor-rates  in  these  places  amounted  to  nearly  lU,  $d.  9, 

deanery  of  Wells.  In  1552^  he  'was  ordained  priest  by  Bishop  Ridky.  He  speaks  of  hinaaelf^  in  the  thirc) 
part  of  his  '<  Herbal/'  as  having  been  physician  to  the  ''  Erie  of  Embden,  Lord  of  East  Friesland."  In  15^1, 
he  published  the  first  part  of  his  History  of  Plants,  which  he  dedicated  to  the  Duie  of  Somerset^  his  patron. 
But  when  queen  Mary  sueoeeded  to  the  duxine,  he  prudendy  returned  to  the  contiaentf  where  be  remained 
at  Basil,  or  Strasburgh,  until  the  accession  of  queen  Elizabeth.  He  then  returned,  aod  was  reinstated  in  his 
preferments;  but  having  altered  his  theological  ideas  while  abroad,  he  D9V  treated  the  English  discipline 
and  ccHremonies  with  the  most  unqualified  contempt.  By  this  conduct  he  incurred  the  eeosure  of  the  clergy, 
but  was  nnifonnly  protected  by  the  queen,  who  respected  his  honest  and  intrepid  spirit  In  Uie 
of  die  com^^te  edidon  of  his  '^  Herbal"  to  her  in  1566,  he  acknowledges  wid)  gradttide  her  &vours  in 
storing  him  to  his  benefices,  and  in  other  ways  protecdng  him  from  troaUes,  having,  at  four  several  dmec^ 
granted  him  the  great  seal  for  that  purpose.  Dr.  Turner  seems  to  heve  divided  bis  time  between  his  deanery, 
where  he  had  a  botanical  garden,  of  which  Arequent  mention  is  made  in  his  "  Herbal,''  and  his  house  i^ 
Crutdied  Friars,  London.  He  speaks  eko  of  his  garden  at  Kew ;  and  from  the  repeated  nodces  he  takes  of 
die  plants  in  Purbeck,  and  about  Portland,  I>r.  Pjulteney  infers  that  he  must  have  had  «ome  indmate  oonneo- 
dons  m  Dorsetshire.  He  died  July  7»  166S,  a  few  months  after  the  puUicadon  of  the  last  part  of  his  '^Hei> 
bal,"  and  was  buried  in  die  chatied  of  St.  Olave's  chiirch.  Hart-street,  London^  where  a  monument  was 
erected  to  his  memory  by  his  widow. 

Dr.  Turner  was  the  author  of  many  controversial  treatises,  chiefly  written  against  P<^ry.  Among  diese 
were,  1.  ''The  Hunting  of  die  Romish  Fox,"  &c.  Basil,  1548.  2.  '' Besciiing  of  die  Rxmish  Fox,"  1545. 
S.  **  The  Hunting  of  d»  Romisfti  Wolf,"  Svo. :  all  these  were  published  under  the  name  of  William  Wrauglb- 
tcm.  4. ''  Dialogue,  wiMrein  is  contained  die  Examination  of  the  Mam,"  Loud.  Svo.  5.  "  A  Preservative,  or 
Trifide  against  the  Poieon  of  Pelagius,  lately  renewed  and  stirred  up  again,  by  the  furious  sect  of  the  Ana^ 
baptists,"  ibid.  1551,  l£mo.  6.  ''A  new  Bmak  ai  spiritual  Physic  fiur  divers  Diseases/'  1555.  7.  /'The 
Hunting  of  die  Fok  and  Wolf,  because  they  did  make  havodc  of  the  Sheep  of  Jesus  Christ,"  Svo.  Tanoer 
mentions  a  few  other  arti<^;  and  there  are  several  of  his  tracts  yet  in  manuscript,  in  various  libraries.  He 
oollated  the  translation  of  the  Bible  with  Hebrew,  Greek,  end  Latin  copies,  and  c(Mrrected  it  in  many  |^bces. 
He  procured  to  be  printed  at  Antwerp  a  new  and  coczected  editioci  of  William  of  Newbui|^'s  "  Historic 
gends  fiostrse,"  from  a  MS.  he  found  in  the  lifarary  at  Wells ;  but  complains  that  the  printer  not  only  omitted 
certain  articles  sent  by  him,  but  left  out  the  piefaoe  he  sent  him,  and  substituted  one  of  his  own«  Our  author 
dso  translated  several  woiks  from  the  Latin,  particularly  ^''  The  Comparison  of  the  Old  Ijearning  and  the 
New,"  written  by  Urbanns  Regius,  Soiidiwark,  1687,  Avo.  and  again  15S8  and  1546. 

His  4^8t  work  •en  the  subjeot  of  plants  was  printed  at  Cdogn,  under  the  title  of  '^  Historia  de  naturis  herb- 
arum,  seholiis  et  notis  valiata,"  1 544,  Svo.  Bumaldus  ss  die  only  writer  who  mentions  this  work,  and  it 
probably  was  not  reprinted  4n  En^and.  It  was  Ibllowed  by  «  small  volume  under  the  tide  of  ''  NamfH  laf 
Hefbes,  in  Greek,  Latin,  English,  Dutch,  sfid  French,"  Lond.  1548.  As  his  knowledge  in  netural  hiatory 
was  not  conihied  to  botany,  he  published  a  ti«atise  on  birds,  entitled  "  Avium  prcecipuarum,  quarum  e|iid 
Plinium  et  Aristotelem  mentio  est,  brevis  et  socdncta  historia,"  Colqgn,  154S,  8vo.  By  a  letter  of  his  pre- 
fixed to  Gesner^s  "  Historia  Animalium,"  edit  1^20,  relating  to  the  English  fishes,  it  appears  that  he  had  no 
inconsiderable  degree  of  knowledge  in  that  part  of  inology.  Bat  the  work  which  secured  his  reputation  to 
posterity,  and  entities  him  to  the  character  of  jut  original  writer  on  that  aubject,  in  England,  is  his  "  Hifltory 
€»f  Plants,"  printed  at  different  times,  in  three  parts,  in  M.  with  cuts,  under  the  tide  of  a  '''New  Herbal,'* 
Loud.  1551,  part  first ;  port  second  at  C^ogn,  in  1562 ;  with  diis  was  reprinted  the  first  part,  and  his  "  Book 
on  die  Badies  of  England  and  Germany."  Theae  were  reprinted,  widi  a  third  part,  in  1 568.  Dr.  Pultene^ 
has  given  e  mianle  aocoontof  the^omitents  and  pno^gtess  of  this  work,  and  observe^  thait  when  we  regiard  the 


184  MORPETH  WARD,— W.  D 

N 

.  head ;  while,  in  the  same  year,  these  rates  in  Newcastle  were  very  little  more  than 
Ss.  4^.  a  haod.  This  circumstance,  added  to  the  late  depression  in  agriculture,  is 
perhaps  sufficient  to  account  for  the  comparatiye  want  of  increase  in  the  population. 

time  in  which  Dr.  Turner  livedo  and  the  little  assistance  he  could  derive  from  his  contemporari^  he  will 
appear  to  have  exhibited  uncommon  diligence,  and  great  erudition,  and  fully  to  deserve  the  character  of  an 
original  writer.  He  also  paid  early  attention  to  mineral  waters,  and  to  wines ;  and  wrote  on  both  subjects^ 
In  his  works,  the  rare  plants,  the  birds,  and  the  river  and  sea  fishes,  which  he  observed  in  his  native  county, 
are  particularly  described. 

From  a  passage  in  his  "  Spiritual  Physic,''  he  appears  once  to  have  been  a  member  of  the  House  of  Com- 

.  mons;  and  in  1550  there  was  a  design  of  placing  him  at  the  head  of  Oriel  College.  Fox  speaks  of  Turner 
with  great  respect,  as  ''  a  man  whose  authority  neither  is  to  be  n^lected,  nor  credit  to  be  disputed."  He 
married  Jane,  daughter  of  George  Ander,  an  alderman  of  Cambridge,,  who  after  his  death  married  Cox, 
bishop  of  Ely.  In  memory  of  her  first  husband,  she  left  some  money  and  lands  to  Pembroke  HalL  By  this 
lady  Dr.  Turner  had  a  son,  Peter,  who  was  a  physician,  and  practised  in  London,  and  resided  the  Utter  part 
of  his  life  hi  St  Helen's,  Bishopsgate-street,  London.  He  died  in  l6l4,  and  was  buried  near  his  fiither  in 
SL  Olave's  church,  where  there  is  a  monument  to  his  memory.  He  married  Pascha,  sister  to  Dr.  Henry 
Parr,  bishop  of  Worcester,  by  whom  he  had  eight  children,  one  of  whom,  called  Peter,  became,  according  to 

'Wood,  "  versed  in  aU  kinds  of  literature,"  but  particularly  excelled  in  the  knowledge  of  geometry  and  anti- 
quities. In  consequence  d  his  adherence  to  the  cause  of  Charles  I.  he  was  ejected  from  his  fellowship  and 
professorship  in  the  university  of  Oxford.  He  died  at  Southwark,  in  January,  1651.— Fi«/2rrV  Warthksp 
Aih,  Ox,  voL  t.     Chalmers'  Biog,  Diet,  vol  xxx. 

Thomas  G^son,  the  townsman  and  contemporary  of  Dr.  Turner,  acquired  great  fame  for  his  extraordinary 
attainments  in  physic,  divinity,  history,  and  botany.  Bale  befetows  on  him  the  greatest  encomiums,  declaring 
that  he  performed  almost  incredible  cures.  He  pursued  the  study  of  theology  and  natural  history  with  equal 
seal  and  success.  Being  a  warm  friend  to  the  Reformation,  he  was  obliged  to  become  a  fugitive  in  the  reign 
cf  queen  Mary ;  but  on  the  accession  of  Elixabeth,  he  returned,  and  died  in  London  in  156^.  Amoi^  his 
works  are,  1.  "  A  breve  Chronicle  of  the  Bishops  of  Rome's  Blessynge,  &c."  a  work  supposed  to  be  the  samp 
called  by  others  ''The  Treasons  of  the  Prelates,"  in  £nglish  rhyme,  Lond.  l6mo.  printed  by  John  Daye, 
eonsisting  of  only  eight  leaves.  S.  "  The  Sum  of  the  Acts  and  Decrees  made  by  divers  Bishops  of  Rome," 
from  the  Latin,  12mo.  no  date.  5.  "A  Treatise  behoovefuU  as  well  to  preserve  the  Pe<^le  from  Pestilence, 
as  to  help  and  recover  them.  See"  \5S6,  4to.  The  following  remain  in  manuscript,  ''An  Herbal ;"  "  Treatise 
against  unskilful  Chemists,  &c."— Bo/e. — AikirCs  Biog*.  Mem.  of  Medicine, 

The  Rev.  John  Horsky,  a  very  learned  antiquarian,  may  properiy  be  noticed  herew  The- place  of  his  birth 
is  uncertain,  but  an  opinion  prevails  that  he  was  bom  in  thd  neighbouriiood  of  this  town.  He,  no  doubt, 
belonged  to  a  branch  of  the  ancient  Northumbrian  family  of  the  Horsleys.     He  received  his  early  education 

'  at  the  grammar-school  c^  Newcastle,  after  which  he  studied  for  some  time  in  one  of  the  Scotch  universities, 
where  he  took  a  degreoy  and  then  settled  in  Morpeth,  as  pastor  to  the  congregation  of  Presbyterians*  He 
distinguished  himself  by  his  profound  knowledge  of  the  antiquities  of  his  country,  of  which  he- gave  some 
•pedmens  in  letters  addressed  to  Roger  Gale,  Esq.  dated  in  1720.  His  great  work  did  not  appear  till  llSSt^ 
a  short  time  after  his  death.  It  is  entitled,  "  Britannia  Romana,"  and  contains  an  account  of  aU  the  vestiges 
of  the  connection  of  the  Romans  with  this  island.  It  commences  with  a  historical  relation  of  the  Roman 
transactions  in  Britain ;  a  list  of  their  legionary  and  auxiliary  forces,  with  their  several  stations ;  and  a  de- 
scription of  the  Roman  walls,  illustrated  with  maps.  A  second  book  contains  a  ooUeotioaof  all  the  RcNnan 
inscriptions  and  sculptures  which  have  been  discovered  in  Britain;  and  a  third  is  devoted  to  the  geography 
of  the  island,  as  laid  down  by  Ptolemy,  Antonine'a  Itinentry,  the  Notitia,  &c.  This  work  has  obtained  great 
applause  fh>m  the  learned,  and  remains  an  honourable  memorial  of  the  author.  Mr.  Hordey  was  likewise 
wdl  versed  in  mathematical  studies,  and  gave  lectures  in  the  several  branches  of  natural  philo6(^y» 


MORPETH  PARISH.  185 

At  the  spring  assizes,  held  in  the  first  year  of  his  present  majesty's  reign,  Morpeth 
gaol  was  presented  by  the  grand  jury  as  being  ruinous,  insecure,  and  insufficient  in 
point  of  size  for  the  proper  classification  of  the  prisoners.     The  royal  assent  was 

with  great  and  merited  approbation^  both  at  Newcastle  and  Morpeth.    He  died  in  December^  1731,  at  the 

age  of  46. 

The  Rev.  Robert  Trotier,  of  Windyhaugh,  was  minister  of  the  dissenting  congregation  of  Morpeth  during 
the  lopg  space  of  51  years.  He  was  a  gentleman  distinguished  through  a  long  and  useful  life  for  his  un-^ 
affected  piety,  the  meekness  of  his  disposition,  and  his  theological  and  classical  learning.  He  was  descended 
from  one  of  the  oldest  families  of  the  north ;  it  sprung  from  the  house  of  Marr,,  and  was  ennobled  by  one  of 
the  Scottish  kings  before  titles  became  hereditary  in  that  country.  For  some  centuries  the  Trotters  held 
places  of  great  public  trust  and  emolument;  they  were  among  the  first  who  disposed  of  their  lands  for  the 
relief  of  distressed  royalty,  on  the  abdication  of  the  Stuarts,  whose  standards  they  followed  in  the  different 
rebellions.  The  ruin  of  the  family,  was  completed  in  174^5,  which  was  the  last  struggle  for  the  cause  of  those 
princes.  Mr.  Trotter  died  in  April,  1807,  aged  75,  at  which  time  threfe  of  his  ^m  w^e  wielding  th^  sword 
in  the  service  of  their  country. 

Dr,  Robert  Morrison,  the  celebrated  Chinese  linguist  and  missionary,  and  who  is  not  less  distinguished  by 
grasp  of  capacity  and  variety  of  acquirements,  than  by  the  pre-eminent  utility  of  his  labours,  is  a  native  of 
Morpeth.  His  father  came  from  Dunfermline,  in  Scotland ;  and  his  mother  was  a  Northumbrian, 
He  was  bom  in  Bullersgreen,  January  5,  1782  ;  but  his  parents  removed  to  Newcastle  when  he 
was  about  three  years  old.  At  a  proper  age  he  was  placed  under  the  care  of  his  unde,  the  late  Mr.  James 
Nicholson,  a  respectable  mathematical  teacher  in  that  town,  from  whom  he  learned  the  common  branches  of 
education.  He  then  became  apprentice  to  his  father,  who  was  a  last  and  boot-tree  maker,  in  which  business 
he  displayed  equal  skill  and  industry.  Every  interval  from  labour  was  occupied  in  the  acquisition  of  know« 
ledge,  or  in  attending  to  the  duties  of  religion.  During  the  latter  part  of  his  apprenticeship,  imd  while  he 
worked  as  a  journeyman^  he  applied  the  savings  from  his  wages  to  the  purchase  of  books,  and  the  procuring 
of  assistance  in  his  classical  studies.  These  he  pursued  under  the  direction  of  the  Rev.  Adam  Laidlaw,  then 
minister  of  the  Scots  church  in  Silver-street,  from  whom  he  learned  Latin  and  Greek.  At  the  same  time  he 
acquired  some  knowledge  of  Hebrew,  and  learned  to  write  short-hand  with  considerable  facility.  He  next 
entered  on  a  course  of  theological  studies,  but  still  found  time  to  be  an  active  visiter  of  the  Society  for  the 
Relief  of  the  Friendless  Poor.  In  January,  1803,  he  was  sent  to  the  academy  at  Hoxton,  where  he  was  ad^- 
mitted  a  probationer  on  the  7th  of  that  month,  and  fully  admitted  on  the  21st  Here  he  continued,  under 
the  tuition  of  the  late  Dr.  Simpson,  nearly  twelve  months,  when  the  offer  of  his  services  to  the  London  Mis« 
sionary  Society  being  accepted,  he  removed  to  the  academy  at  Goqiort  belonging  to  that  institution.  While 
under  Dr.  Bogue,  in  addition  to  his  other  studies,  he  learned  the  French  language ;  but  his  attention  was 
chiefly  directed  to  the  acquisition  of  the  Chinese  language,  assisted  by  Yung  Saam  Tak,  a  respectable  native 
of  China,  then  on  a  visit  to  this  country.  At  the  end  of  two  years,  he  removed  to  London  to  study  medicine^ 
a  knowledge  of  which  he  conceived  would  contribute  to  the  success  of  his  intended  mission.  Here  he  at- 
tended the  public  hospitals,  and  a  regular  course  of  lectures;  but  Mr.  T.  Brown,  son  pf  the  late  Rev.  John 
Brown,  of  Haddington,  also  volunteered  to  assist  in  the  China  mission  (which  he  af^rwards  abandoned),  and 
being  desirous  of  taking  the  medical  department,  Mr.  Morrison  relinquished  it,  and  immedmtely  commenced 
the  study  of  astronomy,  with  his  accustomed  ardour,  at  Greenwich,  under  the  late  Dr,  Hutton.  This  also 
was  a  prudent  step,  the  character  of  an  astronomer  being  highly  esteemed  at  the  imperial  court  of  China. 
During  this  period,  he  transcribed  the  Harmony  ot  the  Four  Gospels,  &ef  into  phinese,  apd  which  is  pre- 
served in  the  British  Museum, 

On  the  81st  January,  1807,  Mr.  Morrison  embarked  at  Gmveaend  for  New  York,  in  the  Remittance,  Cap- 
tain Law,  and  from  dience  for  Canton,  in  the  Trident,  on  the  12th  of  May  following,  where  he  arrived  on 
the  4th  of  September  in  the  same  year.    During  the  voyage^  be. diligently  prosecuted  the  study  of  the  Chi- 

VOL.  11.  8   A 


186  MORPETH  WARD.—W.  D. 

therefore  given  to  an  act,  on  the  S4th  March,  1891,  for  building  a  common  gaol, 
house  of  correction,  and  sessions  house,  for  the  county,  with  suitabk,  convenient,  and 
proper  offices  and  other  accommodations :  the  expence  to  be  paid  by  a  county  rate, 

nese  language^  and,  on  his  arrival  in  China,  was  assisted  therein  by  a  Chinese  Roman  Catholic  His  great 
object  was  to  execute  a  transktion  of  the  Holy  Scriptures  for  the  vast  empire  of  China,  which,  on  the  lowest 
calculation,  contains  a  population  ten  times  greater  than  that  ii^  the  British  Isles.  In  this  important  under** 
taking  he  was  much  encouraged  by  the  fHendly  attentions  which  he  received  from  many  European  and 
American  gentlemen  at  Canton.  But  in  the  year  1806-p)  in  consequence  of  certain  political  disputes,  he  re« 
moved,  with  other  Europeans,  to  the  Portuguese  settlement  at  Macao.  Here  he  was  introduced  into  the 
family  of  John  Morton,  Esq.  of  Liverpool,  a  surgeon  in  the  Royal  Artillery ;  and  on  February  20,  1808,  was 
united  in  marriage  to  Miss  Morton.  Shortly  after,  his  great  pro6ciency  in  the  language,  in  conjunction  with 
his  exemplary  conduct,  procured  him  the  office  of  Chinese  tyanslatw  to  the  East  India  Company's  establishi^ 
ment  at  Canton. 

In  1811,  the  directors  were  highly  gratified  by  receiving  English  translations  of  ''Specimens  of  Chinese 
Literature."  taken  from  the  maxims  of  Confuqius  and  history  of  Fuh,  with  copies  of  a  beautiful  edition  of  the 
Acts  of  the  Apostles,  printed  at  Canton*  On  a  copy  being  presented  to  the  British  and  Foreign  Bible  So« 
dety,  the  committee  voted  £500  fbr  translating  and  printing  the  Scriptures  in  Chinese.  During  the  follow-* 
ing  year,  a  severe  imperial  edict  was  directed  against  the  Roman  Catholic  missionaries  in  China ;  but  Mr. 
Morrison,  undismayed,  proceeded  in  his  labours,  though  with  his  usual  caution  and  prudence.  Not  being 
permitted  to  preach  publicly,  he  confined  his  ministerial  functions  to  the  instruction  and  exhortation  of  hia 
own  domestics  and  a  few  other  persons.  About  this  time,  he  prepared  lor  circulation,  in  China,  5000  copies 
of  k  Catechism,  and  10,000  of  a  tract  **  On  the  Way  of  Salvation*"  He  also  transmitted  a  revised  copy  of  his 
Chinese  Grammar  to  his  excellency  Lord  Minto,  the  governor-general  of  Bengal,  a  new  edition  of  which  was 
subsequently  printed  at  the  Serampore  press,  at  the  expence  of  the  govertiment  In  1812-18,  a  sipgle 
printed  copy  of  his  Chinese  translation  of  the  Gospel  by  Luke  having  been  received  by  the  directors,  they 
presented  it  to  the  B.  and  F.  Bible  Society,  who  had  previously  voted  a  second  donation  of  £500.  In  July, 
1818,  Mr.  M.  was  joined  at  Macao  by  the  Rev.  William  Milne,  who  studied  the  difficult  language  of  China 
under  his  direction.  In  the  following  year,  a  mission  was  established  in  Java,  in  ooosequenoe  of  Mr.  Morn- 
eon's  suggestion  to  the  directors.  Having  finally  completed  his  Chinese  Translation  of  the  New  Testament, 
^000  copies  were  printed,  many  of  which  were  conveyed  into  distant  parts  of  the  empire* 

Mr.  Morrison's  Dititionery  of  the  ancient,  beautiful,  and  impressive  language  of  China,  was  printed  at  Ma- 
cao, at  the  expence  of  the  court  of  directiors  of  the  East  India  Company,  by  whom  500  copies  were  given  to 
the  author,  to  be  disposed  of  acoording  to  his  own  pleasure.  This  laborious  and  useful  work,  which  reflects 
credit  upon  the  age  and  our  country,  is  derived,  in  its  arrangements,  definitions,  and  examples,  from  the 
Dictionwy  formed  by  order  of  his  imperial  majesty  Kang-he,  containing  40,000  characters,  from  the  author's 
own  intimate  knowledge  of  the  ehanctsrs,  the  manuscript  Dictionaries  of  the  Romish  church,  the  information 
of  native  scholars,  and  misieeUaineoas  works  perused  on  purpose. 

During  the  y^ar  1814,  the  B.  and  F.  Bible  Society  voted  a  donation  of  £  1000  in  aid  of  the  Chinese  Scrip- 
tures, whidi  was  followed  by  another  of  die  same  amount.  In  this  jrear,  Mr.  Milne  performed  a  voyage 
among  the  islands  of  the  Malay  Arcbtpehigo,  distributing  the  Chinese  New  Testament;  «id,  in  1815,  he,  at 
the  recommendation  of  Mr.  Morrison,  commenced  a  mission  at  Malacca,  where,  in  the  following  year,  the 
printing  dTtwo  editions  of  the  CSiinese  New  Testament,  one  of  1500  copies  in  8vo.  and  8000  ditto  in  ISmo. 
was  eommenced  and  ultimately  finished,  when  they  were  distributed  amongst  the  Chinese  men  settled  hei^, 
and  those  who  visited  this  and  the  neighbouring  places  on  objects  of  commercial  enterprize.  In  1816,  the  sum 
of  £  400  was  received  from  America  towards  the  Chinese  tnmslatioB  of  the  Soriptives ;  but  Mr.  Morrison's  im- 
portant labottft  were  now  suspended  during  nx  mondis,  he  being,  in  tfie  mondi  of  July  in  die  same  year,  at- 
tadied  as  interpreter  to  the  BriCiA  embassy  to  PeUn,  under  hiseneeHency  Loid  Anherst.    The  condHnationof 


MORPETH  PARISH.  187 

not  exceeding  two.p«ice  in  the  pound  of  the  annual  value  of  property,  the  whole  of 
which  rate  is  to  be  borne  by  the  landlord  or  owner. 
The  scite  diosen  for  this  public  building  is  a  level  plot  of  ground,  on  the  south 

spirit,  prudence,  and  ability,  which  he  displayed  in  the  discharge  of  the  duties  of  this  delicate  office,  is  well 
ktiown  to  those  who  have  read  Messrs.  Ellis  and  Madeod's  accounts  of  this  expedition.  Mr.  M.  himself  also 
drew  up  a  circumstantial  and  interesting  narrative  of  the  embassy,  and  which  has  since  been  printed  in 

England. 

In  1817,  two  additional  rotes  of  f  1000  each  were  made  by  the  B.  and  F.  Bible  Society,  towards  printing 
and  circulating  the  Scriptures  in  Chinese.  During  this  year,  Mr.  Milne  made  a  voyage  to  Canton  for  tha 
benefit  of  his  health,  when  Mr.  Morrison  made  arrangements  with  him,  in  order  to  expedite  the  translation 
into  Chinese  of  certain  portions  of  the  Old  Testament  that  remained  unfinished.  This  industrious  and  zealous 
missionary,  who  has  since  died,  cheerfully  executed  the  task  assigned  him ;  and  the  whole  of  the  Scriptures 
have  now  been  printed  in  the  language  of  the  most  extensive  Empire  on  earth.  On  the  24th  of  December, 
1817,  the  title  of  Doctor  of  Divinity  was  unanimously  and  gratuitously  granted  to  Mr.  Morrison,  by  the 
Senaltts  Acadendcus  of  the  university  of  Glasgow,  as  a  token  of  their  approbation  of  his  philological  labours. 
In  1818,  a  college  was  established  at  Malacca,  for  the  education  of  English  and  Chinese  youths,  partiy  in 
consequence  of  the  activity  and  zeal  of  Dr.  Morrison,  who  subscribed  £500  towards  the  building,  and  an 
equal  sum  tcf  assist  in  purchaaing  a  library.  In  addition  to  the  books  already  mentioned,  written  and  pub-, 
lished  in  China  by  this  able  scholar,  it  may  be  proper  to  mention,  1.  ''A  Collection  of  Dialogues,"  &c.  in 
Chinese  and  EngUsJu  2.  "  A  View  of  China,  for  Philological  Purposes,"  in  English,  S.  "  The  Morning  and 
Evening  Prayers  of  the  Church  of  England,"  in  Chinese.  4.  "  The  Psalter,"  &c.  in  Chinese.  5.  "  Retrospect 
of  tiie  first  Ten  Years  of  the  Chinese  Mission."  6.  "A  Volume  of  Sermons,  preached  at  Macao."  7.  "A 
geographical  Description  of  the  World,"  in  Cfunese,  with  maps,  drawn  by  himself.  This  work  is  extremely 
popular  in  Chipa.  He  also  became  assistant  editor  of  a  Quarterly  Magazine,  called  ''The  Indo-Chinese  Gleaner," 
printed  at  the  Missionary  Press  in  Malacca.  This  valuable  work  contains  much  curious  matter  illustrative  of 
of  the  character  of  the  human  mind  in  r^ons  but  Httie  known  to  Englishmen.  Yet  amidst  the  great  labours 
requisite  to  the  execution  of  these  various  and  useful  works.  Dr.  Morrison  has  found  leisure  to  acquire  a  to- 
lerable knowledge  of  the  Spanish  and  Portuguese  languages. 

Dr.  Morrison  experienced  much  painful  anxiety,  in  consequence  of  the  lo^-protracted  illness  of  Mrs.  M. 
whose  life  in  1811  was  despaired  of.  In  1818,  she  was  compelled  to  leave  China  for  England,  for  the  benefit 
of  her  health ;  but  in  April,  1 820,  conceiving  herself  to  be  much  better,  she  embarked  for  China,  where  she 
arrived  safe,  but  did  not  long  survive,  being  seized  with  the  cholera  morbus  a  few  hours  before  her  ac- 
couchement, which  suddenly  terminated  her  sublunary  existence.  After  this,  l)r.  M.  sent  his  two  children^ 
a  boy  and  a  girl,  to  England,  to  receive  their  education. 

In  December,  1821,  a  serious  fracas  happened  between  some  seamen  belonging  to  his  majesty's  frigate 
Topaz,  Captain  Blackwood,  and  a  party  of  Chinese,  when  the  ship  opening  a  Ifire  to  cover  the  retreat  of  the 
seamen,  two  natives  were  killed.  The  Chinese  authorities  demanded,  conformably  to  their  laws,  that  two  of 
the  crew  should  be  delivered  over  to  their  courts  of  justice,  to  suffer  as  an  atonement  for  the  killed ;  which 
being  refused,  all  intercourse  with  the  English  was  interdicted,  and  the  gentiemen  of  the  factory  removed  to 
Macao.  In  a  few  weeks,  the  Chinese  abandoned  the  principle  that  the  representatives  of  the  East  India 
Company  were  responsible  for  acts  committed  by  British  ships  of  war ;  and  trade  was  renewed  on  its  former 
basis.  Such  a  happy  termination  of  this  alarming  difference  was  ascribed  to  the  abilities  of  Dr.  Morrison, 
together  with  his  profound  knowledge  of  the  language,  laws,  and  usages  of  China.  Amongst  the  numerous 
works  of  public  utility  achieved  or  projected  by  this  indefatigable  missionary,  the  formation  of  a  fund  called 
*'  The  Fund  of  Widows  and  Orphans  of  the  Ultra*Ganges  Mission,"  deserves  mention.  He  has  also  endea- 
voured to  procure  a  general  union  of  missionary  labours,  and  the  establishment  of  a  floating  hospital  and 
chapel  for  the  numerous  seamen  of  England  and  America  that  annually  visit  Canton.    Having  presented  « 


188  MORPETH  WARD.~W.  D, 

side  of  the  Wansbeck»  and  adjoining  the  east  side  of  the  great  post-road  at  its  en* 
trance  into  Morpeth.  Amongst  a  variety  of  plans  presented  to  the  magistracy,  the 
one  designed  by  Mr.  John  Dbbson,  of  Newcastle,  architect,  was  adopted.  Messrs. 
Hall,  Kyle,  and  King,  contracted  to  erect  the  gaol  and  house  of  correction.  The 
form  and  disposition  of  this  great  public  work  may  be  accurately  understood  by  the 
annexed  ground-plan.     The  arrangement  provides  for  a  complete  classification  of  the 

Erisoners.  AH  the  windows  and  doors  face  inwards,  which,  together  with  the  distri- 
ution  of  the  several  buildings,  will  effectually  prevent  the  inmates  from  holding 
communication  by  signal,  or  otherwise,  with  persons  from  the  adjoining  heights. 
The  south  side,  marked  A,  is  to  be  appropriated  for  a  house  of  corrtection ;  and  the  north 
side,  B,  for  the  felons'  prison.  The  east  parts,  C  C,  are  to  be  prisons  for  the  debtors. 
The  day  or  work-rooms  in  the  correction-house  are  upon  the  ground-floor.  They  are 
dry,  lofty,  and  airy ;  the  principal  room  is  52  feet  long,  and  16  feet  broad ;  and  they 
are  all  supported  by  groined  arches,  the  execution  of  which  displays  an  inimitable 
specimen  of  the  masonic  art.  Though  the  arches  are  of  different  sizes,  yet  their 
beauty  and  regularity  are  correctly  preserved.  This  difficult  work  \yas  executed  by 
one  of  the  contractors,  Mr,  Gibson  Kyle^  surveyor  of  county  bridges^ 

copy  of  his  works  connected  with  the  literature  of  China  to  the  Literary  and  Philosophical  Sobiety  of  New« 
castle  upon  Tyne,  be  was,  in  1823,  elected  an  honorary  member  of  that  respectable  institution:  Dr.  Morri- 
son is  singularly  calculated  for  the  task  he  undertook.  In  person  he  is  rather  below  iJie  mid^  mze,  but 
remarkably  strong  and  muscular.  His  habits  are  simple  and  methodical,  and  his  industry  prodigious.  In 
temper  he  is  calm  and  composed,  but  firm,  resolute,  and  courageous,  and  is  neither  to  be  allured  nor  intimi- 
dated from  his  purpose.  Having  always  a  view  to  some  great  end,  he  uniformly  despises  the  angry  and 
unprofitaUe  squabbles  of  the  dogmatic  controversialist.  The  writer  speaks  from  a  long  acquaintance  wiHi 
this  worthy  and  extraordinary  character,  to  whose  early  acquirements  he  had  the  honpur  to  contribute.-— 
Missionary  Sketches,  No.  ix.^^Reports  of  B.  and  F,  Bible  Society. — Pref.  to  Chinese  Dict.^-Indo^Chinese 
Gleaner. — Newcastle  Mag.  for  1818.— Priva/e  Information,  4*c.  S^c. 

Luke  Clennell,  an  artist  of  considerable  celebrity,  though  bom  at  Ulgham,  was  very  early  in  life  taken 
under  the  protection  of  his  uncle,  Mr.  Thomas  Clennell,  of  Morpeth.  Evincing  an  extraordinary  aptitude  in 
drawing,  he  was  placed  under  the  care  of  Mr.  Thomas  Bewick,  of  Newcastle.  Whilst  serving  his  appren- 
ticeship, he  emulated  the  industry  of  his  eminent  master^  by  making  frequent  excursions  into  the  country,  in 
order  to  draw  whatever  appeared  most  interesting  in  manners  and  picturesque  in  nature.  Specimens  of  his 
talents  as  an  engraver  in  wood  will  be  found  in  many  elegant  publications.  The  beautiful  illustrations  of 
Rogers'  Pleasures  of  Memory,  from  the  designs  of  Stothard,  and  the  Diploma  of  the  Highland  Society,  from 
a  drawing  by  the  venerable  president  of  the  Royal  Academy,  (the  largest  wood  engraving  of  the  Bge,)  are 
both  the  productions  of  his  hand.  But  his  genius  did  not  stop  here.  He  had  not  been  long  in  London  be- 
fore he  was  known  to  the  public  as  a  painter,  and  one  too  of  no  ordinary  character.  Possessing  an  active  and 
ardent  mind,  he  saw  and  estimated  the  advantages  held  out  by  the  British  Institution;  he  became  one  of  its 
most  assiduous  students,  and  soon  distinguished  himself  in  its  annual  exhibitions.  His  rapid  progress  was 
marked  by  the  admirers  of  genius ;  and  the  patrons  of  the  Institution,  anxious  to  encourage  such  rising  ex- 
cellence, munificently  rewarded  his  exertions.  But  his  ardour  was  too  impetuous,  and  hia  industry  too  un- 
remitted, to  be  long  sustained ;  his  mental  powers  sunk  under  the  pressure  of  such  prodigious  efforts ;  and 
his  fine  pencil  was  necessarily  laid  aside.  He  is  now  happily  in  a  state  of  convalescence,  and  will,  it  is 
hoped,  resume  his  career  of  success.  When  the  calamity  alluded  to  occurred,  he  was  completing  a  picture 
for  the  Earl  of  Bridgewater,  representing  the  fete  given  by  the  city  of  London  to  the  assembled  sovereigns, 
and  which,  even  in  its  unfinished  and  imperfect  state,  commanded  the  admiration  of  all  who  saw  it.  Mr« 
Clennell  married  a  daughter  of  Mr.  Warren,  the  celebrated  engraver,  by  whom  he  has  had  several  children* 


MORPETH  PARISH.  189 

/ 

\ 

According  to  the  original  plan,  the  grand,  and  indeed  the  only  entrance,  opens 
upon  the  west  side ;  the  outer  gate  being  placed  between  two  towers,  D  E,  The 
tower  D  is  to  contain  apartments  for  the  porter,  &cc. ;  and  the  other  tower,^  E,  a  cu- 
rious circular  staircase,  by  which  the  magistrates  may  enter  the  session-house:  The 
public  is  to  be  admitted  by  two  diflFerent  entrances,  marked  F  F.  The  session-house, 
whidi  is  on  the  second  noor,  will  be  90  feet  in  diameter,  with  semicircular  raised 
stands,  which  will  greatly  assist  the  virion  and  hearing  of  the  audience  during  public 
trials,  meetings  of  the  county,  &c.  The  frontispiece  of  the  bench  wiU  be  separated 
from  the  great  body  of  the  hall,  and  the  prisoners  will  be  brought  to  the  bar  by  a 
private  staiix^se.  The  apartments  below  the  session-house  are  to  be  employed  as  a 
sick-ward,  for  store-rooms,  and  for  persons  awaiting  trial.  The  entrance  wm  be  se- 
cured by  three  gates.  At  night,  the  key  of  the  outer  gate  (1)  will  be  kept  by  the 
govemer ;  the  middle  gate  (2)  secures  the  porter ;  and  the  inner  gate  (3),  composed 
of  open  ornamented  iron  work,  will  at  all  times  enable  the  porter  to  see  the  persons 
that  want  to  pass.  The  opposite,  or  east  side  of  the  building,*  is  to  be  approprialibd 
for  a  chapel  and  garden  grounds,  wherein  the  debtors  may  find  recreation  and 
amusement. 

The  govemor*s  house  and  offices  are  to  be  erected  in  the  centre.  From  his  office, 
G,  every  person  who  enters  or  retires  by  the  gates  can  be  seen ;  and  from  the  apart- 
ments, H  H,  either  he  or  his  assistants  will  command  a  view  of  the  whole  interior  of 
the  prison.  The  governor's  residence  is  to  be  surroimded  by  a  strong  iron  palisading, 
from  which  walls.  III,  will  radiate,  inclosing  the  separate  yards  wherein  the  differ- 
ent classes  wUl  be  permitted  to  take  air  and  exercise.  All  the  diffi^rent  suites  of 
rooma  in  the  prisons  are  weU  provided  with  water-closets,  and  other  necessary  ac- 
commodations. The  whole  building  rests  upon  a  firm  foundation  of  blue  clay,  from 
15  to  20  feet  below  the  surface.f  A  rivulet  called  the  Church  Burn,  in  its  course  to 
the  Wansbeck,  is  diverted  through  the  sewers,  and  there  is  a  sluice  gate  to  prevent 
the  river  from  rising  too  far  during  floods,  by  which  contrivances  the  sewers  will  be 
kept  clean  and  whcuesome,  and  never  overflowed.     Behind  the  different  wards  there 

*  It  is  in  contemplation  to  carry  the  great  post-road  from  Catchbum  along  the  vale,  to  pass  close  by  the 
east  end  of  the  new  gaol,  and  to  cross  the  Wansbeck  by  a  commodious  stone  bridge  about  100  yards  below 
the  did  one,  at  the  north  end  of  which  the  road  will  proceed  ip  a  direct  line  to  Morpeth :  the  bridge  to  con- 
sist of  but  one  arch,  the  span  of  which  will  be  100  feet  This  line  has  been  surveyed  by  Mr.  Telford,  and 
application  will  be  made  to  parliament  forthwith  for  power  to  carry  it  into  execution.  Should  this  scheme 
be  finally  adopted,  the  dangerous  steeps  near  Morpeth,  and  the  old  awkward  bridge,  will  be  avoided ;  the 
value  of  property  in  the  town  will  not  be  affected ;  and  the  only  inconvenience  resulting  from  it  will  be  the 
necessity  of  establishing  a  toll  at  the  new  bridge.  The  present  bridge  was  erected  by  the  Carlisle  family,  for 
the  convenience  of  those  burgesses  that  had  cattle  upon  the  common.  If  a  bill  be  obtained  for  the  above 
purpose,  the  entrance  into  the  gaol  and  the  session-house  will  be  at  the  east  side  instead  of  the  west  /  but  in 
other  respects  the  plan  will  remain  unaltered. 

t  In  diggi^  the  foundation,  a  remarkably  large  oak  tree  was  found  nearly  twelve  feet  below  the  surface, 
and  some  nuts  in  a  state  of  great  preservation.  Some  stags'  horns  were  also  found,  which  have  been  sent  to 
the  museum  at  Oxford.  In  forming  the  sewers,  several  human  skeletons  were  discovered,  which  circumstance 
may  perhaps  be  accounted  for  by  the  tradition,  that  the  burialgplace  of  persons  who  died  of  the  plague  in 
Morpeth  was  at  a  place  adjoining  the  Gose  Hill. 

VOL.  II.  3  B 


190  MORPETH  WARD.—W,  D 

is  to  be  a  covered  passage,  by  which  the  prisoners  will  be  conducted  in  classes  to  the 
chapel.  The  whole  bunding  is  to  be  enclosed  by  a  wall  25  feet  high,  leaving  an  in- 
termediate space  of  40  feet  in  breadth,  which  is  to  be  used  for  the  growth  of  vegeta- 
bles. The  length,  from  the  extremities  of  the  covered  passages  at  the  north  and 
south  ends,  wiU  be  380  feet ;  and  the  breadth,  from  the  chief  entrance  gate  to  the 
opposite  wall,  320  feet.  When  finished,  this  will  certainly  be  one  of  the  most  secure, 
healthy,  and  convenient  gaols  in  the  kingdom.  The  contractors  have  engaged  to 
finish  it  within  three  years,  previous  to  the  expiration  of  which  a  new  contract  will 
be  made  for  building  the  governor's  residence  and  the  session-house. 

The  lime  used  in  this  building  is  brought  from  the  kilns  at  Whitley,  and  the  stone 
from  Morpeth  quarry,  on  the  north  bank  of  the  Wansbeck,  about  a  mile  below  the 
town.  It  is  a  fine  freestone,  rather  soft,  but  hardens  by  exposure  to  the  air.  As  it 
was  found  to  be  extremely  inconvenient  and  dangerous  to  pass  the  river  with  so  many 
Iqaded  carts,  Mr.  Dobson,  the  architect,  designed  a  temporary  wooden  bridge,  now 
called  the  Quarry  Bridge^  and  which  was  built  in  a  most  masterly  manner  by  Mr. 
Robert  Bryson,  of  Newcastle,  carpenter.  This  bridge,  which  is  calculated  to  support 
a  weight  of  nearly  100  tons,  is  not  less  remarkable  for  strength,  than  for  boloness, 
lightness,  and  the  small  quantity  of  timber  used  in  its  construction.  The  span  of  the 
arch  is  nearly  80  feet ;  and  the  road-way  consists  of  a  solid  mass,  similar  to  a  turnpike. 
This  erection  may  be  long  useful  to  the  town  and  neighbourhood. 

Morpeth  is  not  distinguished  in  history  by  many  important  occurrences.  Under 
the  Saxons  and  Danes  it  made  no  figure;  but  after  the  Norman  conquest  it  rose  in 
dignity  superior  to  a  village,  being  then  erected  into  an  honour,  and  styled  the  barony 
of  Morpeth.  Whether  it  was  possessed  by  the  Merley  family  at  this  time  does  not 
appear ;  for  by  the  rolls  of  king  Henry  V.  the  barony  of  Merley  is  mentioned,  whidi 
shews  that  Merley  and  Morpeth  were  places  originally  distinct  from  each  other,  and 
probably  gave  name  to  different  families,  thou^  at  length  the  possessions  became 
united,  and  the  distinctions  subsided  in  the  general  appellation  of  Morpeth.  During 
the  reign  of  Henry  VIII.  while  some  of  Lord  Dacres'  tenants  were  escorting  a  party 
of  Redesdale  thieves  to  Morpeth,^  they  were  attacked  by  a  band  of  Borderers,  who 
killed  three  of  the  escort,  ana  carri^  off  the  gaoler  and  bailiff  of  Morpeth  into  Scot- 
land. The  XVIth  article  of  accusation,  Ivhich  was  afterwards  presented  ag^hst  his 
lordship,  runs  thus  :* — "  Itm  wher  oon  Cokes  Charleton  indicted  of  many  and  dluers 
felonies  the  moost  notable  thefFe  in  thos  pties  was  at  the  cessions  of  peax  brought  to 
the  bar  of  Morpeth  diuers  psones  redy  there  to  haue  persued  against  hym  as  Justice 
required,  the  saide  lorde  Dacre  wulde  not  suffre  hym  to  be  areigned  nor  Justified  for 
his  offences  but  repried  hym  to  his  Castell  of  Morpeth  whish  thef  afterwarde  escaped 
and  sith  hath  don  abhominable  theft,  and  other  offences  within  the  said  countrey.'* 
To  this  accusation  Lord  Dacre  answered : — ''  The  said  lord  saith  that  Cokes  Charle- 

*  **  9th  July^  26  Henry  VIII.  William  Lord  Dacres  was  arraigned  of  high  treason  before  the  Duke  of 
Norfolk,  high  steward,  who  being  brought  to  the  bar  at  Westminster-hall,  with  the  axe  home  before  him, 
when  the  indictment  waa  read,  he  so  disproved  the  same  and  answered  every  part  thereof,  and  confuted  Shr 
Ralph  Fenwick  and  Musgrave,  his  accusers,  who  had  brought  their  false  Scots  for  witnesses,  ready  to  avouch 
all  their  false  accusations ;  that  he  was  by  lus  peers,  that  day^  found  not  guilly,  to  the  great  joy  of  the  peqple, 
who  shouted  when  they  heard  '  Not  guilty*  pronounced." 


MORPETH  PARISH.  191 

ton  vroa  Brought  to  the  barr  to  be  Justified  for  his  o£fences  And  when  he  was  ther 
no  man  wuld  foUowe  h}rm  though  the  contrary  be  here  sunnitted  And  so  the  said 
lord  Replied  hym  to  warde  again.  And,  aftre  a  part  of  Tyndall  com  and  Brak  the 
Castell  of  Morpeth,  on  the  ni^t  and  the  prison  where  the  said  thef  and  other  fellons 
were,  and  ther  took  hym  out  and  other  moo  fellons  whereof  a  part  were  taken  again 
and  put  to  execucion." 

Camden  records  this  remarkable  circumstance  of  Morpeth :  that  in  the  year  1215, 
it  was  set  on  fire  by  the  inhabitants  themselves,  to  prejudice  king  John,  who  would 
have  rested  here  in  his  infamous  expedition.     In  the  year  1689,  a  great  part  of  Mor- 

J>eth  was  burnt  down  by  accident,  and  much  damage  was  done,  as  appears  by  the  fol- 
owing  report,  extracted  from  the  county  records* : — 

*'  Ralph  Douglas^  of  Morpeth^  in  the  county  of  Northumberland^  Mason,  William  Sadler,  of  the  same, 
Mason^  Thomas  Thompson^  of  the  same^  Carpenter,  Robert  Donkin,  Robert  Mittford,  and  George  Fenwicke, 
Gents,  inhabitants  in  the  same  towne  of  Morpeth^  do  severally  make  oath,  that  upon  Munday  the  twSnty« 
ninth  day  of  July  last  past,  aboute  two  of  the  clock  in  the  aftemoone  of  the  same  day,  a  sudden  and  terrible 
fire  did  breake  forth  at  the  said  towne  of  Morpeth^  which  by  reason  of  the  feircenesse  thereof  within  the 
space  of  three  houres  burnt  down  and  consumed  the  dwelling-houses,  kilnes,  bames,  stables,  and  outhouses 
of  about  fifty  of  the  said  inhabitants.  And  that  we  have  scene  and  viewed  the  said  dwelling-houses,  kilnes, 
barnes,  stables,  and  out-houses  burnt  by  the  said  late  fire  :  And  severally  make  oath,  that  we  judge  and  be- 
lieve that  the  sume  of  three  thousand  five  hundred  and  thirty  pounds  will  not  rebuild  the  same,  and  put  the 
said  dwelling-houses,  kilnes,  barnes,  stables,  and  outhouses  in  good  and  sufficient  repaire,  and  satisfie  the  losse 
of  the  sevrall  inhabitants. 

**  Signed  by  the  above. 
'*  Sworn  in  Court,  Ist  William  &  Mary." 


Morpeth  is  a  prescriptive  borough,  and  is  governed  by  two  bailiffs  and  seven  bur- 
gesses. The  bailiffs,  who  are  returning  officers,  are  chosen  out  of  four  persons  pre- 
sented by  the  free  burgesses  to  the  lord  of  the  manor's  steward,  who  holds  a  court 
here  twice  a  year :  the  others  are  elected  out  of  the  free  burgesses,  being  inhabitants, 
and  pa3ring  scot  and  lot.    In  the  first  year  of  the  reign  of  queen  Mary,  1553,  it  began 

*  Literal  copy  of  an  original  letter  from  Sir  Richard  Neile,  knight,  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  the 
years  l6S7  and  l68S,  to  Mr.  John  Pye,  of  Morpeth,  about  the  fire  there: — 

"  Mr.  Pye,-^I  am  very  sorrey  to  heare  of  the  sadd  accident  at  your  towne  yesterday,  and  for  the  great 
losse  the  poor  people  have  receiv'd.  I  shal  be  glad  to  heare  that  there  be  noe  hurt  to  ye  persons,  that  the 
goale  be  safe  and  the  records.  I  designed  to  have  Waited  on  Coll.  Stafford  this  day,  but  now  I  judge  visitts 
unseasonable,  'tell  the  hurry  be  over,  but  if  he  expect  me  send  the  messenger  back  and  I  will  come.  I  pray 
you  if  you  can  order  the  matter  soe  you  come  with  him  hither  to  dinner  on  Thursday,  and  as  I  wrote  before 
desire  him  to  chuse  his  owne  company ;  I  pray  you  speake  to  Mr.  Foster  about  the  100^  you  know  what  my 
occasions  are  to  have  it  paid.     I  send  your  wife's  cloths  by  the  bearer,  if  you  have  any  newes  I  pray  you  lett 

me  heare  it,  and  how  this  sadd  accident  happened our  taken  from 

if  L<nidonderry  be  not 3  shipps  and  would  remove  out  of  that  kingdom,  and  that  it  was 

guessed  he  intended  for  Scotland.     I  hope  you  may  come  back  from  Alnwicke  to-morrow  at  night  to  come 
with  Coll.  Stafford,  send  me  word  what  he  saith.  *'  Yor.  lo.  &d. 

«  P.  L.  ye  SOth  July,  89.  «  RIC. .  NEILE. 

'*  For  Mr.  John  Pye  at  Morpeth  these." 


19«  MORPETH  WARD.— W.  D. 

to  send  Inembers  to  parliament^  a  list  of  whom  tvill  be  given  in  another  place.  The 
number  of  burgesses  is  generally  about  900 ;  the  old  bye-laws  of  the  different  free  com- 
panies preventing  the  unlimited  increase  of  voters.  Even  those  who  serve  a  regular 
apprenticeship  are  only  termed  brothers^  and  cannot  be  admitted  until  a  vacancy  oc- 
curs, and  by  a  particular  fcMmula  *  But  the  ancient  history  of  this  borough  is  inse- 
parably connected  with  that  of  the  lords  of  the  manor. 

^  The  ivllowing  important  case  explains  the  curious  constitution  of  this  borough  >->''  Case,  The  borough 
of  Morpeth,  in  the  county  of  Nortfaumberland^  is  a  borough  and  corporation  by  prescription,  consisting  of 
two  bailiffs  and  other  inferior  officers,  and  an  indilferent  number  of  bui^esses,  or  freemen,  incorporated  by  the 
name  of  the  bailiffs  and  burgesses.  There  are  ako  within  the  said  borough  seven  companies,  or  fraternities, 
commonly  called  trades,  forming  so  many  lesser  corporations  within  the  general  body,  and  governed  inde* 
pendendy  of  each  other.  Each  of  these  seven  companies  consists  of  one  alderman,  two  proctors,  and  an  in- 
different numb^  of  brothers.  N.  B.  The  burgesses  are  cdnmonly  called  Free  Burgesses,  and  Freemen ;  but 
the  brothers  never  are. 

''  The  brothers  are  also  frequently  called  Free  Brothers^  Persons  become  entitled  to  be  brothers  by  birth 
or  servitude's  as  being  the  scm  of  a  freemen,  <h*  having  served  an  apprenticeship  to  a  freemen  or  a  brother; 
and  are  thereupon  admitted  of  that  company  or  trade  of  which  their  father  is  or  was  a  tradesmen,  or  of  which 
their  master  is  or  was  a  brother.  N.  B.  The  burgesses,  or  freemen^  do  not  cease  to  be  brothers  of  their  re« 
spective  companies,  but  only  become  entitled  to  further  privileges. 

''  The  rights  and  privileges  of  the  brothers  are,  1  st.  To  follow  trades  in  the  corporatim.  Sd,  To  vote  on 
the  choice  of  aldermen  and  proctors,  and  in  all  other  business  transacted  by  the  companies  of  which  they  are 
severally  members.  3d,  To  have  the  same  number  of  stints  upon  the  commons  belonging  to  the  corporation 
with  a  burgess  or  freemen  (though  this  has  only  been  the  case  for  about  these  twelve  years  last  past,  when 
the  freemen,  who  before  that  time  had  three  stints,  reduced  their  number  to  two  stints,  being  the  same  num<^ 
ber  which  the  brothers  then  and  now  enjoy).  And,  4th,  To  serve  (when  chosen)  the  office  of  proctors  of  the 
company  to  which  they  belong. 

''  The  burgesses  or  freemen  of  the  said  borough  are  elected,  returned,  sworn,  and  admitted,  in  the  follow- 
ing manner :— -Each  of  the  iieven  companies  or  fraternities  meets  distinct  from  the  others,  and  the  brothers 
thereof  dect  a  certain  number  from  among  themselves,  as  proper  to  be  burgesses  or  freemen  of  the  said  bo< 
rough,  viz.  The  company  of  Merchants  and  Tailors  elect  4;  Tanners,  6;  FuUers  and  Dyers,  S;  Smiths, 
Saddlers,  and  Armourers,  3 ;  Cordwainers,  3 ;  Weavers,  3 ;  Skinners,  Glovers,  and  Butchers,  annexed,  2 ; 
in  all,  24,  These  are  returned  by  the  aldermen  of  the  respective  companies  to  the  lord  of  the  manor,  or  hia 
steward,  at  one  of  the  two  court  leets  held  annually  upon  two  prescriptive  days  in  every  year,  viz.  the  first 
Monday  after  Michaelmas  Day,  and  the  first  Monday  after  the  clause  of  Easter,  to  be  sworn  and  admitted 
accordingly.  N.  B.  There  are  no  stated  of  fixed  times  for  the  companies  to  elect  burgesses  or  freemen ;  but 
each  company  elects  its  proper  number,  and  a  return  is  made  to  the  lord,  or  his  steward,  when  the  aldermen 
of  the  several  companies  agree  together  for  that  purpose. 

"The  privileges  of  the  burgesses  or  freemen  (besidco  those  before  mentioned  which  they  enjoy  as  brothers 
of  their  respective  companies)  are,  1st,  To  make  bye-laws  for  the  government  of  the  corporation.  2d,  To 
vote  in  the  elections  of  master  and  usher  of  the  free  grammar-school  at  Morpeth.  And,  3d,  To  vote  in  the 
election  of  members  to  serve  in  parliament. 

^'  The  burgesses  or  freemen  di  the  said  borough  are  also  all  suitors  to  the  courts  leet  and  courts  baron,  held 
(the  former  twice  and  the  latter  thrice  a  year)  in  and  for  the  said  borough ;  and  they  are  the  only  persona 
who  impose  the  jtiries  at  the  said  courts,  and  who  serve  the  several  offices  of  bailiffs,  aldermen,  Serjeants, 
fish  and  flesh-lookers,  ale-taster9,  and  constables  of  the  said  borough ;  are  chosen  annually  at  the  court  leet, 
held  within  a  month  afler  Michaelmas,  which  the  court  leet  jury  and  court  baron  jury  elect,  and  return  ta 
the  lord,  or  his  steward^  each  of  them  two  of  themselves  for  bailiffs,  each  of  them  one  of  themselves  for  fier« 


MORPETH  PARISH.  193 

Morpeth  was  the  andent  harony  of  the  Merleys ;  but  when  it  was  so  created^  or 
whether  the  Merleys  were  in  possession  before  the  conquest,  there  is  no  satisfactory 
evidence.    By  the  Testa  de  Nevill  it  appears,  that  the  third  Roger  de  Merley  held 

jeant,  each  of  tbem  one  of  theniBelves  for  fish  and  flesh^ookers,  each  of  them  one  of  themselves  for  ale-tasters, 
and  each  ci  them  two  of  themselves  for  constables.  Upon  this  return  being  made  to  the  lord,  or  his  steward, 
he  nominates  two  out  c^  the  four  returned  for  bailiffs,  and  one  out  of  the  returned  for  sezjeant,  and  sworn ; 
those  whom  he  so  nominates  for  bailifls  and  seijeant,  and  the  several  other  officers  returned,  viz.  the  two  fish 
and  fiesh-lookers,  the  two  ale-tasters,  and  the  fbur  constables,  into  their  respective  offices. 

^'  The  alderman  of  each  companj  is  dioaen  annually  by  the  free  brothers  thereof,  and  must  be  one  of  the 
free  brothers  of  that  particular  company  or  fraternity,  who  is  a  bui^g^ess  or  freeman  of  the  borough  at  huge. 
The  proctors  of  each  company  may  be  chosen  firom  among  the  ^ree  brothers  themselves. 

"  The  bailiffs  for  the  time  being  are  the  chief  officers  of  the  corporation,  their  names  must  be  made  use  of 
in  every  corporate  act,  they  call  meetings  of  the  corporation  (that  is,  of  the  burgesses  or  freemen)  when  and 
as  often  as  they  think  proper,  preside  at  such  meetings,  and  open  the  business  upon  which  they  are  met 
They,  together  with  the  several  aldermen,  let  the  lands  bekoging  to  the  corporation.  They  also  collect  and 
receive  all  the  revenues  of  the  corporation,  and  account  for  the  same  at  the  expiration  of  their  office  to  the 
aldermen ;  and  the  balance  (if  any)  in  their  hands  is  paid  into  the  town^hutch  or  box.  They  are  also  gover* 
nors  of  the  firee  grammar-school,  and  let  the  lands  belonging  thereto,  receive  the  rents  and  revenues  thereof^ 
and  account  to  the  master  and  ushar  for  the  same.  They  are  also  the  returning  officers  at  the  election  of 
members  to  serve  in  parliament    < 

''  The  Serjeant  of  the  corporation  may  be  looked  upon  as  a  servant  or  assistant  to  the  bailiffs.  He  has  the 
custody  of  the  mace  belonging  to  the  corporation.  He,  by  the  dii'cction  of  the  bailiffs,  summons  the  mem- 
bers of  the  corporation  to  call  corporate  meetings,  and  puts  the  seal  of  the  corporation  to  every  corporate  act 
where  the  .seal  is  required  to  be  put.  He  is  also  an  officer  of  the  courts  held  for  the  said  borough :  he  is  the 
cryer,  and  makes  all  the  summonses,  and  executes  all  the  processes  of  the  courts. 

"  The  fish  and  flesh-lookers,  ale-tasters,  and  constables,  are  also  officers  of  the  corporation ;  the  first  for  the 
purpose  of  looking  into  and  inspecting  the  quality  of  fish  and  flesh  brought  into  the  market;  the  second  -for 
inspecting  the  quality  of  ale  and  beer  brewed  for  sale ;  and  the  third  for  keeping  the  peace.    These  officers  . 
attend  the  bailiffs  upon  all  public  days,  with  the  several  badges  of  their  office, 

**  The  aldermen  are  to  their  respective  companies,  what  the  bailiffs  are  to  the  corporation  at  large.  They 
are  the  chief  officers,  and  call  and  preside  at  all  meetings  of  their  respective  companies.  They  fi^  the  time 
for  going  to  the  elections  of  brothers  of  their  respective  companies  for  burgesses  or  fireemen,  tidce  the  poll  of 
such  elections,  and  make  their  respective  returns  to  the  lord,  or  his  steward,  as  aforesaid,  of  the  person9  so  elected, 
when  they  all  agree  together  for  that  purpose.  Each  of  the  aldermen  keeps  a  key  of  the  town's  or  corpora- 
tion's hutch  or  box,  on  which  there  are  seven  different  locks,  and  in  which  box  is  contained  all  the  cash, 
boc^s,  papers,  and  records,  belonging- to  the  borough,  so  that  without  the  consent  of  the  seven  aldermen,  this 
box  can  never  be  opened ;  nor  can  they  open  it  without  the  consent  of  the  bailiffs,  as  it  stands  in  the  town's 
hall,  of  which  the  bailiffs  keep  the  key.  £ach  alderman  has  the  custody  of  the  box  belonging  to  his  cgm^ 
pany ;  but  the  proctors  of  each  company  keep  the  key  of  such  box. 

"  The  proctors  may  be  deemed  servants  cf  their  respective  aldermen,  as  they  do  nothing  but  under  ^eir 
direction ;  they  summon,  by  the  order  of  the  aldermeni  the  company  to  meet,  and  attend  such  meeting  with 
the  key  or  keys  of  the  box,  to  open  if  necessary, 

^'  There  are  no  stated  or  fixed  times  for  the  companies  to  elect  burgesses  or  freemfen  of  the  borough ;  but 
eadi  company  elects  its  proper  number,  and  a  return  is  made  to  the  lord  or  his  steward,  when  the  several 
companies  agree  together  for  that  purpose ;  for  there  never  was  an  instance  (till  of  late)  of  a  greater  or  less 
number  than  24  persons,  in  the  proportions  already  mentioned,  being  returned  at  the  same  time;  and  it  is 
apprehended  that  the  lord  is  the  judge  of  the  occasion  or  necessity  of  requiring  such  a  return,  or  at  le^t  at 

VOL,  II,  8  C 


1^4  mohpeth  ward^w.  d. 

the  barony  of  Morpeth  by  the  services  of  four  knights'  fees.  It  was  very  extensive, 
and  consisted  not  only  of  the  castle  and  lordship  of  the  town,  but  had  many  villager 
as  members  of  it,  as  Greenwest,  Ulgham,  Hebsoot,  ShelvingUxi,  Twizle,  Saltwick» 

Ae  time  of  swearing  and  admitting  such  24  persons  burgessei  or  ^ctemen,  for  it  has  frequently  iu^pened  that 
such  elections  have  been  several  years  bofare  any  return  made,  or  at  leaft  before  ihey  wereadmitted  burgesses 
dr  freemen ;  and  in  case  any  of  those  dect^  have  happened  to  dw  before  they  have  been  returned  and  ad* 
mitted,  that  the  company  of  which  the  deeeased  was  a  broditr  has  elected  another,  to  make  iu  q«oU  or  pro^ 
portion  complete. 

**  It  appears  that,  firom  the  year  1796  up  to  the  year  1764,  the  stewards  of  the  oourt  leet^  oo  the  part  of  the 
lord,  exercised  a  discretionary  power  in  the  admission  or  rejeetion  of  persons  regularly  elected  and  returned 
for  freemen  in  manner  hereinbefbre  stated ;  and>  during  that  period,  the  several  stewards  had  rtjected  some 
persons  who  had  been  so  elected  and  returned  lui  aforesaid,  and  sworn  and  admitted  others  of  them  burgesses  or 
flreemen;  under  which  they  acquiesced  till  about  die  year  17^9  when  88  persons,  who  had  been  regularly 
dected  and  returned  to  the  steward,  and  by  him  rejected,  bmuglit  writs  of  mandamus,  claiming  to  be  admit* 
ted  freemen ;  to  which  the  steward  returned,  that  the  buigesees  or  freemen  compose  the  juries  of  the  courts 
leet  and  courts  baron,  and  that,  by  die  custom  of  the  borough,  every  person  admitted  a  burgess  or  freeman 
ought,  previous  to  his  being  sworn  and  admitted,  to  be  approved  of  by  die  lord  of  the  manor  and  borough.  And 
issue  being  taken  on  this  custom,  one  of  the  causes  (the  odier  being,  by  agreement,  to  abide  the  event  of 
that)  was  tried  by  a  special  jury,  in  Middleset,  after  Trinity  Term,  1767 ;  and,  after  trial  of  great  length  and 
variety  of  evidence  on  both  sides,  the  jury  found  a  verdict  against  the  custom,  and,  in  consequence  thereof, 
peremptory  writs  of  mandamus  issued,  and  they  were  awom  and  admitted  burgesses  or  freemen. 

''  Previous  to  the  Easter  court,  1770,  the  several  companies  proceeded  to  answer  election  of  barg^iKes  or 
freemen,  and  the  Several  aldermen  made  tiieir  returns  of  the  64  so  elected  in  the  proportions  already  men* 
tiohed,  and  were  accordingly  sworn  and  admitted  ;  and  from  diat  time  up  till  Michaelmas,  1771,  inclusive, 
the  several  companies  have  elected  in  the  proportions  afoieaaid,  and  the  aldermen  have  returned  to  each  court 
leet  24  persons,  who  have  all  been  sworn  and  admitted  burgesses. 

''  Afler  Michaelmas  court,  177I9  the  Tanners'  company,  which  elects  one^urth  part  of  the  24  returned^ 
fell  short  of  brothers,  so  that  there  was  an  end  (at  least  fbt  the  present)  of  the  several  companies  elecdng  and 
returning  24  persons  in  the  proportions  already  mentioned.  However,  the  other  companies  hav<e  eince  that 
time  gone  on  in  electing  their  respective  quotas,  and  the  several  aldermen  have  at  each  court  made  a  return 
of  the  18  so  elected,  and  they  have  at  each  court  been  sworn  and  admitted  burgeeses ;  they,  i^  the  first  plaoe^ 
having  demanded  to  be  sworn  and  admitted,  and  declaned  in  open  court  that  they  would  take  upon  them^ 
selves  the  risk  of  the  legality  of  such  their  admissions. 

^' At  the  time  of  the  trial  of  the  mandamus  cause,  I767,  there  were  not  above  60  burgesses  or  freemen  in 
the  corporation.  There  has  been  a  less,  and  at  other  times  a  greater  number:  but  there  had  never  beeu 
more  than  100  at  die  same  time ;  and  there  was  always  double,  and  sometimes  treble  the  brothers  than  of 
burgesses  in  each  company. 

''After  the  Michaelmas  court,  1771f  when  the  Tanners'  company  fell  short  of  brodiers,  there  was  about 
280  burgesses ;  and  there  have  been  admitted  since  that  time,  when  18  only  were  returned  at  each  cour^ 
about  70,  so  that  there  are  now  about  800  burgesses  of  the  said  borough.  If  the  companies  go  on  to  elect  and 
return  as  they  have  done  since  Michaelmas,  1771>  und  the  stewards  should  admit  sudi  persons  bwrgesses^ 
there  will  others  of  the  companies  run  short  of  brothers,  and  in  the  end  there  will  hardly  be  a  brodier  left  m 
any  of  the  companies,  not  even  to  serve  the  office  of  proctors,  and  indeed  eleodons  wQl  be  of  no  signification. 
N.  B.  These  facts  seem  not  only  to  evince  that  there  has  been,  but  also  the  necessity  of,  a  check  to  the  nM^ 
ing  of  burgesses  or  freemen  ;  and  such  a  check  would  be  vested  no  where  ao  properly  aa  in.  the  lord  of  the 
manor ;  for  though  he  might  not  have  it  in  h^'s  power  to  reject  soipe,  or  swear  and  admit  od^ra  of  the  24  re- 
turned to  him,  yet  he  is  t^rtainly  the  judge  of  the  time  or  occarion  of  making  burgesm  or  fireemen. 


MORPETH  PARISH.  195 

twoDuddoes,  Clifton,  Cladwdl,  Stamungton,  Shotton,  Blagdon,  Korthand  South 
Wideslad,  Killingworth,  Great  Benton,  ai3  Walker. 
King  Henry  I.  gave  Julian,  daughter  of  Cospatrick,  Earl  of  Dunbar,  in  marriage 

"  It  will  be  obtenrad,  that,  aooordin|r  to  the  propoHiom  ratvraed  for  burgesses  as  aforesaid,  the  burgesses 
of  the  Meichants'  oompaoy  have  already  been  one-sixth  part ;  of  the  Tanners'  oompany,  one-fourth  part ;  of 
the  Fullers'  and  Dyers'^  one-seTenth  part ;  of  the  Smiths',  Saddlers',  and  Armourers'^  one-seventh  part ;  of 
the  Cordwainers',  one-seventh  part;  of  the  Weavers',  one-seventh  part;  and  of  the  Skinners',  Glovers',  and 
Butchers',  one-twelfth  part  of  the  burgesses  of  the  said  borough ;  so  that  in  case  any  of  the  said  oompanies 
had  elected  and  returned  a  greater  number  than  its  proportion,  it  is  apprehended  such  return  and  the  admis- 
sion thereupon  would  have  been  illegal,  as  it  would  have  been  introducing  a  custom  which  would  greatly 
lessen  that  influence  which  the  other  companies  has  immemorially  had  in  all  corporate  acts.  And,  for  the 
same  reason,  if,  when  one  or  more  of  the  companies  run  short  of  brothers  (as  has  already  been  the  case 
of  the  Tanners,  and  will  be  of  other  companies  in  a  short  time),  and  the  other  companies  go  on  to  elect  and 
reCuro  their  respective  quotas,  who  are  sworn  and  admitted  burgesses,  it  will  totally  destroy  that  proportion 
of  burgesses  which  has  always  been  kept  up  in  eadx  of  the  companies ;  and  instead  of  there  being  one*fourth 
of  the  burgeases  belonging  to  the  Tanners'  company,  there  will  not  in  time  be  one-twelfth  of  them  belonging 
to  that  oempany ;  and  instead  of  their  being  one-twdfth  of  the  burgesses  belonging  to  the  Skinners'  and  But- 
chers' company,  and  <»ie-8eventh  of  the  Cordwamers'  company,  there  will  in  time  one-half  of  die  burgesses 
belong  to  those  two  companies ;  those  two  lasUmentioned  companies  greatly  exceeding  all  the  others  in  their 
number  of  burgesses. 

"  As  those  several  companies  have  had  their  different  proportions  of  freemen  or  burgesses,  and  of  course 
some  gxeafter  influence  than  others  in  all  corporate  acts,  it  was  thought  proper  to  enquire,  if  those  companies 
which  have  the  greatest  proportion  of  burgesses  bear  any  greater  burthens  in  the  corporation  than  the  others ; 
and,  upon  such  enquiry,  it  appears  that  there  is  a  silver  cup,  which  has  been  run  fov  annually  and  immemo- 
rially upon  one  of  the  commons  belonging  to  the  corporation,  of  the  value  q££},6s.  StL  which  is  bought  by 
the  bailiffs,  and  paid  for  by  the  several  companies  in  the  proportions  above  mentioned^  viz.  the  Merchants' 
company  pay  one-aixth  part ;  the  Tanners'  company,  one-fourth  part ;  the  Fullers'  and  Dyers'— the  Smiths', 
Saddlers',  and  Armourers'—- the  Cordwainers'—- and  the  Weavers'  companies,  each  one-seventh  part ;  and  the 
Skinners',  Glovers',  and  Butchers'  company,  one-twelfUi  part  This  plate  is  called  the  Freeman's  and  Cor< 
poration  Plate.  The  herd  of  the  commons  is  also  paid  his  wages  out  of  the  companies'  boxes  in  the  same 
proportions;  which  seems  to  shew,  that  the  electing  and  making  freemen  out  of  the  several  companies,  in  the 
proportion  above  mentioned,  has  been  well  understood,  by  each  company's  paying  in  proportion  thereto :  and 
it  is  apprefaetoded,  that  if  there  had  been  any  othw  burthens  upon  the  companies,  towards  the  expenoe  of  the 
corporation  at  large,  it  would  have  been  paid  in  the  same  proportion. 

''At  a  meeting  of  the  company  of  Tanners^  held  on  the  15th  day  of  April  last  (1773),  they  came  to  a  resOi- 
lution  to  protest  against  the  swearing  and  admitting  of  burgesses  when  no  persons  were  elected  by  their  cont- 
pany,  nor  any  return  made  by  the  aldermen  of  persons  to  be  sworn  and  admitted  burgesses,  as  beifig  contrary 
to  tlie  immemorial  usage  and  cnstom  of  making  freemen  in  the  said  borough,  and  in  subversion  of  die  lighU 
and  privil^es  of  the  said  company  of  Tanners.  And,  accordingly,  at  the  Easter  court,  1773,  one  of  the 
members  of  the  said  company  protested  against  the  sweaxmg  and  admitting  <^  the  18  persons  then  retomed 
for  freemen  ,*  and,  at  his  request,  the  resolutvons  of  the  said  company  were  read  in  court  [See  a  copy  of 
these  resolutions  sent  herewith.^  But  as  these  18  people  were  willing  to  take  upon  themselves  the  liA.  of. 
the  legality  of  such  their  admission,  the  steward  thought  proper,  rather  than  subject  himself  to  prosecution 
by  mandamus,  to  swear  and  admit  them. 

'^  The  only  record  of  the  admis«on  of  burgesses  is  a  diort  memomndum  thereof,  wrote  on  stampt  paper, 
tDid  kept  by  the  derk  of  the  court  leet,  and  their  names  entered  in  ilie  court  book,  and  called  upon  at  such 
court  as  suitors;  but  care  has  been  taken,  since  the  Taimers'  company  have  made  no  return,  to  make  a  mn- 


f 


V 


196  •  MORPETH  WARD.— W,  D. 

to  Ralph,  son  of  Roger  de  Merley,  with  the  lordships  and  villas  of  Witton,  Horsley, 
Stanton,  Ritton,  Windgates,  and  Liverchild,  which  was  confirmed  by  the  brother 
Edgar.  This  Ralph  founded  Newminster,  and,  as  appears  by  the  Aut<^^pho,  was 
interred  therein,  with  his  lady  and  Osbert  then*  son.  William  de  Merley  was  a  be- 
nefactor to  the  church.*  The  hospital  which  he  founded  at  Morpeth  was  dissolved, 
it  is  supposed,  before  the  general  suppression,  as  it  is  not  mentioned  in  the  Monastic 
con,  nor  in  Speed's  Catalogue  from  Leland. 

Roger  de  Merley  obtained  of  king  John,  1199,  a  market  for  his  borough,  and  an 
annu^  fair  on  Magdalen-day,  in  consideration  of  a  fine  of  20  m^rks  and  two  palfreys^ 
He  was  also  interred  at  Newminster.  His  successor,  Roger,  ornamented  the  borough 
of  Morpeth,  and  founded  an  hospital  at  Catchbum.  He  was  also  interred  at  Newminster, 

morandnm  thereof  in  the  court  book>  and  that  the  persons  then  returned  before  th^  admission  demanded  ta 
be  sworn  and  admitted^  and  were  willing  to  run  the  risk  of  the  legality  of  such  their  admissions^  and  to  take 
upon  themselves  all  hazards.  [[See  a  copy  of  the  entries  piade  in  the>court  book  upon  those  occasions,  sent 
herewith.]]  'Ncity  None  of  the  persons^  who  have  been  sworn  and  admitted  burgesses  since  ^e  Tanners^ 
company  fell  short  of  brothers^  have  selrved  upon  any  juries,  or  in  any  offices  within  and  for  the  said  borough* 

''  Query,  Whether  the  persons  so  returned,  sworn,  and  admitted  burgesses  when  there  was  no  election  in 
the  said  company  of  Tanners,  nor  any  return  made  by  the  aldermen  of  the  said  company  of  persons  to  be 
sworn  and  admitted  burgesses,  are  legal  burgesses  or  freemen  of  the  said  borough  ? 

"  It  seems  to  me,  that  the  mode  of  electing  and  presenting  free  brothers  to  be  admitted  freemen  is  an  es« 
sential  part  of  the  constitution  of  the  borough,  calculated  to  preserve  a  due  proportion  of  freemen  belonging 
to  each  company.  This  constitutional  regulation  was,  both  in  the  trial  and  in  the  motion  for  the  new  trial  of 
the  cause  alluded  to,  the  strongest  circumstance  against  the  claim  of  the  lord  of  the  manor  ""to  a  previous  ap- 
probation of  every  person  to  be  a  freeman  of  the  borough :  fbr  if,  as  it  was  contended  and  proved,  that  una- 
nimous presentment  of  the  aldermen  of  persons  to  be  freemen,  in  the  proportions  stated,  was  a  part  of  the 
constitution  of  the  place,  the  right  claimed  by  the  lord  defeated  the  object  of  the  usage,  namely,  a  due  pro- 
portion of  freemen  to  belong  each  company,  as  the  lord  might  vary  the  numbers  according  to  his  pleasure. 
I  am  therefore  of  opinion,  that  the  freemen  who  have  been  presented  and  admitted  without  the  concurrence 
of  the  aldermen  of  the  Tanners'  company,  and  the  presentment  of  a  proportional  part  from  that  company,  are 
not  legal  fV'eemen.  If  any  of  the  companies  should  become  dissolved,  or  incapable  of  acting,  it  mi^t  be  a 
question  whether  the  other  companies  might  not  present ;  but  in  the  present  case,  nothmg  appears  necessary 
but  to  wait  till  a  proper  supply  from  the  Tanners'  company  can  be  had,  and  which  in  course  will  happen. 

"  LI.  KENYON.  JOHN  L,EE.  J  A.  WALLACE. 

"Lincoln's  Inn,  g5th  January,  1774." 

fl 

*  Charter."-'!  William  de  Merley,  my  wife  and  sons  consenting,  give  unto  Ood,  St  Cuthbert,  and  the 
monks  at  Durham,  Morewic,  with  divers  appurtenances  to  the  said  village,  also  one  fishing  in  Xhh  river  Tyne> 
for  the  soul  of  me,  and  my  wife  Menialda,  and  my  son's  soul,  Ranulph  de  Merley,  Geofirey  de  Merley,  and 
all  my  other  sons ;  signed  by  said  William  de  Merley,  and  bis  son,  Ranulph,  Geofirey,  Moreth,  Robert,  An« 
sercm,  also  Geoffrey  de  Clifron,  to  hold  to  said  mcmks  quietly  in  free  alms  for  ever :  after  said  WilUam's 
death,  his  son,  on  the  29th  of  Sept  being  the  feast  of  St  Cuthbert,  gave,  granted,  and  confirmed  the  said 
land  to  the  Sepulchre  of  St  Cuthbert,  said  lands  of  Morwick  and  appurtenances,  in  presence  «of  Prior  of 
Tinmouth,  Renegias — Robert,  the  Archdeacon — John  de  Mundaville — William  Fits^Renulpb — Eustersia, 
sister  of  sd  Renulph— Richard  Tison— Robert,  son  of  Norman  Brues,  of  Bomton-^Ranulph  Blaca,  Presbyter  of 
Hexham — Hely,  Presbyter  of  Morpeth— Will.  Presbyter  of  Stenniton->Gamel  de  Arle— Meldied  dc  Aclet— % 
Roger  Coismers. 


MORPETH  PARISH- 


197 


Rooer^  the  thirds  granted  to  hi%  burgesses  a  freedom  from  all  taxes,  subsidies,  or 
oontributions,  except  those  to  the  king  for  public  safety,  the  marriage  honours  of  the 
lord's  heir  or  eldest  daughter,  or  the  lord's  redemption  from  captivity.     By  the  same 
charter,  the  prizes  raised  by  his  officers  and ,  servants,  or  those  of  bis  successors,  on 
bread  aod  beer,  and  other  thincs,  were  assigned  to  the  creditors  within  the  IxHrough, 
to  be  paid  witfaiii  forty  days.     Such  of  them  as  were  not  paid  within  that  time,  were 
enjinned  to  remain  easy  till  they  oould  be  paid^    The  lord  was  at  liberty,  in  the  mean 
time,  to  make  other  priMS^  at  his  pleasure.    His  prize  for  heet  in  the  whole  year  was 
three  gallons,  valued  at  one  penny.     Their  accustomed  common-right,  pasturage,  and 
other  conv^ences,  were  confirmed  to  them  and  their  successors,  and  way-leave 
granted  to  and  from  the  town,  com-fields  and  meadows  only  excepted.     lie  gave 
them  liberty  of  pasture  on  his  stubbks  o£  Wenherlaw,  to  the  west  of  the  town,  be- 
tween Newminster  priory  and  the  foss  or  ditch  of  the  west  park ;  reserving  to  him- 
self and  his  heirs  the  eati^  of  them  for  fifteen  days  after  the  com  was  carried  off* 
They  had  fuel  from  his  turbaries  within  the  manor  of  Morpeth,  at  his  pleasure,  for  a 
penny  a  load.    For  every  homed  beast,  and  for  every  horse,  fcmnd  feeoing  in  his  en- 
closed grounds,  they  paid  a  halfpenny,  and  the  same  for  five  sheep,  as  a  compensation 
for  three  several  trespasses,  as  wdl  without  as  within  the  enclosures ;  ana  for  the 
fourth  trespass  of  every  homed  beast  in  his  endosed  wood  or  boscage,,  they  paid 
eight-pence,  and  four-pence  for  eadi  taken  without  the  inclosure,  and  afterwards 
taking  only  a  halfpenny  for  a  beast  trespasring  three  times  as  at  first.     If  their  cattle 
were  taken  among  com,  or  in  the  meadows,  they  made  reparation  according  to  the 
seas<xi  of  the  year.     He  granted  and  confirmed  to  thraa  and  their  succesHsors  most  of 
the  unoccupied  ground,  which  was  their  ancient  market-place,  with  an  iniunction  to 
build  stalls  for  the  use  of  butchers  and  thoise  that  sold  nshes ;  and  a  prohibition  for 
any  of  their  goods  to  be  sold  before  the  hour  of  nine  o'clock,  and  in  no  other  paft  of 
the  town,  except  in  gross  or  by  wholesale ;  his  lordlsfaip  reserving  to  himself  and  his 
successors  a  power  to  build  upon  any  of  his  lands  wherein  he  had  granted  a  ri^ht  of 
common  to  the  corporation.    He  confined  them  to  grind  tb^  com  at  hia  mill  of 
Morpeth,  aceordiiig  to  former  usage. 

Lord  Merley 's  market  at  Morpeth  proved  such  a  detriment  to  the  neighbourinff 
market  of  Milibrd^  that  Roger  de  Bertram^  Baron  of  Mitford,  34  king  Henry  Hi! 
125&,  impleaded  him  in  the  comity  court  dP  Northumberland  for  damages  ;  but  the 
king  being  acquainted  with  it,  sent  his  precept  to  the  skerifi*,  prc^biting  him  to  pro- 
ceed further  in  that  suit,  because  it  beloKiged  not  to  his  jurisdiekioiik 

Lord  Merley  founded  a  chantry  in  the  church  at  Stannington.  He  diied  50  king 
Henry  III.  ISfid,  and  was  interred  at  Newmickster,  near  his  father,  Aa  inquisition 
was  taken  of  his  baronv  in  the  same  reiffOi ;  ako  1  kii^  Edwavd  I.  when  it  was  found, 
that  the  burgesses  paid  aimudUy  for  me  fee-farm  o£  the  town  to  hi»  lordshipv.  £  K> ; 
that  he  recei"^  annually  fov  felons'  goods»  staUage,  md  a  salmoa  Ibhery  in  the  river 
Wansbeck,  XS,  6«;  Sd.  per  annum ;  mid  for  his  park,  ealfed  £ast-pM*k,  containing  418 
aofes,  £6,  ISjl  4sd.  per  annum ;  and  that  h^  had  asbother  park„  eidled  West-park,  cc^i- 
taining  142  acres,  which  he  reserved  for  his  owHt  convenience  and  pleasured  His 
barony  came  to  his  daughters  and  coheira»  Mavy  and  Johaana.  Macy  married  WIU 
liam  Lord  Greystoek,  by  whom  shft  had  two  sons  and  one  daughter,  vi^.  John^ 
WiUiam,  and  Margaret;    Johanna  imnM  Bobeitt  de  Som^arvilk,  by  whom  she  had 


VOL.  II. 


3  D 


198  MORPETH  WARD— W.  D. 

r 

five  sons  and  one  daughter,  viz.  Robert,  Roger,  Adam,  John,  Philip,  and  IsabdI. 
Her  husband  and  her  son  John  died  25  king  Edward  I.  and  her  daughter  Isabell  died 
83d  of  the  same  reign.  Her  other  four  sons  all  lived  to  possess  her  moiety  of  the 
barony  of  Morpeth,  in  their  turn,  and  died  without  male  issue. 

Morpeth  fell  to  the  lot  of  William  Lord  Grevstock,  to  whom,  and  to  his  heirs, 
king  Edward  I.  granted,  that  the  annual  fair  in  the  borough  of  Morpeth  should  be 
held  for  three  days  together,  viz.  on  the  eve,  and  on  the  feast  of  St.  Mary  Magdalen^ 
and  the  day  after.  His  lordship  died  1 7th  of  the  same  reign,  and  was  succeeded  by 
his  son, 

John  Lord  Grey  stock,  who  was  a  benefactor  to  the  abbeys  of  Tynemouth  and 
Newminster,  and  caused  a  division  to  be  made  of  his  grandfather  Merley's  lands  be- 
tween him  and  his  uncle,  Robert  de  Somerville.  His  brother  William  being  dead, 
and  having  no  issue,  he  settled  his  moiety  of  them,  and  his  other  estates,  at  his  death, 
84  king  Edward  I.  1807,  on 

Ral]^  Fitz-William,  his  near  kinsman,  who  assumed  the  name  and  title  of  Ralph 
Lord  Greystock.  He  married  Margery,  the  widow  of  Nicholas  Corbet,  one  of  the 
daughters  and  coheirs  of  Hugh  de  Bolbeck,  by  which  marriage  he  acquired  a  mediety 
of  the  barony  of  Bolbeck ;  and  had  two  sons,  William  and  Ralph.  His  lordship 
founded  a  chantry  in  the  church  of  Tynemouth.  He  lived  to  a  great  age,  and  diert 
9  king  Edward  II.  1816.  He  was  interred  at  Newsham.  His  eldest  son,  WiDiam, 
and  his  wife,  Catharine,  dying  without  issue,  he  was  succeeded  by  his  younger  son, 

Ralph  Lord  Greystock,  wno  died  the  year  following,  10  king  Edward  II.  1817, 
when  an  inquisition  was  taken  of  all  his  estates  in  this  county.  He  was  interred  at 
Butterwick.     His  son  and  heir, 

Ralph  Lord  Greystock,  married  Alice,  the  daughter  of  Hugh  Lord  Audley.  He 
died  by  poison  at  Gateshead,  17  king  Edward  11.  1324,  by  the  contrivance  of  the 
accomplices  of  Sir  Gilbert  de  Middleton,  whom  his  lordship  had  been  the  prindpal 
instrument  of  seizing  in  the  castle  of  Mitford  for  treason.  He  was  interred  at  New- 
castle, and  was  succeeded  by  his  son, 

William  Lord  Greystock,  who  was  summoned  by  writ  to  the  parliament  at  West- 
minster, 15th  July,  S6  king  Edward  III.  1352.  He  first  married  Lucy,  the  daughter 
of  Lord  Lucy ;  and  afterwards  Johanna,  the  daughter  of  Henry  Fitz-Hugh,  Lord 
Ravensworth.  He  built  the  castles  of  Greystock  and  Morpeth.  He  died  at  Brance» 
peth,  in  the  bishopric  of  Durham,  32  king  Edward  III.  1858,  and  was  interred  at 
Greystock,  near  his  mother,  Alice,  Lady  NeviU.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  a 
minor,  the  third 

Ralph  Lord  Greystock,  who  was  summoned  by  writ  to  the  mrliament  at  West- 
minster, 1  king  Richard  II.  1877 ;  and  1st  and  7th  kin^  Henry  iV^ ;  and  to  the  par- 
liament at  Leicester,  2  king  Henry  V.  1414.  He  married  Catherine,  the  daughter  of 
Roger  Lord  Clifford.  He  had  tiie  direction  of  a  military  expedition  against  the 
Scots,  when  he  was  taken  prisoner  at  Horsrige,  in  Glendale,  by  George  Ean  of  Dun- 
bar, where  he  was  taken  ill  of  a  dangerous  fever,  then  raging  in  Scotland,  of  which 
he  died,  and  was  buried  there,  and  afterwards  removed  and  interred  before  the  high 
altar  at  Newminster.  His  lordship's  ransom  cost  3000  marks,  towards  which  the  bur- 
gesses at  Morpeth  paid  £7»  13«.  lOd.  By  the  advice  of  his  mother,  Johanna,  he  gave 
uie  impropriation  and  advowson  of  Longhonley  to  the  priory  of  IBrinkbum,  8  king 


MORPETH  PARISH.  199 

Richard  II. ;  in  consideratibh  of  which,  the  prior  and  convent  agreed  that  her  lady, 
ship  and  her  heirs  should  have  the  perpetual  right  of  presentation  of  one  canon  in 
their  convent.  The  first  canon  presented  by  her  was  Alan,  son  of  John  de  Prestwick. 
He  was  also  a  benefactor  to  the  priory  of  Wewminster,  13th  of  the  same  reign.  He 
died  6  king  Henry  V.  1417.  An  inquisition  was  then  taken  of  his  honours  and 
estates,  when  it  was  found  that  he  held  the  manor  of  Grimthorp  and  Helderskelf  of 
the  crown,  under  the  honour  of  Chester,  by  the  service  of  carrying  the  sword  before 
the  Earl  of  Chester,  for  the  time  bein^.     fie  was  succeeded  by 

John  Lord  Greystock,  who  married  Elizabeth,  the  daughter  and  coheir  of  Robert 
Lord  Wemme.  He  died  14  king  Henry  VI.  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son  and  heir, 
•  Ralph  Lord  Greystock,  who  was  summoned  to  parliament  29th  king  Henry  VI. 
and  1  king  Edward  IV. ;  also  1  king  Richard  III.  and  1  king  Henry  VII.  He 
married  Elizabeth,  the  daughter  of  William  Fitz-Hugh,  Lord  Ravensworth.  '  He 
died  2  king  Henry  VII.  He  had  one  son,  Robert,  who  died  in  his  father's  life-time, 
and  left  one  daughter,  by  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Edmund  Grey,  Duke  of  Kent. 

Elizabeth  Baroness  Greystock  and  Wemme  married  Thomas  Lord  Dacre,  of  Gils- 
land,  who  died  17  king  Henry  VIII.  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son, 

William  Lord  Dacre,  Baron  of  Gilsland,  Greystock,  and  Wemme,  who  married 
Elizabeth,  the  daughter  of  the  Earl  of  Shropshire.  He  was  accused  of  misconduct 
as  Warden  of  the  Marches,  but  honourably  acquitted.  He  died  6  queen  Elizabeth, 
and  was  succeeded  by 

Thomas  Lord  Dacre,  who  married  Elizabeth,  the  daughter  of  Sir  James  Leibum. 
He  died  9  queen  Elizabeth,  and  was  succeeded  by 

George  Lord  Dacre,  who  dying  under  age,  nis  honours  and  estates  descended  to 
his  two  sisters,  Ann  and  Elizabeth.  Ann  married  Philip  Earl  of  Arundel,  eldest  son 
of  the  Duke  of  Norfolk.  Elizabeth  married  William  Howard,  of  Naworth  Castle, 
Cumberland,  the  third  son  of  Thomas  Duke  of  Norfolk.  He  was  formidable  to  the 
inoss-troopers,  who  in  derision  called  him  Bald  WiUey.  He  also  appears  to  have  had 
a  taste  for  literature.  ^ 

His  grandson,  Charles,  was  created  Lord  Dacre  of  Gilsland,  Viscount  Howard  of 
MorpeSi,  and  Earl  of  Carlisle.  He  was  vice-admiral  of  the  northern  counties,  lord 
lieutenant  of  Cumberland  and  Westmoreland,  governor  of  Jamaica,  privy-counsellor 
to  king  Charles  II.  and  ambassador-extraordinary  to  the  czar  of  Muscovy,  and  the 
kings  of  Sweden  and  Denmark.  He  died  in  Februar5r,  1684,  and  was  interred  in 
York  Minster,  where  there  is  a  monument  and  inscription  to  his  memory.  He  was 
succeeded  by  his  son, 

Edward,  second  Earl  of  Carlisle,  who  was  member  of  parliament  for  Morpeth,  as 
was  his  successor,  Charles,  third  Earl  of  Carlisle.  The  latter  was  privy-counseUor, 
earl  marshal,  constable  of  the  tower  of  London,  lord  lieutenant  of  Cumberland  and 
Westmoreland,  lord  warden  and  chief  justice  in  eyre,  and  master  of  the  king's  fox- 
hounds. He  had  a  literary  turn,  and  wrote  poetry.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son, 
Henry^  fourth  Earl  of  CarUsle,  who  married  Frances,  only  daughter  of  Charles  Spen- 
cer, Earl  of  Sutherland,  by  whom  he  had  issue.  He  afterwards  married  Isabella, 
daughter  of  William  Lord  Bynni,  by  whom  he  also  had  issue.  He  was  succeeded 
by  his  son,  by  his  last  lady, 


ioo 


MORPETH  WARD— W.  D. 


Frederick  Howard,  fifth  Earl  of  Carlisle,  Viscount  Howard  <rf  Morpeth,  Baron 
Dacres,  Knight  of  the  Garter,  and  Lord  Lieutenant  of  East  Ycwrkshire.  In  1780, 1^ 
was  Lord  Lieutenant  of  Ireland,  and  often  took  an  active  part  in  public  afiairs.  He 
is  distinguished  for  his  genius  and  acquirements,  and  is  author  of  a  volume  of  poems. 
He  married,  March  22,  1 770,  Caroline,  daughter  of  Granville  Levison  Gc^irer,  first 
Marquis  of  Stafford,  by  whom  he  has  issue,  George  Viscount  Morpeth,  bom  Septem- 
ber 17,  1773,  married,  March,  1801,  Lady  Georgina  Cavend^h,  eldest  daughter  of 
William  Duke  of  Devonshire,  and  has  issue  two  daughters ;  Isabella  Caroline,  bom 
September  3,  1771,  married  John  Campbell,  Baron  Cawdor,  and  has  issue,  Ctudbtte, 
Susan  Maria,  and  Louisa,  all  three  dead ;  Elizabeth,  bom  November,  1780,  married 
April,  1799,  John  Henry  Duke  of  Rutland  ;  William,  bom  December,  1781 ;  Ger^ 
trude,  bom  in  January,  1788 ;  and  Frederic,  bom  in  Diecember,  1795.* 

Newminster  is  pleasantly  seated  in  the  narrow  and  beautiful  vale  oi  Wansbeck» 
about  half  a  mile  west  from  Morpeth.  At  the  water  side  there  is  a  FuIUng-niill',  and 
at  a  little  distance  the  Abbey  Mills,  with  several  cottages,  A  £urm4iouse  stands  on 
the  Bank-head.    Below  Newminster  is  a  convenient  wooden  bridge,  built  by  Wilfiam 

^  Before  closing  the  account  of  Morpeth^  it  may  be  proper  to  observe^  that  there  are  portions  ^|[round  on 
the  margin  of  the  Wansbeck^  near  the  town^  called  the  Stanners.  This  word  is  derived  from  the  C3othic 
stenoer,  composed  of  sien,  a  stone^  and  oer,  gravel,  and  is  used  provincially  to  denote  those  small  stones  and 
gravel,  within  the  channel  of  a  river,  which  are  occasionally  left  dry.  Executions  uaaally  teke  place  on  the 
Lofv  Stanners. 

While  some  workmen  were  lately  digging  in  a  field  near  the  Stanners,  they  found  the  blade  ef  a  biass 
dirk,  about  eleven  inches  long,  having  four  cutting  edges.  The  workmanship  is  extremely  rude.  They  alfio 
discovered  a  brass  spoon,  ornamented  with  the  figure  of  a  woman  with  a  child  in  her  arms;  and  part  of  a 
large  brass  belt-buckle,  on  the  border  of  which  is  a  wreath  of  laurel  leaves.  These  carious  antiquities,  which 
are  much  decayed,  art  now  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  William  Noad,  gunsmitJi,  Morpeth.  A  rude  battle-axe, 
formed  partly  of  brass,  was  found  at  the  same  place,  but  has  been  unfortunately  sold  for  old  metat 

**  The  congregation  of  Presby  termns  has  eadsted  in  Morpeth  for  a  considerable  time.  They  assembled  in 
different  houses,  during  the  severities  that  preceded  the  termination  of  the  Stuart  dynasty.  After  the  revo- 
lution, their  meeting-house  was  situated  in  a  place  which  is  now  occupied  as  a  tan-yard  by  Mr.  Railston.  In 
February,  1  6Q^,  the  Rev.  Jonathan  Harle,  M.  D.  of  Alnwick,  was  ordained  their  pastor.  He  was  author  of 
a  work  called  the  '  Scripture  Physic'  He  appears  to  have  been  succeeded  by  that  fiimous  antiquary,  the 
Rev.  John  Horseley>  who  in  1729  published  a  funeral  sermon  upon  the  death  of  Dr.  Harle,  of  whom  he 
speaks  as  being  his  kinsman.  I  cannot  find  on  what  authority  it  is  stated  that  Mr.  Horseley  was  bom  at  Pinkie 
House,  in  Scotland,  in  1685 ;  but  there  is  a  tradition  that  his  parents  belonged  to  some  p)ace  a  little  west 
from  Morpeth.  It  is  cert£n  that  he  resided  at  Widdrington  before  he  settled  in  Morpeth,  or  wae  elected  a 
F.  R.  S.  fSee  PhiL  Trans.  No.  377 J  The  Rev.  W.  Turner  says  (Newcastle  Mag.  I8»l^  that  his  valuable 
apparatus  is  m>w  deposited  in  the  library  of  the  Dissenters'  chapel  in  Red  Cross  Street,  London.  The  same 
authority  states,  that  Mr.  Horseley's  widow,  after  his  death,  resided  in  Newcastle,  with  her  only  child,  a 
daughter,  who  married  Samuel  Halliday,  Esq.  an  eminent  surgeon,  and  Tiail  a  son  and  daughter.  The  son 
died  young ;  but  the  daughter,  an  excellent  lady,  married  William  Walker,  Esq.  of  KUlingbeck  House,  near 
X^eeds."-*-/.  C.  Mr.  Horseley  was  succeeded,  it  is  said,  by  a  Mr.  I^mpson.  In  17 A6,  Mr.  Alchesen  became 
minister,  and  was  followed  by  the  Rev.  Robert  Trotter,  who^  dying  in  1807>  waa  soiocfeded  by  the  Re««  Qs 
Atkin,  the  present  minister.    These  notes  were  received  too  late  to  appear  in  tfa^ir  ptoper  piece. 


MORPETH  PARISH.  201 

Ord,  Esq.  M.  P.  for  Morpeth,  a  few  yards  above  which  the  vestiges  of  a  stone  bridge 
may  be  perceived.  At  a  little  distance  to  the  south  is  Morpeth  High  House,  occu- 
pied by  Mr.  John  Moore,  steward  to  Mr.  Ord. 

Newminster  Abbey. — ^This  rich  and  famous  house  was  founded  by  Ralph  de  Mer- 
ley.  Baron  of  Morpeth,  and  Julian,  his  wife,  daughter  of  Cospatrick,  Ean  of  North- 
umberlapd,  in  the  rei/^  of  king  Stephen,  1188,  for  the  health  of  the  souls  of  his 
father,  and  Menialda  his  mother,  and  aU  his  ancestors.  It  was  furnished  with  Cister- 
tian  monks,  from  Fountain,  in  Normandy,  and  was  dedicated  to  the  Blessed  Virgin. 
Its  endowments  and  revenues  were  very  ample. 

The  founder  endowed  it  with  the  lordship  of  Ritton,  and  part  of  the  woods  of 
Witton,  and  all  the  vale  between  Morpeth  and  Hebre,  by  the  brook  of  FuUbeck  to 
its  fall  into  Cottingburn,  and  by  Cottingbum  to  its  fall  into  Wansbeck.  Its  several 
benefactors  were,  Margery,  the  lady  of  the  second  Roger  de  Merley,  who  gave  three 
fisheries  in  the  river  Tyne ;  William  Bertram,  Baron  of  Mitford,  the  fine  vwe  between 
the  Minster  and  Mitford ;  Peter,  son  of  John  Vicar,  of  Mitford,  Aldworth  Grange ; 
Everard  de  Ros,  Baron  of  VVark,  Sturton  Grange ;  Robert  Bertram,  Baron  of  Bothal, 
the  estate  called  Forum ;  Hugh,  Baron  of  Bolbeck,  and  Thophania  his  wife,  the  villa  of 
Rotheley ;  Robert  de  Greystock,  the  manor  and  royalties  of  Kestem  and  Werehill,  the 
demesnes  of  which  they  bought  of  John  de  Kestem ;  Roger,  Baron  of  Warkworth,  a 
salt-work  at  Warkworth ;  Henry  Cemers,  and  Eda  his  wife,  Scaiplane  Grange  and.an 
estate  at  Clifton  j  Sir  Richard  Gubion,  20*.  yearly  out  of  his  mill  of  Shilvington ;  Sir 
Ro^er  de  Merley,  the  like  at  Stanton ;  Sir  Robert  de  Fenwick,  two  parts  of  his  villa  of 
Irdington,  in  Cumberland ;  Allan  Whitehead,  Vicar  of  Tynemouth,  and  William  KeU, 
lands  in  Stannington ;  John  de  Plesses,  mills  of  Stannington,  and  lands  thereto  apper- 
taining ;  John  de  Mitford,  lands  in  Echwick ;  John  Lord  Greystock,  restored  to  them 
the  common-right  at  Stobbiford  and  Ul^ham,  given  by  their  founder,  and  again  taken 
away  by  his  heir ;  Sir  Roger  de  Somerville,  impropriation  and  advowson  of  Stanning- 
ton ;  they  had  also  the  impropriation  and  advowson  of  Earkwhelpington. 

Besides  these  numerous  and  valuable  donations,  the  monks  bought  of  Sir  Gilbert 
de  UmfranviUe,  Baron  of  Prudhoe,  the  moors  of  Cheviot,  the  Granges  of  Felton  and 
Tolland,  and  Turf  hill  Pasture.  They  also  purchased  Newton  Grange  of  Sir  Walter, 
Baron  of  Bothal ;  and  had  tenements  both  in  Thornton  and  Morpeth,  and  six  houses 
in  Newcastle.  They  held  Tritlington  of  the  manor  of  Wark  upon  Tweed.  Roger 
de  Thornton  gave  them  as  much  lead  -as  covered  the  nave  of  the  abbey  church :  the 
third  Ralph  Lord  Greystock  gave  them  £20  to  adorn  it;  and  his  son,  John  Lord 
Greystock,  £60  for  the  same  pious  purpose.     Sir  Ralph  Nevil,  at  difierent  times, 

gve  them  100  marks.  These  great  donations  were  confirmed  to  them  by  king 
enry  III.  in  the  88th  year  of  his  reign,  and  other  kings,  his  successors. 

The  abbot  of  Newminster  was  summoned  to  the  parliament  he)d  at  Carlisle,  35 
king  Edward  I.  1S07.  It  had,  at  the  suppression,  fifteen  reli^ous,  and  possessions  of 
the  yearly  value  of  £lOO,  8*.  Id.  according  to  Dug^e ;  and  £140, 10^.  4rf.  according 
to  Speed.  A  considerable  part  of  the  lands  belonging  to  it  were  in  the  crown  10 
queen.  Elizabeth.  The  sdte  of  the  abbev  was  granted  7  king  James  I.  to  Robert 
JBrandling.     It  now  belongs  to  William  Ord,  Esq.  of  Whitfield  HaU. 

Every  vestige  of  the  abbey  has  been  destroyeo,  except  the  arch  of  one  of  the  en- 
trances, which  is  now  cacefully  preserved.    Its  form  is  very  simple,  but  elegant.    In 

VOL.  II.  "  8  E 


son  MORPETH  WARD.~W.  D. 

di^ng  tor  limestone  in  the  vicinity,  colBns  both  of  lead  and  stone  have  been  diaoo- 
vered.  One  of  the  stone  coffins  fbund  amongst  the  ruins  is  supposed  to  haTe  eon- 
tained  the  remains  of  the  famous  Megi  of  mkdam.    It  is  lued  as  a  trough  for  cattle. 

Tranwell  stands  about  one  mile  and  a  half  south-west  from  Morpeth,  and  con- 
tains  one  fkrm-house  and  six  cottages.  It  is  the  nri^erty  of  the  Earl  of .  Cariidet 
This  township  includes  High  Chukch,  which  stands  on  the  tunipike  road,  and  c(m- 
tains  the  rectory-house,  one  public  house,  and  ten  cottages.  Morpeth  Common  lies 
west  from  Tranwell,  and  has  a  herd's  bouse  and  three  cottages  at  the  east  end,  and  t^ 
house  with  farm  offices  at  the  west  end. 

Shilvingtqn  is  situated  ^  miles  south-west  from  Morpeth.  It  consists,  of  six 
cottages,  and  belongs  to  Thomas  Brown,  Esq.  Watch-hill  numstead  Ues  nordi,  and 
Startup  farmstead  south  from  Shilvingt<Mi. 

TwiziiE  lies  at  the  southern  extremity  of  the  parish,  and  on  the  north  bank  of  the 
Blyth  river.  It  consists  of  one  farm-house  and  a  cottage.  Catchbuiin  stands  on 
the  east  side  of  the  road,  about  3^  miles  south  from  Morpeth,  and  contann  two 
farm-houses  and  a  cottage.  Here  was  anciently  an  hospital,  built  under  the  ii^oenee 
and  patronage  of  Roger  Lord  Merley,  the  second  of  that  name.  Both  these  town« 
ships  belong  to  the  Earl  of  Carlisle. 

.  Hepscott  is  situated  north  of  the  rivulet  called  Sleekbum,  and  on  the  borders  of 
Bedlingtonshire.  It  contains  about  eight  houses,  two  of  which  are  farm4iouse^ 
Here  is  a  verv  curious  ancient  house,  belonging  to  Richard  Wikon,  Esq.  of  London. 
It  is  occupied  by  Mr.  W.  Atkinson,  by  whom  it  hag  been  repaired  and  beautified, 
8Qd  the  adjoining  lands  much  improved.  Between  this  place  and  the  Wansbeck  are 
several  farm-houses  and  cottages,  the  property  of  the  Earl  of  Carlisle.  W.  R.  Bur^- 
ton,  Esq,  resides  at  Shadfin  Cottage;  and  Duua  House  consists  of  a  public  house, 
conveniently  seated- where  two  roads  cross,  and  one  cottage.  Below  Moinpeth  are  two 
ftiQing-mlUs,  the  one  carried  on  by  Mr.  William  Nairn,  mid  the  other  by  Mr.  Bbe- 
nezer  rJaim. 


TINDALE    WARD. 


[ONE  of  the  Northumt>erla!nd  Wards  equbl  Tindale  in  extent  and  po* 
pulation.  It  is  computed  to  be,  on  an  average,  29  miles  in  length 
from  east  to  west,  and  99  miles  in  breadth  from  nordi  to  south.  It 
contains  ev^  variety  of  soil  and  aspect ;  the  central  and  eastern  parts 
consist  of  rich  and  highly  cultivated  lands ;  but  the  rest  of  the  Ward 
7  is  mostly  mountainous  wilds,  covered  mth  heath.    It  is  well  watered 

by  numerous  rivers  and  burns,  and  is  uncommonly  rich  in  mineral  productions. 
About  41,000  acres  is  annually  appropriated  to  the  growth  ot  gtam  and  roots,  and 
about  27,000  acres  are  kept  as  meadow  lands.  As  the  wall  of  Severus,  that  stupen- 
dous remain  of  the  power,  the  art,  and  the  policy  of  the  Romans,  passed  through  this 
Ward,  it  abounds  with  the  most  curious  and  interesting  antiquities. 


MrORTH-BAST    BIVI8I02V. 


»i»»MMi 


KmmVHELPINGTON  PARISH. 

The  parish  cfi  Kirkwtielpington  is  completely  intersected  by  that  of  Kirk  Harle. 
Its  nortnem  and  largest  cKvision  is  bcmncbd:  on  the  north  by  the  parishes  of  Elsdon 
and  Hartbum,  on  the  west  by  Corsenside  and  Thockrington,  on  the  south  by  Kirk 
Harle,  and  on  the  east  by  the  parish  of  Hartburni  Its  forth  is  very  irregulsu*.  Its 
length  ftom  north  to  south  is  about  6  miles^  and 'its  greatest  breadth  tnay  be  stated 
at  5  miles.  The  whole  parish,  including  the  toWtiship  of  Capheaton,  which  forms  its 
southern  division,  contains,  according  to  the  last 'census,  154  houseis  axid  743  inhabit- 
ants. This,  compared  with  the  census  of  ifelli  denotes'  a  decrease  of  81'  persons, 
which  seems  to  nave  taken  place  chiefly  in  the  tbwnshipsof  KirkwhdpingtM  and 
Little  Harle.    The  whole  pansh  is  divided  into  ten  townships, 

The  northern  division  of  the  parish  exhibits  a  great  diversity  of  soil  and  *  climate. 
Lying  around  the  sources  of  the  Wansbeck',  much  of  it  necessarfly  occrfpies  a  high 


204 


TINDALE  WARD.~N.  E.  D 


The  northern  division  of  the  parish  exhibits  a  great  diversity  of  soil  and  climate. 
Lying  around  the  sources  of  the  Wansbeck,  much  of  it  necessarily  occupies  a  high 
and  exposed  situation,  particularly  towards  its  northern  and  north-western  ooundaries. 
Its  south-eastern  extremity,  however,  consisting  of  the  estate  of  Little  Harle,  pre- 
sents,  in  its  "  pomp  of  groves  and  garniture  of  fields,'*  a  rich  and  striking  contrast. 
Between  these  two  extremes  there  are  considerable  portions  of  fertile  lan^  occupied 
either  as  dairy  or  grazing  farms ;  but,  except  on  the  well  wooded  and  beautiful.domam 
of  Little  Harle,  there  is  every  where  else,  throughout  the  north  of  the  parish,  a 
chilling  nakedness  of  aspect,  arising  from  the  neglect  of  planting,  and  the  consequent 
want  of  shelter.  However,  the  air  throughout  the  whole  parish  seems  to  be  pecu- 
liarly salubrious.*  When  the  Rev.  A.  Hedley  was  minister  of  Kirkwhelpington,  "he 
organized  a  school  on  the  Madras  system,  open  to  all  sects,  and  at  which  from  60  to 
80  children  were  usually  taught.  The  parents  paid  only  about  one-third  of  the  ex- 
pence.  This  excellent  establishment  is  now  broken  up.  There  is  still  a  Sunday- 
school  and  a  common  day-school.  There  is  also  a  day-school  at  Capheaton ;  and  a 
school  in  Great  Bavington,  kept  by  a  Dissenting  minister. 

Kirkwhelpington,  which  gives  its  name  to  the  parish,  consists  of  two  oi*  three 
rows  of  wretched  thatched  cottages.  It  is  pleasantly  situated  on  the  northern  bank 
of  the  Wansbeck,  at  the  western  extremity  of  the  fine  vale  of  Wallington,  whidi 
forms  the  limit  of  the  cultivated  country ;  and  is  14  miles  west  of  Morpeth,  15  horth- 
east  of  Hexham,  and  22  north-west  of  Newcastle^  Except  a  tenement  or  two  in  the 
village,  the  glebe  land,  and  the  small  farm  of  Mary  Castle,  the  property  of  Sir  John 
Swinbum,  Bart,  the  whole  township  belongs  to  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  and  is 
parcel  of  the  barony  of  Prudhoe-  There  are  ten  cottagers,  who  have  each  a  cottage 
and  half  an  acre  of  land,  for  which  they  pay  35^.  per  annum :  there  are  seven  others, 
who  have  each  land  to  the  amount  of  ^9  per  annum.    The  church,  with  its  low 


*  On  this  subject,  the  Rev.  A.  Hedley  expresses  hlmseliPthus: — **  In  Lysons'  Cornwall  (p.  48)  we  are  in« 
formed,  that  the  Rev.  John  Trist,  vicar  of  Veryan,  in  that  county^  (whose  parish,  in  1810,  consisted  of  1220 
persons)  had  ascertained,  that,  daring  an  incumbency  of  SO  years,  the  proportion  of  persons  buried  who  had 
exceeded  80  years  of  age  was  one  in  eight;  those  who  had  exceeded  90,  one  in  fifty-three  and  a  half. 
Messrs.  Lysons  record  these  facta  as  proving,  in  an  extraordinary  degree,  the  healthiness  of  the  climate,  and 
contrast  them  with  the  results  of  similar  enquiries,  made  by  many  other  persons.  It  was  the  opinion  of 
J<ma8  Hanway,  for  example,  that  the  general  average  of  those  who  attain  the  age  of  80,  was  one  in  70 ;  and 
Dr.  Price  has  quoted  as  an  extraordinary  instance  a  parish  in  Shropshire,  in  which  one  in  24  had  attained 
that  age.    By  the  London  bills  of  mortality  it  appears  that  only  one  in  40  lives  to  80. 

**  Now,  I  hereby  put  in  a  claim  for  Nortiiumberland,  as  being,  at  least  in  certain  parts  of  it,  still  more  &- 
vourable  to  longevity,  and  therefore  indicating  greater  healfhiness  oi  climate,  than  even  Cornwall,  thou^  the 
latter,  on  account  of  its  mild  air,  has  been  called  the  Montpellier  of  England.  On  examining  the  burial  re- 
.gister  of  the  parish  of  Kirkwhelpington,  I  find  that,  during  the  last  20  years  (and  the  ages  have  not  been 
noted  for  a  longer  period),  the  proporti<Mi  of  persons  buried  who  have  exceeded  80  years  of  age,  has  been  one 
in  six  and  a  half;  and  those  who  have  exceeded  90,  one  in  48.  Every  third  person  Has  lived  to  seventy  years 
rfage,  and  somewhat  more  than  one-half  have  reached  their  fiftieth  year.  The  population  of  the  parish  con- 
sist^, in  1814,  of  793  persons,  and,  on  an  avehige  of  the  last  ten  years,  about  one  in  80  has  died  annually."— 
See  Norihumi.  and  Newcastk  Mag,  for  1818. 


KIRKWHELPINGTON  FAAIBH.  305 

tower,  stands  just  out  of  the  village  to  the  west»  and  is  an  ancient  structure,  though 
-  much  modernized  in  the  course  of  various  repairs.  It  is  dedicated  to  St.  Bartholomew. 
The  vicarage-house,  with  its  pretty  garden  in  front,  overhanging  the  steep  hanks  of 
the  WansTCck,  immediately  adjoins  the  church  on  the  west.  Itwas  almost  entirely 
rebuilt  by  the  Rev.  Nathaniel  KUison,*  who  was  vicar  here  from  1784  to  1775.  Sir 
Walter  Blackett,  Bart,  whose  benevolent  footst^  are  so  frequently  to  be  traced  in 
this  county,  assisted  him  by  a  subscription  of  £100,  besides  giving  £S0  towards 
building  a  gallery  at  the  west  end  of  the  church.  The  bishop  of  Durham  is  patron 
of  the  vicarage,  valued  in  the  king's  books  at  £7»  3«.  4i/.  The  rectorial  tithes  formed 
a  part  of  the  Derwentwater  estate,  and  were  sold  for  the  sum  df  £4000  to  Sir  John 
Swinbum,  the  present  lay  impropriator,  by  the  oommissicmers  of  Greenwich  Hospital, 
for  the  redemption  <^  the  land^-tax^f 

West  Whelpington  was  formerly  a  considerable  village,  on  a  beautiful  green 
eminence  overhan^g  the  northern  bank  of  the  Wansbeck,  about  a  mile  west  from 
the  village  of  Ku'kwhelpington.  It  must  have  existed  as  a  hamlet  in  Speed's 
time,  as  it  is  marked  in  his  map,  published  1603.  The  foundations  of  wh<rfe  rows  of 
houses  may  still  be  traced.  It  gave  its  name  to  the  township,  which  is  often  likewise 
called  Ray  Lordship.  It  belonged,  19  Edward  I.  to  Robert  de  Insula,  from  which 
family  it  passed,  probably  with  Chipdiase,  to  the  Herons,  and  was  sold,  in  1796,  by 
Mr.  Milbanks,  in  three  lots,  viz. — 1.  Ray^  containing  368  acies,  12  poles;  Black 
Haws,  175  acres,  9  rods,  16  poles;  Ray  Fell,  1371  acres,  8  rods,  4  poles;  with  the 
manor ;  to  Walter  Trevelyan,  Esq.  of  Netherwitton.  2.  Horns  Castle,  334  acres,  8 
rods ;  Ray  Mill,  84  acres,  3  rods,  16  poles ;  to  Messrs.  Watson.  3.  Com  Hills,  581 
acres,  8  rods ;  Ferny  Rig,  494  acres,  8  rods,  20  poles ;  Mid^e  Rig,  828  acres ;  to 
Mr.  Simon  Dodds,  of  the  Steel. 

Little  Hakle  is  distant  14  miles  west  of  Morpeth,  and  16  miles  north  by  east  of 
Hexham.  It  was  one  of  the  manors  of  the  barony  of  Prudhoe,  of  which  it  was  held 
by  John  de  Fenwick,  6  king  Edward  VI.J     It  came  afterwards  into  the  possession  of 

*  Mr.  Ellison  was  the  son  of  the  Rev.  Nathaniel  Ellison,  vicar  of  Newcastle,  who  was  the  sixth  son  of  Ro* 
bert  Ellison,  Esq.  of  Hebbum,  and  the  brother  of  the  Rev.  John  Ellison,  vicar  of  Bedlington.  He  lived  be- 
loved, and  died  27th  February,  1775,  lamented  by  all  ranks  of  his  parishioners.  He  was,  by  building  and  other 
improvements,  a  great  bene&ctor  to  the  vicarage.  He  planted  the  trees  around  the  vicarage-house  and  the 
church-yard,  now  so  ornamental  to  the  village.  Had  he  lived  a  few  months  longer,  he  would  have  shared 
with  his  sister  Elisabeth  £l40>000  of  personal  property,  left  by  his  cousin.  Sir  Benjamin  Rawlins,  knt  the  ' 
son  of  Alice,  his  father's  sister.  The  whole  of  this  immense  property  came  to  his  sister  Elizabeth,  as  the  only 
surviving  child  of  the  vicar  of  Newcastle,  who,  dying  shortly  afterwards  (ISth  February,  1776),  divided  it 
equally  among  fourteen  nephews  and  nieces,  who  received  at  the  Ume  the  name  of  BenJamUes.  His  widow 
to  whom  the  Benjamites  presented  the  sum  of  £500,  survived  him  36  years,  and  died  at  a  very  advanced  age 
at  Hexham,  in  1811. 

t  John  G>dling,  of  this  place,  has  resided  in  one  house  since  he  wae  bom,  a  period  of  77  years.     He  has  been 
parish  clerk  60  years.     Robert  Lee  has  been  postman  between  the  village  and  Newcastle  during  60  years. 

t  A.  D.  1272,  Edward  I.  Gilbert  Umfiraville,  Lord  of  Riddesdale,  holds,  with  other  lands.  West  Harle, 
little  Harle,  and  Whelpington,  by  knights'  service. 

VOL,  II. — (80)  S  F 


206  TINDALE  WARD— -N.  E.  D. 

the  Aynsleys  of  West  Shaftoe,  by  the  marriage  of  Robert  A3nfisley  to  the  daughter 
and  heiress  of  John  de  Fenwick.  It  was  the  seat  of  Gfiwen  Aynsley,  Esq.  w  hodied 
28th  January,  1749-50,  aged  80  years.  He  had  three  wives:  1.  Jane,  an  Ogle;  2. 
Elizabeth,  the  widow  of  —  Fenwick,  Esq.  of  Bvwell ;  3.  Mary,  daughter  of  Nichidas 
Ridley,  Esq.  of  Newcastle  upon  Tyne.  He  had  issue  by  Jane  a  daughter,  Jane,  who 
married  Mr.  John  Threlkeld,  of  Tritlington,  and  had  a  daughter,  Mary,  the  wife  of 
Mr.  George  Mitford,  surgeon,  of  Morpeth.  By  Mary,  his  last  wife,  he  had  four  sons 
and  three  daughters,  who  all  died  without  issue.  His  son,  Gawen  Aynsley,  Esq. 
was  chairman  of  the  quarter  sessions  for  Northumberland,  and  high  sheriff,  1749. 
He  married  Alice,  the  daughter  of —  Ibbetson,  Esq.  who  died  in  1769-  He  died 
9th  June,  1792,  aged  88,  and  left  his  estate  by  will  to  his  great  niece,  Alice,  the 
daughter  of  Mr.  George  Mitford,  and  the  grand-daughter  of  his  half  sister  Jane.  She 
married,  June  18,  1793,  Lord  Charles  Murray,  youngest  son  of  the  late  Duke  of 
Athol,  who  received  his  majesty's  permission  that  he  and  his  issue  might  take  and 
use  the  simame  of  Aynsley  only,  and  bear  the  arms  of  Aynsley  with  his  paternal  coat 
of  Murray  quartered.  He  was  Dean  of  Bocking,  in  the  county  of  Essex,  a  dcfanery 
peculiar,  having  jurisdiction  without  cure  of  souls,  in  the  gift  of  the  archbishop  of 
Canterbury.  He  died  May  5,  1808;  and  his  relict  died  in  July,  1813.  They  nad 
issue  four  sons  and  three  daughters,  of  whom  there  are  now  living,  Charlotte  Murray, 
born  April  8,  1794,  and  married  January  28,  1812,  to  Major-general  Sir  John  Oswald, 
of  Dunniker,  county  of  Fife,  (he  was  Colonel  of  the  Duke  of  York's  Greek  Light 
Infantry)  and  has  issue ;  Athol  Keturah  Murray,  bom  22d  July,  1801 ;  Elizabeth 
Ann  Murray,  bom  30th  October,  1802 ;  and  John  Murray  Aynsley,  Esq.  now  of 
Little  Harle  Tower,  born  June  2,  1795,  and  married,  June  24,  1820,  to  Emma  Sarah, 
daughter  of  Samuel  P.  Peach,  Esq.  of  Tockington  House,  county  of  Gloucester,  and 
has  issue  two  sons. 

Little  Harle  Tower,  the  ancient  mansion  of  the  lords  of  the  place,  sheltered  by  groves 
of  tall  forest  trees,  is  still  in  excellent  preservation.  It  has  been  added  to  at  various 
periods,  and  now  forms  a  handsome  and  commodious  residence.  The  gardens  and 
shrubberies  are  extensive,  and  kept  in  good  order.  In  the  time  of  Lord  Charles 
Aynsley,  there  was  a  noble  conservatory  here,  fuU  of  the  most  rare  and  curious  exo- 
tics ;  but  they  were  dispersed  after  his  death. 

West  Hakle  is  nearly  two  miles  south- west  of  Little  Harle.  It  was,  in  1682, 
the  property  of  Robert  Widdrington,  a  branch  of  the  ancient  and  then  widely  spread 
family  of  that  name.  It  was,  in  1663,  the  estate  of  the  heirs  of  John  Widdrington. 
It  passed  afterwards  to  a  family  of  the  name  of  Harle,  was  purchased  by  Lord 
Aynsley,  and  now  belongs  to  his  son,  excepting  one  farmhold,  the  property  of  C.  El- 
lison, Esq.  Mr.  Aynsley's  farmer  now  occupies  the  manor-house,  which  is  no  bad 
specimen  of  the  old  hall-house  of  the  time  of  James  or  Charles  I. 

Great  Bavington  is  situated  at  a  short  distance  west  from  the  turnpike-road 
leading  from  Hexham  to  Cam'bo,  and  is  about  12  miles  north-north-east  from  the 

,  lOth  Elizabeth,  John  Fenwick,  of  Little  Harle,  was  seized  of  and  in  Little  Harle  of  certain  lands  in  D^anum 
and  North  Middleton,  of  certain  lands  in  Rlagdon,  Hawick,  and  the  village  of  Gunnerton.  Same  year,  1568, 
William  Aynsley  was  seized  of  and  in  the  capital  messuage  of  £ast  Shafloe  and  village  of  West  Sbafloe.-^£tc; 


KIRKWHELPINGTON  PARISH.  207 

fonner  place.  A  great  proportion  of  it  is  fine  grazing  land.  George  D.  Shafloe^ 
Esq.  and  Sir  C.  Lioraine,  Bart,  are  the  principal  proprietors.  The  village  consists  of 
three  &nnholds»  one  public  house,  and  three  or  four  cottages.  Here  is  alPresbyterian 
meeting-house,  probably  erected  soon  after  the  act  of  toleration.  It  is  but  very 
thinly  attended,  a  great  proportion  of  the  congregation  having  seceded  on  the  ap- 
pointment of  the  present  minister  about  20  years  ago,  and,  placing  themsdves  in  con- 
nection with  the  Scotch  Burghers,  built  a  place  of  worship  in  1814,  at  North  Middle- 
ton,  in  the  parish  of  Hartbum.  Near  the  farm-house  of  Plashetts  in  this  township, 
and  upon  the  estate  of  Mr.  Shaftoe,  Messrs.  Milner  and  Featherstone,  of  NewcasUe] 
are  now  working  a  lead-mine,  with  every  prospect  of  success. 

The  other  townships  in  the  northern  part  of  the  parish  are  only  single  farms,  viz. 
Croogden,  named  from  a  curvature  in  the  Hawick  !6um,  near  which  it  is  situated. 
It  lies  immediately  north  of  West  Harle,  and  belongs  to  Mr.  Harle,  of  Long  Wit- 
ton  ;  and  Fawns,  anciently  JLe  Fawing^y  on  the  eastern  verge  of  the  parish,  to  Sir 
John  Swinburn,  Bart.  Coldwell,  to  the  north-west  of  the  Fawns,  is  the  property 
of  the  Duke  of  Northumberland ;  and  Catche&side,  which  belongs  to  Sir  John 
Trevelyan,  Bart,  adjoins  Coldwell  to  the  north,  and  forms  the  north-eastern  extre- 
mity of  the  parish.     Each  of  these  townships  supports  its  own  poor. 

Several  objects  in  this  parish  are  designated  by  Celtic  or  Saxon  appellations,  and 
which  are  very  descriptive  of  their  situation  or  appearance.  At  Rae^Chester^  on  a 
part  of  what  was  once  called  Whelpin^ton  Fell,  are  "  very  perfect  remains  of  a  square 
camp  of  considerable  dimensions,  which  probably  ^ves  name  to  the  place.  Rae- 
Chester  is  a  compound  of  the  British  rae^  or  the  Gaelic  ra,  signifying  a  fortified  place, 
a  fort,  and  the  Saxon  teaster,  or  Chester^  of  a  similar  meaning.  The  British  prefix  to 
this  name  is  a  presumption  that  this  encampment  existed  in  British  times ;  and  is, 
therefore,  from  its  square  form,  most  probably  of  Roman  origin.  Rutchester,  near 
Newcastle,  the  ancient  Vindobala;  Riechester,  in  Rede-water,  the  Roman  Breme- 
nium ;  and  Rochester,  near  Chipchase  Castle ;  where,  to  aid  the  name,  are  strong  and 
evident  lines  of  a  large  Roman  camp,  and  which  has  hitherto  most  unaccountably 
escaped  the  notice  of  all  our  antiquaries — are  all  formed  of  the  same  pleonastic  com- 
pound,—^the  British  roe  or  ra,  a  fort,  and  the  Saxon  ceaster  or  cheater,  signifying  the 
same  thing.*'* 

The  Heald  is  a  name  given  to  the  <]^uickly-slopin^  ground  on  the  east  side  of  the 
Ray  Burn,  a  few  hundred  yards  before  it  joins  the  Wansbeck,  near  Kirkwhelpington. 
It  is  a  pure  Saxon  word,  signifying  shelving^  dedinine,  or  hanging  downwards,  which 
is  very  descriptive  of  the  ground  in  question.  Sleaehoe  is  a  considerable  eminence 
about  half  way  between  Horns  Castle  and  Com  Hills.  This  likewise  is  a  very  de- 
scriptive Saxon  appellation,  from  slede^  a  valley,  and  hou  or  hoe^  a  hill,  meaning  the 
hUl  in  the  valley ;  the  place  in  question  being  actually  a  detached  eminence,  unoon- 
nected  with  any  mountainous  range,  and  rising  abruptly  from  the  surrounding  level 
space  or  valley.  Wannie  Crag  is  a  high  and  steep  hill,  forming  the  western  extre- 
mity of-  this  parish,  on  the  summit  of  which  there  has  been  a  British  strength,  im- 
pregnable to  the  north  from  a  precipitous  rock  of  a  stupendous  height,  and  flanked 

*  See  the  Archfeologia  ^licna,  vol.  i.  p.  250. 


208  TINDALE  WARD.— N.  E.  D. 

on  the  accessible  sides  by  a  semicircular  breast-work  of  stone^  from  whence  the  decli- 
vity is  very  swift.  The  encampment  has  occupied  the  whole  of  the  flat  sunmiit.  In 
the  Irish^  a  sister  dialect  of  the  British^  wiime  is  green ;  and  criig'  is  a  pure  British 
word,  signifying  a  rock,  or  rocky  height. 

Capheaton  forms  the  southern  and  smaller  division  of  the  parish  of  Kirkwhelp* 
ington.  It  is  bounded  by  the  parishes  of  Hartbum  and  Kirk  Harle  on  the  north ; 
by  Hartbum  and  Bolam  on  the  east ;  by  the  river  BIyth,  which  divides  it  from  the 
extra-parochial  diapehy  of  Kirkheaton,  on  the  south ;  and  by  the  parish  of  Thock* 
rington  on  the  west.  It  extends  about  If  miles  from  north  to  south,  and  2  miles 
from  east  to  west.     It  belongs  entirely  to  Sir  John  Swinburne,  Bart. 

The  village  of  Capheaton  is  5  miles  direct  south  of  the  parish  church,  14^  miles 
north-east  of  Hexham,  and  about  17  miles. north-west  of  Newcastle.  It  consists  of  a 
long  row  of  cottages,  uniformly  built  hy  the  late  Sir  Edward  Swinbum,  and  fronting 
the  south.  It  has  around  it  an  air  of  extreme  neatness  and  comfort,  too  seldom  met 
with  in  our  UOTthem  villages. 

The  mansion  was  anciently  in  the  castle  form,  and,  according  to  Leland,  who  calls 
it  **  Huttnn/*  was  "  a  fair  castle,  in  the  midste  of  Northumberiaiid,  as  in  the  bredthe 
of  it."  The  present  bouse  was  erected  by  the  first  Sir  John  Swinbum  immediately 
after  the  restoration.  The  architect  was  Trollop,  who  built  the  exchange  of  New- 
castle. The  library  contains  one  of  the  most  extensive  and  best  chosen  collections  in 
the  north  of  England.  It  is  particularly  rich  in  Spanish  and  French  books.  The 
pleasure-grounds  are  laid  out  in  a  tasteful  manner,  md  the  clumps  of  trees  which  are 
scattered  over  the  lands  render  the  scene  singularly  beautiful.  Immediately  in  front 
of  the  village  is  an  artificial  lake,  comprehending,  with  its  islands,  40  or  50  acres» 
made  by  Sir  John,  the  fourth  baronet,  but  since  much  enlarged  wid  improved.  A 
sailor  is  regularly  kept  for  the  management  of  the  vessels  upon  this  beautmil  piece  of 
water. 

In  the  former  part  of  the  last  century,  some  labourers,  who  were  employed  by  the 
grandfather  of  the  present  possessor,  to  make  a  cast  for  a  hedge  near  his  mansion, 
found  many  Roman  antiquities.  They  secreted  all  the  coins,  and  scid  them.  The 
«icra,  or  sacrificing  vessels,  were  of  silver.  They  sold  most  of  these  likewise,  after 
breaking  the  bottoms  out  of  some,  and  the  ornaments  and  handles  off  others.  The 
following  they  presented  to  Sir  John : — 1.  A  sympuUum,  silver,  26  oz.  (This  was  a 
cup  used  in  sacrifices.)  2.  Bottoms  of  three  others.  8.  Handles  of  three,  with  beau« 
tinil  figures  in  relief.  Upon  one  the  bust  of  an  emperor :  two  smaller  figures,  one  a 
shephera  holding  a  crook  in  his  left  hand,  with  sheep  by  his  side ;  the  other  a  poor 
man,  looking  towards  the  emperor  in  a  supplicating  attitude,  his  body  bending,  and 
resting  on  a  staff  with  both  hands ;  on  his  back,  a  burthen.  In  the  middle  of  the 
handle  is  a  winged  Mercury,  sitting,  with  a  caduceus  in  his  right  hand,  his  left  grasp- 
ing a  bfdl  inclining  on  the  seat ;  a  cock  under  him,  crowing.  At  the  bottom,  Diana, 
in  a  loose  robe,  a  spear  in  her  right  hand,  her  left  rested  on  her  hip ;  a  dog  looking 
up  to  her,  Silenus,  naked  to  the  feet,  holding  a  bunch  of  grapes  m  his  right  hand, 
and  a  nymphaea,  or  water-lily,  in  his  left,  with  a  canthera  or  jolly  flaggon  by  him^^ 
swelling  to  the  brim  with  the  juice  of  the  grape.  On  another  handle,  a  lion,  a  sta^, 
and  a  wild  boar— -slain  for  saenfioe.    On  the  tnird,  a  priestess  before  the  altar  sacn*^ 


KIRKWHELPINGTON  PARISH.  a09 

fidng,  holding  incense  in  her  right  hand,  and  a  thyrsus  in  the  left ;  above  her  head, 
the  bust  of  an  emperor  bearded.  4.  Fart  of  a  handle,  whereon  is  the  figure  of  Mars 
in  armour :  a  Flamin  before  the  altar  of  a  temple,  in  a  grove,  sacrificing.  5.  A  figure 
erf  Hercules  and  Antaeus  wrestling,  finely  executed ;  the  lion's  skin  ana  club  lying  by 
them.  6.  A  Neptune,  naked  to  the  waist,  in  a  reclining  posture,  holding  a  trident  in 
his  right  hand,  and  an  anchor  in  his  left.  The  lane  in  which  lliese  antiquities  were 
found  is  distant  only  about  one  mile  west  from  the  Roman  causeway,  and  is  now 
called  Silver-lane.  They  seem  by  the  workmanship  to  be  as  ancient  as  the  time  of 
Agrioola,  in  whose  time  the  Romans  wore  beards,  as  expressed  in  the  two  figures, 
which  was  not  customary  from  the  454th  year  of  the  city  till  the  emperor  Hadrian. 

Capheaton,  the  seat  and  manor  of  the  ancient  family  of  the  Swinbums,  was  in  the 
possession  of  Sir  William  Swinbum  12  king  Heney  VI.  whose  ancestor.  Sir  Thomas 
Swinbum,  with  Lord  Berkley,  and  Henry  May,  Esq.  took  fourteen  French  ships, 
carrying  provisions  and  stores  to  their  fleet  in  Milford  harbour,  6  king  Henry  IV, 
(1405) ;  of  Sir  John  Swinbum,  4  king  Edward  IV. ;  of  Sir  John  Swinbum,  a  repre- 
sentative in  parliament  for  Northumberland  1  queen  Mary,  1554 ;  of  Sir  Thomas 
Swinburn,  10  queen  Elizabeth,  high  sherifF  of  Northumberland  4  king  Charles  I. ; 
and  of  William  Swinbum,  Esq.  14  king  Charles  I.  whose  estate  was  sequestered  by 
the  parliament.    In  reward  for  his  loyalty  king  Charles  I.  granted  him  a  bai^onet's 

latent,  but  it  was  never  taken  out.    He  married  to  his  third  wifoi  Anne,  daughter  of 

iir  Charles  Blount,  by  whom  he  had, 

I.  Sir  John,  who  was  created  a  baronet  Sept.  26,  1660,  and  married  Isabel,,  daugh- 
ter and  heiress  of  Henry  Lawson,  of  Brough,  Esq.  (by  Catharine,  daughter  and  co- 
heiress of  Sir  William  Fen  wick,  Bart.)  by  whom  he  had  24  children ;  1,  Catharine ; 
2,  Margaret ;  3,  Isabel — all  nuns  at  Cambray ;  4,  Elizabeth ;  5,  Mary ;  6,  Frances ; 
7,  Anne,  wife  of  Nicholas  Thornton ;  8,  Troath,  of  William  Dacre ;  9,  Dorothy ; 
10,  Barbara;  11,  Jane;  12,  Joan;  18,  Alathea,  a  nun;  14,  Henry,  died  1696;  15, 
John ;  16,  Francis ;  17,  Francis ;  18,  Thomas ;  19,  William ;  20,  Ralph ;  21,  Fran- 
cis ;  22,  Edward ;  28,  Allan ;  24,  James,  who  died  1728 :  Henry,  Thomas,  Ralph, 
Edward,  Allan,  James,  and  the  three  Francis's,  all  died  without  issue.  Sir  John  died 
June  19,  1706,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  eldest  surviving  son, 

II.  Sfar  William,  who  married,  in  1696,  Mary,  daughter  of  Anthony  Englefield, 
Esq.  by  whom  he  had  three  sons  and  one  daughter,  Mary,  who  died  young :  1,  John ; 
2,  Matthew,  born  December  5,  1702,  married  1738,  Eleonora,  daughter  and  heiress  of 
—  Thirlwall,  of  Thirlwall  Castle ;  8,  Thomas,  born  May  2,  1706,  who  married  Mary, 
daughter  and  coheiress  of  Anthony  Meabume,  Esq.  of  Pontop,  county  of  Diu-ham, 
and  relict  of  Thomas  Thornton,  Esq.  who  died  1786,  leaving  one  daughter,  Mary,  and 
a  son,  Thomas,  who  married  Charlotte,  the  daughter  and  coheiress  of  Robert  Spearman, 
of  Old  Acres,  by  whom  he  had  Thomas  Swinbum,  of  Pontop,  Esq.  now  a  lieutenant 
in  the  guards.     Sir  William  died  April  17,  1716,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son, 

III.  Sir  John,  bom  1698,  and  married  Mary,  daughter  of  Sir  Henry  Bedingfield, 
Bart  who  died  1761,  by  whom  he  had,  1,  William;  2,  Mary,  who  died  young;  8, 
John ;  4,  Edward ;  5,  Henry,  bora  in  1743  ;♦  6,  Teresa,  wife  of  Edward  Charlton, 

*  Henry  Swinbum  is  well  known  as  a  learned  tittveller.  He  was  educated  at  Scorton  school,  in  Yorkshire, 
And  afterwards  studied  at  Paris,  Bourdeauz,  and  in  the  royal  academy  at  Turin.    He  made  the  usual  tour  in 

VOL.  II.  3  G 


210 


TIKDALE  WABDw— N.  E.  D- 


jo! 


Esq.  bv  wIkwd  she  had  William,  who  married  Ma^aret»  daughter  of  Dr.  Fenwick^ 
and  Edward,  William,  Thomas,  Francis,  Teresa,  Bridget^  and  Mary,  who  all  died 
oung,  except  William ;  7,  Mary,  wife  of  Edward  Bedingfidid,  by  whom  dbe  had, 
obn,  Mary,  Anne  (wife  of  T.  Waterton),  Thomas,  Edward,  Anthony,  Peter,  Frances, 
Helen,  and  Isabella;  8,  Catharine,  died  Feb.  18, 1747,  aged  17;  9^  Isabel  (a  widow 
in  1765),  wife  of  Thomas  Crathcnnfi,  Esq.  by  whom  she  had  Henry,  Francb,  Thomas, 
George,  and  Isabel;  10,  Anne,  a  ntin  at  Montargis,  in  Gatinois;  11,  Eleonora,  died 
mimarried,  Jan.  7»  1787.     Sir  John  died  1744*5,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  eUest  son, 

IV.  Sir  John,  bom  July,  1724,  died  at  Paris,  176S,  without  issue,  and  was  sue* 
'ceeded  by  his  l»t>ther, 

V.  Sir  Edward,  who  was  bom  1736.  He  married  Christiana,  daughter  of  Robert 
Dillon,  Esq.  by  whom  he  had,  1,  Jjohn ;  2,  Robert,  bom  176S— ^ied  young ;  3,  Ro- 
bert, a  general  in  the  Austrian  service,  and  governor  of  Milan ;  4,  Edward,  bom 
Sept.  1765 ;  5,  Thomas,  bom  Jan.  23,  1767,  who  died  young ;  and,  7»  Christiana, 
bom  June  28,  1768,  married  John  Clavering,  Esq.  of  Callaly.  Sir  Edward  died  in 
1786,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son, 

VI.  Sir  John  Swinburne,  Bart  He  married  Emma,  daughter  o£  Richard  Henry 
Alexander  Bennet,  Esq.  of  Beekenham,  in  K^nt,  niece  to  Hugh,  the  late  Duke  of 
NorUiumberland,  K.  G.  by  whom  he  has,  Edward,  bom  in  1788;  Charles,  a  lieute- 
nant in  the  navy ;  and  three  daughters.  He  was  bigh  sh^iff  of  NorAumberland  in 
the  year  1799/ 

KIRK  HARLE  PARISH. 

This  parish  is  but  of  small  extent,  and  is  bounded  on  the  north  and  south  by  Kirk- 
whdpington,  on  the  west  b)r  Kirkwhelnington  and  Thockrinj^ton,  and  on  the  eaat  by 
Hartbum  parish.  It  contains  88  dwelling-houses,  and  214  mhafaitants.  The  whole 
parish  belongs  to  Sir  Charles  Loraine,  Bart  There  is  one  school,  in  which  about  80 
children  are  taught  by  the  parish  derk.    There  is  likewise  a  Sunday-i«duN>l.  ^ 


Kirk  Haele  adjoins  the  turnpike  road  leading  from  Hexham  to  Cambo,  and  itf 
12^  miles  north-north-east  from  the  former  place.  The  church  is  dedicated  to  St. 
Wilfiid,  and  is  a  vicarage  in  the  gift  of  Sir  Charles  L(»ndne,  valued*  in  the  king's 


Italy,  and,  in  1774,  traveDed  with  Ida  lady  (Martha,  daughter  of  John  Baker,  Esq.  of  Chichester,  solicitor-< 
general  to  die  Leeward  Islands)  on  the  continent,  for  the  express  purpose  of  indulging  their  taste  for  anti- 
quities and  the  fine  arts.  He  spent  six  years  in  France,  Spain,  Italy,  and  Germany,  formed  an  intimacy  with 
some  of  the  most  celebrated  literati  of  those  countries,  and  received  signal  marks  of  esteem  from  the  sove* 
reigns  of  the  courts  he  visited.  On  his  return  to  England,  he  retired  to  his  seat  at  Hamsterley,  in  the  bishopric 
of  Durham,  which  henceforth  became  his  principal  residence.  He  published  his  travels  in  Spain,  177ft  uid, 
a  few  years  after,  his  travels  in  the  Two  Sicilies.  The  learning,  ingenuity,  and  imagination,  displayed  in 
these  works,  l^ve  been  generally  admired.  By  the  marriage  of  his  only  daughter  to  Paul  Benfield,  Esq.  he 
became  involved  in  the  misfortunes  of  that  adventurer,  and  obtained  a  place  in  the  settlement  of  Trinidad, 
where  he  died,  in  April,  1803. 

Heorj  Swinburne,  the  learned  Isw-writer,  who  lived  at  Yerki  and  died  aboat  the  year  1634^  probably  be« 
longed  to  this  ftmily  of  the  Swinbums. 


I 
J 


KIRK  HAKLE  PARISH.  .  211 

books  at  £8,  %8.  4d.    The  proprietor's  seat,  vrfakth  was  rebuilt  by  the  first  Sir  Wil* 
liam,  stands  in  a  fine,  low,  sheltered  situation. 

Kiiic  Harle  was  one  of  the  manors  of  the  bflrrony  of  Bolbeck,  and  belonged  to  Sir 
Robert  Harle,  son  and  heir  of  William  de  Harle .♦  By  the  eschea^  88  Edward  HI. 
(1865),  Sir  Robert  died  seized  of  a  moiety  of  the  barony  of  Bolbeck,  namely,  Bywell, 
a  moiety  of  Stiford,  Broomhaugh,  Shotley,  village  of  Healey,  manor  of  Kirk  Harle, 
&c.  William,  Baron  of  Greystock,  son  and  heir  of  Ralph,  Baron  of  Greystock,  gave 
to  Robert  de  Harle,  knt.  a  moiety  of  Shotleyshire,  in  exchange  for  a  moiety  of  the 
viD,  of  Angerton.  The  manor  of  Kirk  Harle  was  afterwards  the  property  of  the 
Strothers,  from  whom  it  descended  to  the  family  of  Loraine,  in  whose  possession  it 
still  remains. 

Robert,  the  first  of  the  Loraine  family  in  England,  came  over  with  William  the 
Conqueror.  For  his  services  in  that  expedition,  and  in  the  incursion  of  Malcolm, 
king  of  Scotland,  in  the  sixth  year  of  the  reign  of  William  Rufus,  he  was  rewarded 
with  several  large  estates  in  Ufferton ;  East,  Middle,  and  West  Harrington,  in  the 
county  of  Durham ;  and  free  fisheries  in  the  rivei:  Wear.f  He  was  a  distingnished 
scholar,  and  was  the  author  of  some  learned  works.  Sir  J.  Loraine,  knt.  1392,  ac- 
companied by  Thomas  Atte  Brigge,  of  Salle,  went  to  the  Holy  Sepulchre ;  an  account 
of  which  pilgrimage,  written  by  the  latter,  is  still  extant  in  a  MS.  in  the  library  of 
Caius  College,  Cambridge.  Some  of  this  familv  have  been  knights-templar,  as  may  be 
seen  in  the  Temple  Church,  and  have  matched  with  the  ancient  and  prmdpal  gentry. 

The  descendants  of  Robert  resided  in  the  county  of  Durham  until  the  reign  of 
king  Henry  V.  when  William  Loraine,  by  marrying  Johanna,  the  eldest  daughter 
and  one  of  the  three  coheiresses  of  William  del  Strother,  of  Kirk  Harle  Tower,  be- 
came possessed  of  the  manor  and  ancient  mansion-house  of  Kirk  Harle,  with  about 
1900  acres  of  arable  land.  From  William  Loraine,  by  Johanna  his  wife,  descended 
Edward,  who  married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  John  Harding,  Esq.  of  HolUnside,  in 
the  county  of  Durham,  an4  died  in  the  reign  of  king  Richard  HI,  He  was  suc- 
ceeded by  his  son, 

Robert,  who  married  Margaret,  daughter  of  Robert  Bowes,  Esq.  of  the  county  of 
Durham.    He  was  murderw  near  his  own  mansion  by  the  moss-troopers,  for  his 

*  Of  this  fiimily.was  Charles  Herle^  Master  ci  Arts,  of  Exeter  College,  famous  in  his  time  for  having  fhe 
best  living,  vie.  Win  wick  in  Lancashire,  and  being  prolocutor  of  the  Assembly  of  Divines  met  in  l64S,  but 
chosen  afler  Dr.  Twisse's  death  in  1646.  He  left  his  great  rectory  in  the  heat  of  the  war,  and  was  among 
the  London  divines  a  leading  man  for  the  parliament's  proceedings  againat  the  king.  After  the  Ung^s  death 
he  obtained  satisfaction  d  the  parliament  for  his  losses  and  services,  and  returned  to  Winwick,  wber^  he 
lived  about  eleven  years,  and,  dying,  was  buried  in  the  chancel  there. 

t  9  Edward  L  1335,  ''An  agreement  was  made  between  the  English  and  Scottish  kings; 'Alexander 
Mowbray,  Godfrey  de  Roos,  William  Bollock,  and  Eustace  de  Lorreyne,  commissioners."  Among  other 
particulars,  it  is  ordered,  that  the  said  Stacie  de  Lorrejme  shall  have  his  lands  and  tenements,  which  he  ought 
to  have  in  Scotland,  restored  to  him  again ;  and  if  any  have  wronged  him,  he  shall  have  lawful  satisfactipn. 
J>one  at  St  Johns-town,  August  IS,  1335. — James  Loraine,  Banneret,  was  slain  at  the  battle  of  Durham, 
A.  D.  1356  (2S  Edward  III.). — Sir  Nele  Loraine,  a  Knight  of  the  Garter  at  the  institution  of  that  order, 
94  Edward  IIL  1352.— Baiter*^  Chronicle,  p.  233  ^  243. 


212  .  TIND ALE  WARD— N,E.  D, 

manly  and  spirited  endeavours  to  briiig  them  to  justice,  in  memory  of  which  a  stone 
pillar  was  erected. 

William,  his  son,  married  Agnes,  daughter  of  Sir  William  Waters,  knt.  of  the 
county  of  York.     He  was  succeeded  by  his  son, 

Thomas,  who  married  Thomasin,  daughter  of  Thomas  Walter,  of  Whitwell,  in  the 
county  of  Durham,  gent.     He  died  in  ^e  15th  year  of  the  reign  of  king  James  I. 

Thomas,  his  son,  married  the  widow  of  Thomas  Bewick,  Esq.  of  Close  House,  in 
Northumberland.  He  was  a  distinguished  scholar,  being  a  meat  proficient  in  the 
Latin,  Greek,  and  Hebrew  tongues.  He  died  1  king  Charles  II.  and  was  succeeded 
by  his  son, 

I.  Sir  Thomas,  the  first  baronet.  He  married  Grace,  eldest  daughter  of  Sir  Wil- 
liam Fenwick,  Bart,  and  sister  of  Sir  John  Fenwick,  Bart,  who  was  attainted  temp. 
William  III.  by  whom  he  had  fourteen  sons  and  five  daughters,  apd  dying  January^ 
1717,  was  succeeded  by  his  eldest  son, 

II.'  Sir  William.  He  was  of  Lincofai's  Inn,  and  practised  some  year^  as  a  barrister. 
He  married,  first,  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Sir  John  Lawrence,  knight,  alderman  of 
London.  She  died  in  about  three  years,  and  left  no  issue.  He  married,  secondly, 
Anne,  only  daughter  of  Richard  Smith,  by  whom  he  had  five  sons  and  four  daugh. 
ters :  Thomas,  the  eldest  son,  died  an  infant ;  two  others  died  young ;  Richard,  the 
youngest,  was  entered  of  the  Teniple,  and  died  October  26,  1738,  unmarried.  Sir 
William  died  January  24, 1748,  aged  84,  and  was  succeeded  by  hi&only  surviving  son, 

III«  Sir  Charles,  who  married,  first,  Margaret,  daughter  of  Ralph  Lambton,  Esq. 
who  died  June  30,  1746,  by  whom  he  had  one  daughter,  Dorothy,  who  died  an  infant. 
He  married,  secondly,  Dorothy,  daughter  of  Ralph  Millott,  Esq.  of  Whitehill,  county 
of  Durham,  who  died  March  7,  1787,  aged  85,  oy  whom  he  had  four  sons:  1,  Wil* 
liam ;  2,  Charles  Loraine  Smith  (who  took  the  latter  name  for  an  estate  in  Lincoln- 
shire;  he  was  representative  for  the  boroush  of  Leicester  in  1784)— he  married 
Elizabeth  Anne  Wilson,  of  Birtnell,  in  Berksnire,  by  whom  he  had  two  sons,  Charles 
Crayle,  who  died  young,  and  Loraine ;  8,  Lambton,  married  Isabella,  second  surviv- 
ing  daughter  of  Sir  Lancelot  Allgood,  bv  whom  he  had  one  son  and  four  daughters, 
Dorothy  Jane,  Elizabeth,  Richard  Lambton,  Isabella  Charlotte,  and  Georgiana ;  4» 
James  Thomas,  in  1777,  married  Margai*et,  daughter  of  John  Haigh,  Esq.  by  whom 
he  had  three  daughters,  Eleanor  Susan,  Jemima,  and  Margaret.  Sir  Charles  died 
April  29,  1775,  aged  54,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  eldest  son, 

IV.  Sir  William,  the  late  Baronet.  He  married,  in  1776,  Hannah,  the  eldest  sur* 
viving  daughter  of  Sir  Lancelot  Allgood,  of  "Nunwick,  in  Northumberland,  knt.  by 
whom  he  had  four  sons  and  four  daughters :  Jane,  who  died  young ;  Charles,  the 
present  Baronet;  William;  John  Lambton;  Edward  Fenwick,  who  died  young; 
Anne,  who  married  Dr.  Headlam,  of  Newcastle ;  Elizabeth ;  and  Henrietta.  He 
died  December  19,  1809»  and  was  succeeded  by  his  eldest  son, 

V,  Sir  Charles,  the  present  Baronet.  He  married,  in  1800,  Miss  Compart,  only 
daughter  of  the  late  v  incent  Compart,  Esq.  by  whom  he  has  issue.  He  was  high 
sheriff  of  the  county  in  1814, 

Hawick  is  a  township  in  this  parish,  but  from  which  it  is  distant  about  4^  miles 
north  by  west    In  1821,  it  contained  but  three  dwelling-housesi,  though  it  indudea 


CORSEJffSIDE  PABI8H.     ^  819 

4 

an  esdtmt  of  1:198  acnes.  It  hes  on  the  north  of  Hawick  Bim»  which  joins  the 
WtmmheA,  near  Kiricwhdfdngton,  and  ki  Ike  properly  of  John  TBev>elyan»  Esq.  c^ 
WaUingtoii.    There  was  fcmnedy  aidiqpel  l»*e»  on  a  place  etill  called  Ihe  Chapel  Hill. 

XiRC  H&A«KRis  a  saaall  extra^paradnal  cdiapehy,  which  adjoins  ihe  soutfaoni  Ji- 
vision  of  Sarkwhdpixttton  spari^  and  atrakdies  from  Bavington  Hafit,  m  Th<MaIsriii^ 
ton  psridh,  towaords  B^say,  in  ihe  nasish  of  Bolam.  Its  soafttbem  idde  is  hounded  hy 
Stennfordham  purish.  Tms  dbapeliy,  4;he  jgneater  part  of  whieh  belongs  to  Missus. 
Cuffiter  and  Berwick,  cooitainsaBiiouaes  and  140  inhaltttanl»»  land  has  the  ^toArivismoe 
of  a  kndsaM'CoHiery.  Tjhe  ofaapd  stands  >an  the  rfmst  .side  «f  die  village,  fwhick  >OQn-» 
tains  a  few  cottages  ifor  lahonrers.  &  is  a  very  neat  lereetion,  and  Mr>tice  is  perfoxnied 
on  Suxid^  afternoons.  The  living  is  a  donative,  m  tiie.psesentatian  of  HesMs.  Gcbsn 
ter  and  Bewick,  wiio  obtained  their  property  here  ;afl»r  tnuch  litigation  with  Mn 
Stote  Mnnby,  who^chumed  as  h«r  at  law  to  iMy  Windsor,  aaad  to'wrhoiQ,  on  his  re., 
signing  liiis  claim,  they  gnmted  a  oonaiderable  amnjity.. 

CGEEfiENSIDE  PARISH. 

This  pariah  is  'hounded  by  ISeUingham  om  the  west,  Elsden  cm  the  aiorth,  Kiiik« 
.whelpington  oh  the  east,  -and  ChoUertxm  iOn  the  soulii.  Ite  lengCh-from  west  to  east 
is  cather  more  than  6  n^es,  and  its  bnnidlii  horn  north  to  sontii  between  4  and  ;fi« 
H  is  divided  by  liie  river  "Reed  into  nearly  two  lecpial  pacts.  The  soil  is  various. 
The  greater  part  is  moory ;  Init  near  tiiie  liver,  the  isoaI  is^of  a  light,  gravelly  natuce, 
mid  produces  excellent  crops,  or  forms  luxuriant  'peoramnent  meadows.  The  otiier 
part  is  mostly  arable  land,  wfaidi  seems  to  be  peculiarly  wdU  adapted  for  the. growth 
of  barley  and  oats:  The  estates  are  generafiy  fimail,  .and  divided  amon^t  diffisrent 
proprietors.  Coal  is  found  in  the  southoEn  port  iof  'tine  parish,  end  lead  m  the  <west^ 
em ;  but  the  latter  mine  has  not  been  wrought  for  a  considerable  time.  The  entire 
parish  contains  84  dwellit^houses,  0nd  4^7  inhabitarits.  Tiie  poor-rates,*  in  1821, 
amouitted  to  £SilF4,  lAf. 

The  'churdh  is  very  incanvemenHy  ^situated  at  C!orseiisidfi,  ibeang  aiearly  «t  (the 
nkntth-west  extremity  of  the  parish.  Though  a  very  small  building,  yet  it  is  sxxfR^ 
ctently  large  for  tAie  number  of  hearers.  It  %elongea  to  the  qniory  of  Halystone,  and 
the  living  is  a  disdiarged  iviaarage  in  the  j^t  of  Mr.  Tweedk,  of  TfansHopwood. 

There  are  but  two  villages  in  this  parish.  West  Woodbum  and  JE€ist  Woodbum^ 
These  places  probably  denved  their  name  from  the  circumstance  of  the  southern 
pouts  of  iiiis  pmish  having  l)een  forAierly^caveied  nvitii  -wood.  -W^est  iWoodburfi  is 
pleasantly  seated  upon  WatMng-^street,  at  tbe^west^de^of  the  tReed,  and  eon^sts  of 
ten  dw^ing-ihouse6,  one  of -which  is  a'pubHc^house.  ^hconly  school  in  this  thinly 
peopled  parish  is  finely^aitnated  at*this  place,  and  is  only- dbout  100  yards  distant  from 
the  bridge  'by  which  WatKng-street  crosses  ^herlver,  About,  the  year  T»OT7,  the  Kev, 
Anthony  Hedley  gave  a  plot  of  ground,  i^n-WKidh  the  srihool  and  a^house  for'the 
master  nave  T)een  built,  and  a  neat  garden  ^fbrmed.  Oh  an  avera|;e,  SO  scholars  re- 
ceive instruction  here.  It  has  freguenfly 'been  remai^ked,  that  this  county  produces 
an  uncommon  number  of  excellent  mathematicians,  a  strong  nroof  (tf  Which  is  afforded 
by  the  progress  made  by  the. students  in* Qiis  school,  *  Mr,  William  Hutherford,  the 

VOL,  ji,  8  H 


214  TINDALE  WARD—N-  E.  D. 

master,  has  had  seven  pupils  studying  the  higher  branches  of  the  mathematics  at  one 
time,  most  of  whom  have  advanced  considerably  in  Algebra,  Geometry,  Triffonome- 
try,  Conic  Sections,  &c.  and  have  even  proceeded  as  far  as  the  Fluxumal  CaSsulus^  in 
which  they  have  been  distinguished  by  their  dear  and  accurate  manner  of  reasoning. 
Three  of  the  best  in  this  class  are  still  very  young.  John  Riddle  is  about  16, 
Thomas  Bum  about  18,  and  Thomas  Snaith  about  17  years  of  age.* 

East  Woodhurn  lies  about  a  mile  east  of  Watling-street,  and  but  a  short  dis- 
tance from  an  elbow  of  the  Reed.  It  consists  of  about  15  houses,  including  an  ale. 
house,  inhabited  by  mechanics  and  labourers.  There  are  no  splendid  mansions  in  this 
parish.  The  houses  of  the  kdrds  generallv  consist  of  two  kitdbens,  a  parlour,  and  two 
rooms  libove.  Three  or  four  of  them  still  inhabit  the  Peels ^  or  strcxig  houses  of  their 
ancestors.  The  farm-houses  and  many  of  the  cottages  are  very  simihr,  and  not  infe- 
rior in  appearance  and  accommodations,  to  the  houses  of  proprietors. 

Risingnam  stands  about  S^  miles  south  of  Corsenside,  18  miles  north  of  the  wall, 
and  dose  by  the  river  Reed.  It  is  about  half  a  mile  west  of  the  modem  turnpike, 
which  here  lies  about  that  distance  east  of  the  old  Roman  road,  that  passed  the  sta- 
tion about  two  or  three  chains  to  the  west  of  it,  and  is  connected  with  it  by  a  raised 
causeway,  which  is  still  entire,  but  grass-grown.  Its  area  contains  3  acres,  3  roods, 
and  26  perches,  and  is  covered  with  the  lines  of  ancient  buildings.  Hodgson  says, 
'<  The  walls  are  high  ridges  of  ruins ;  they  make  a  flexure  at  the  north  gate, .  where  a 
aluggish  back-water  from  the  Reed  lies  against  them.  The  ditch  is  in  many  places 
very  visible.  Opposite  this  station  were  many  very  considerable  and  interesting  re- 
mains of  the  Roman  bridge  over  the  river  Reed.  The  middle  piers,  in  particular, 
were  to  be  seen  about  four  years  ago ;  but  they  have  aU  been  removed  by  Mr.  Reed, 
of  the  Craig,  an  adjoining  proprietor,  for  the  purpose  of  using  the  stones  in  embank- 
ing tibe  river.  Forty  years  smce  (1813),  a  inile-pillar  was  standing  a  mile  south  of 
the  station ;  and,  at  present,  there  is  one  used  as  a  gate-post  opposite  the  door  of  the 
inn  at  Woodbum.'* 

RiceingaJuem  signifies  **  the  home  of  the  osier  meadows."  Wallis  conjectures  that 
the  name  of  this  place  imports  its  situation  upon  a  high  or  rising  ground ;  but  Cam- 
den condudes  that  it  means  ^Hhe  habitation  of  giants,"  because  Risingba*g  in  Ger- 
many signifies  the  mountain  of  giants.  This  opinion  he  supports  by  a  traditional  tale 
which  the  inhabitants  of  his  time  had,  **  that  me  god  Mogon  a  long  while  defended 
this  place  against  some  soldan  or  Pagan  prince.    Nor  do  they  speak  at  random,  for 

*  Mr.  Edwncl  tUddle,  head  master  of  the  Buyal  Naval  Asylum  at  Greenwich^  and  one  of  tbe  most  pro« 
foQiid  mathematicians  in  England^  was  taught  at  West  Woodhurn,  where  a  school  was  kept  hy  Mr.  Cuthbert 
Atkinson  (father  of  Mr.  Henry  Atkinson,  an  eminent  mathematician  in  Newcastle^  and  who  has  become  bro» 
ther«in*law  to  Mr.  Riddle) ;  but  he  received  the  first  rudiments  of  his  education  at  Troughmd^  in  Eladon 
parish,  the  place  of  his  nativity*  He  first  left  his  paternal  roof  at  the  Law  Learn,  in  this  parish^  and  became 
a  teacAier  at  Shillafield»  near  Shitlington  Hall,  in  the  parish  of  Wark.  In  a  short  time  he  removed  to  Whiti 
bum,  in  the  county  of  Durham,  after  which  he  was  chosen  master  of  the  school  belonging  to  the  Trinity 
Hoase  at  Newcastle.  He  has  long  been  a  distinguished  correspondent  in  the  Ladies'  Diary  and  other  pe- 
riodical works ;  and  has  nearly  ready  for  publication  a  practical  work  on  Navigation.  He  enjoyed  the  esteem 
and  friendship  of  the  late  Dr.  Charles  Hutton,  and  has,  in  honour  of  his  talents,  been  chosen  an  honorary 
member  of  the  Literary  and  Philosophical  Society  of  Newcastle  upon  Tyne. 


CORSENSIDE  PARISH.  815 

that  dus  cod  was  worshipped  here,  appears  from  two  dec 

altars  latefy  taken  out  of  the  river  here."    The  first  in-        mogonti.  cad 
scription  given  by  Camden  is  annexed.    Deo  Mogonti        et.  n.  dn.  avg 
Caaenorum  &  Numini  Domini  Nostri  Augusii  Marcus        m.  c.  secvndinvs 
Cains  Secundinua  Ben^fidarius  ConsuUs  Hahitanci  Pri-        bf.  cos  habita 
nms^  tarn  pro  se  et  suis  posuit    .  Mr.  Horsley  reads  the  lat-        Nci  prima  sta-- « 
ter  part  of  this  inscription,  *^  Prima  Statione  pro  se  et  suis        pro  se  et  svis  posvit 
posuit''    The  altar  on  which  this  inscription  is  cut  was 

taken  out  of  the  river  Reed,  and  is  now  in  Trinity  College,  Cambridge.  Horsley 
could  find  no  trace  of  deo  ;  and  Woodford  has  tai...  instead  of  ta  in  the  sixth  line. 
The  god  Mogon  was  a  local  deity  of  the  Cadeni  ch*  Gadeni.  The  Beneficiariiy  one  of 
whom  erected  this  altar,  were  soldiers  who  attended  the  chief  officers  of  the  army, 
and  were  exempt  from  duty,  somewhat  like  our  cadets.  Prima  Statio  may  imply, 
that  it  was  the  first  northern  station  at  the  time  the  altar  was  erected^  or  that  it  was 
the  first  station  north  of  the  wall. 

The  other  altar  in  the  margin  was  also  taken  out  of  the  dec 

river.    Mr.  Horsley  says,  "  According  to  this  copy,  it  appears        mavno  cad — 
to  have  been  erected  to  another  topical  and  tutelar  ffod  of  the        inventvs  do^— 
Gaideni.     It  is  a  question  whether  Maunus  may  have  been  v.  s. 

the  same  with  Matunus,  to  whom  an  altar  was  erected  at  Els- 
don,  a  few  miles  from  this  place ;  or,  perhaps,  the  same  deity  is  here  designed  as  in 
the  former.  The  third  line  in  the  inscription  has,  no  doubt,  contained  the  name  of 
the  person  who  erected  this  votive  altar.  We  find  the  name  Inventus  in  Gruter." 
Mr.  Hutchinson,  adopting  the  theory  of  Mr.  Bryant,  imagines  that  Magon  is  a  cor- 
ruption of  Mticar,  a  sacred  title  given  by  the  Amonians  to  their  deity,  the  sun ;  and 
that  the  Romans,  to  padfjr  the  Britons,  and  to  incite  them  to  mix  in  their  worship, 
erected  their  altars  on  this  sacred  mount,  and  inscribed  them  with  Amonian  titles. 
However,  as  Camden  remarks,  it  is  ascertained  from  these  inscriptions  that  this  place 
is  the  Roman  Habibmcum. 

Risingham  must  have  been  a  Roman  station  about  the  time  of  Aurelius  Antoni- 
nus.   It  seems  to  have  gone  to  decay  before  the  reign  of  Caracalla,  and  to  have  been 
afterwards  restored.    One  altar  found  here  bears  the  annexed 
inscription,  of  which  Mr.  Horsley  gives  the  following  reading        kvminib 
and  remarks : — *^  Numinihus  Augustorum,  Cohars  Quarta  Gtd-        avgvstoe 
lorum  Equitum  fecit    The  sculpture  has  sufiered  by  the  wea-        COH  im  gal 
ther,  but  the  inscription  is  still  very  legible.     The  emperors,  eq 

in  honour  of  whom  it  has  been  erected,  I  take  to  be  Severus  fec 

and  Caracalla,  who  were  much  hereabout,  and,  I  believe,  were 

possessed  of  this  very  station.  This  cohort  seems  to  have  been  a  flying  isquadron,  for 
by  inscriptions  we  find  them  in  several^laces.  The  inscription  is  mduded  in  a  kind 
of  corona^  or  rather  an  octagon,  circumscribed  by  a  square  moulding.  There  are 
ornaments  of  eagles'  heads  on  each  side,  above  which  is  the  appearance  of  two  faces, 
probably  designed  for  those  of  the  emperors  referred  to  by  the  inscription.  -  Mars  and 
Victory,  in  their  usual  dress  and  appearance,  are  set  in  a  niche,  one  at  each  end  of  the 
stone.  The  other  ornaments  seem  only  to  be  such  as  pleased  the  fancy  of  the  sculp- 
tor.   The  Victory  treads  on  a  globe ;  and,  ho  doubt,  tne  general  meanmg^  is,  that  the 


/ 


m 


TIN^ALI:  WAIlD.-^lf .  E.  D. 


emperors  had  Wafred  succeiSsftilly,  aaid  gidti^  A  vicJtWy  bv^r  thfe  whcAe  'W)iM*** 
Camden  says,  *  This  liofig  ston6  hte  an  ekgaht  wlii^,  Ikr  8iiA*passifig  th6  t^st  in  ex^oii- 
tion."  Tb^e  h,  an  engraving  fixmi  the  origii^  Which  is  im  Trinity  Oolft^e,  lii 
Speed's  map  of  this  county. 

There  is  «h  impl^iebt  inscriptioh  !n  Ca^fleti,  of  tvliidi  Hie  original  is  lost,  that  runs 
thus:^«...I  COS  Cvl  PRE  N.  AVREL.  CASt.  VETv^aTE  CoNLaBS.** 
Mr.  Ofde  observes,  ^*  that  vetu^tot^  e&ftMf^um  signifies  a  faiDing  to  de€»y>  VnA  not  it 
destruction  by  Are,  war,  or  othet  e^mjy  *ha*i  agfe  and  neglect.*' 

iFlier^  are  other  insdiiptiohs  found  u^h  attaiis  M  this  p)ac^,  of  ^t  Che^t&rhnffay  a 
shiW*  ^ispfahce  to  the  south.  In  Trhiity  'Ciiltege^*  thie  ft>nowing  is  jpite^eWesA  :-- 
**  D£A£i  TEHTiANA^  sAcRVM  AfeL.  timot'hea  *  V.  s.  LL.  M.^'  The  otTginal  Ittst,  and 
nothing  known  respecting  the  goddess  T^Mtiatna.  •*«(e*culi  ^vL  PAtrtLt.V«  TKlR 
V.  s."    On  an  altien*,  used  as  a  ^ate-port,  oh  the  south  side  of  the  station  iti  Horsley*a 

ttmfe.     ^  ...AVK.   ANTONINl.  PIl,  AVG.  M.  M't^SSORlVS   DILlG^ENS   TRIB^nNfVS   SACltVW^*^ 

at  Trinity  College.  There  is  no  doubt  but  j^o  salute  ifripeMt^ffts  M.  \isc&  '^Me  befoi^ 
and  perhaps  the  altar  has  been  to  Jupiter  "Oj^ttinus  Maximus,  br  to  luplter  %»d  tW 
numma  AiigtisH,  tc&  at  Benwell.  M.  A.  Ahtpi^hus,  calkd  Philbsbphus,  bad  wars  hiere, 
and  iiis  legate,  Catpumius  Agi4cola,  is  ^Hiimed  i^  an  inscription  or  two  in  tiiese  patts ; 
and  it  is  probable  that  both  niis  inscription,  and  soiiie  others  in  t^  north,  bel^g  to 
that  emperor,  These  inscrijAions  are  all  mentioned  ,by  Camdefn ;  but  the  imo  foU 
l6wihg  were !ftr^ publi^ed in  Warburton's  map  :f---.«*  jfARM  viCTOfRi...Vs  Ft«ui.«T[V& 

*  ?^fost*of  the  antiquities  discovered  here  vere  r^noved  by  Sir  "Robert  Cotton  to  Conington,  and  ware  h^ 
queathed  oy  bitn  to  Trinity  College^  Cambridge,  and  are  deposited  in  the  stair-cate  of  the  grand  library  there«. 
Sir  Ro'bert  aocompanied  Camden  in  his  journey  to  examine  these  ahtiqurties. 

'^  Ifn  a'cdi[>y'of  tVahbuitbii^B  Vallum  tUmdnnm,  In  thefMnRdeMion'of  Mr.  JkkUes  ChkritB^ten,  of  the  AifdlM9g«« 
8cfab6l,  Giltesh^d,  are'^e  foUoii^ing  MS  tl6te9.  They  appeal  to  huve  be^  wyitten  by  Mr.  Geoi^  Afian,  dt 
Darlington,  to  whom  the  book  had  belonged.  ''This  work  is  no  more  dum  Mr. -Korsley'^  account  of  the 
Walls  r^ritifed,  aiid  all  'IhiB  ins^i|iti6m  of  each  fiitatidn  tlhtkVwn  tDgether/as  a'poek^t  bompanlMi  fbr  those  ivha 
Vidtt  them.  The  compiler,  m  conSpafiy>ifh  Mr.  Horsley,  siirv^yM  diis  tmtity.,  of  %hteh  he  piiblished  a 
map  in  1716,  on  three  sheets,  iridi  the'lirins  ofthe  noMUCy  tfndigeiitry,  laid*a  gt'eat  tmmberof 'fioman  altUrs 
and  inscriptions.  He  -caused  a  survey  and  )plim  df  ^this  %all  «nd  'mSttary  ^oy  to  be  iriade  in  1715,  to  diew 
the  necessity  df  r^j^aiHng  the  latter ;  but  oti  the  su)ppi^s8ien*ortlie  rebellioii,  his  scfaefne*was  notmoee  tholtgbt 
of,  till  that  Of  1745Tevfved  it,  andan  a6t  pafes^,  I75h  ^  nuke^tlw  tfoad.  The  platte df  thi8*w«rk^r«  in  tbe- 
hands  of  George  Wagstaff,  bookseller,  in  SpitalBelds. 

''Horsley,  inbis  Britannia  ^Remana,  fr^titfndy  chal^ges  Warburton  with  infiDOtftreotneta-in  copying  the  in-* 
scriptions ;  to  which  he  replies  in  his  pre&oe,  that 'they  were  all  submitted  to  him  befon^they^were  engraved, 
which  obliged  him  to  c^y  his  rettiarks  itnd  -observations  here.     Gordon,  who  spends  the  whole  8th  clmpter  of' 
■his  liinerariiim  Septenirionale  on  this  wall,  complains  of 'the  great  inaccuracy  <of  Warburton's  tranncripts. 

<' John  Warburton  was  bom  in  the  north- of  £ngland.  He  was,  at  his  first  setting  out  in  life,  an  exciae^ 
man,  '.after  which  he  became  a  supervisor.  Hs  had  little  or  no  education,  beiQg  not  only  ignorant  of  the 
Latin  tongu^  but  incapable  of  writing  two  sentences  in  good  English.  All  the  publications  under  his  name, 
T>oih  books  and  maps,  were  done  by  others,  hire^  by  him;  nor  was  his  know  ledge  oTthemafhematicd  at  all 
superior  to  bis  other  acquirements.  Although  he  wanted  leamihg  and  true  abilities,  he  poAs^ssad  what,  in 
the  commerce  of  the  world,  often  answers  the^iids  of  both ;  th&t'is,  he'was  posses^  of'a'deal  bf  lnw  can-« 
tiing,  and,  tiot^be&igim|iededby'iUiy'|)rittcipI$  oiTllotiOUr,  he'fHqi^ntly  ^^tied  both  i[>roiRt  toar^utatioiH 


CORSENSIDE  PARISH.  817 

TRIB.  V.  s.  L.  M.**  Marii  Fictori  Julius  Puhlius  Pius  trihunus  votum  solvit  Ubens  me- 
rito.  "  This  is  lying,"  says  Horsley,  "  among  the  ruins  of  an  old  house,  which  has, 
no  doubt,  been  built  with  Roman  stones.  There  is  Mars  and  Victory  on  the  capital, 
and  an  ox's  head  on  the  base  of  the  altar.  Mars  has  his  usual  dress  and  symbols,  a 
shield  in  his  left  hand,  and  a  spear  in  his  right.  The  Victory,  in  her  usual  drapery, 
holds  a  globe  in  her  right  hana,  and  a  palm-branch  in  her  left.  The  figures  and  in- 
scription Marti  Victori  explain  and  illustrate  each  other." 

Dr.  Hunter  first  noticed  the  following  fragment,  which  Hutchinson  saw  walled  up 
in  a  house  upon  the  station : — **  dolocheno  c.  ivl.  pvbl  pivs  tmb.  v.  s.  l.  m." — 
^*  I  am  of  opmion,"  says  Horsley,  "  it  has  been  the  body  or  plane  of  an  altar,  having 
met  with  several  parallel  instances,  where  the  capital  and  bases  have  been  struck  off 
from  altars,  in  order  to  fit  them  for  walls  or  such  other  uses.  The  appearance  of  the 
stone  favours  this  conjecture ;  and,  upon  this  supposition,  I  believe,  the  altar  has  been 
inscribed  to  Jupiter  Optimus  Maxim  us  Dolochenus,  and  that  the  letters  i.  o.  m.  have 
either  been  at  the  top  of  the  plane,  and  struck  off  with  the  capital,  or  else  upon  the 
capital  itself.  The  word  dolocheno  is  very  plain  upon  this  inscription ;  but  in  all 
other  inscriptions,  and  writers  who  mention  this  deity,  the  name  is  spelt  with  an  i  or 
Y  in  the  second  syllable ;  excepting  one,  which  though  it  be  so  likewise  in  Gruter, 
yet  in  Petrus  Apianus,  who  had  published  it  before,  it  is  writ,  as  Montfaucon  ob- 
serves, with  an  O  in  the  second  syllable  like  this.  <  Possibly  the  letters  p  v  b  l  in  the 
second  line  may  not  be  another  name  of  the  person,  but  stand  for  Publitia,  the  name 
of  the  tribe  to  which  this  Caius  Julius  belonged.  This  tribe  is  often  mentioned  in 
Gruter.' " 

The  writer  of  the  article  Northumberland  in  the  Beau-  i  o  m 

ties  of  England,  copied  this  inscription,  "dm  aemillia-  vi  xii  c.  r, 

Nvs  ANNORVM  X,*'  from  the  original  at  Campville ;  it  was  Q  c  a 

communicated,  with  another  septdphral  inscription,  to  Mr.  aemii  aemiianvs 
Hutchinson.  The  two  in  the  margin  were  also  found  here,  tkib  c°h.  i  vang 
and  described  by  Lionel  Charlton,  in  the  Gentleman's  Ma- 

fazine,  in  1753,  at  which  time  one  of  them  was  in  a  cow-  t,...-xii :  c  r 

ouse,  the  other  in  a  chimney  at  Woodburn.    The  first  is  Q  c.  ^  a 

very  much  decayed,  but  the  other  is  in  a  better  state  of  ivi,  victor 

preservation.     Mr.  Brand  has  published  the  following  in  his  trbv.  c**h.  iv 

History   of  Newcastle  : — "  matribvs    tramarii^is    ivl.  angonvm, 

VICTOR  V,  s,  LM."    It  Is  upon  a  handsome  altar,  discovered 

here  in  1788.  Spon's  account  of  the  Deae  Matres  is,  that  they  were  deified  women, 
who,  while  living,  were  thought  to  have  the  gift  of  prophecy,  and  after  their  death 
seem  to  have  been  worshipped  as  a  sort  of  genii,  or  tutelar  deities  of  the  places  where 
they  resided.     This  altar  i3  at  Campeville. 

There  is  little  else  meriting  notice  at  this  station,  except  a  curious  sculpture,  de- 
scribed by  Horsley  as  follows : — **  The  three  human  figures  are  on  one  side,  and  the 

to  wfaidi  he  had  not  the  least  tide.  HIb  lifb  was  one  continued  scene  of  squabbles  and  disputes  with  his  bre« 
thren  of  the  Herald's  Office,  by  whom  he  was  despised  and  detected.  He  married  his  wife's  son,  when  a 
minor,  to  on^  of  his  daughters.  By  his  mai\y  dirty  tricks,  he  clearly  proved  the  truth  of  that  proverb  which 
says.  Honesty  is  the  best  policy«^by  dying  a  beggar." 

VOL.  II,  3  1 


&i8  TINDALE  WABD— N.  E.  D. 

man  holding  the  heme  on  the  other  side  of  the  adipe  stone,  whidi  is  of  g  cubical  form : 
these  figures  are  much  e£&ced.  The  man  who  hcdds  the  horse  in  his  left  hand  s^ 
pears  to  be  in  somewhat  like  an  Armenian  dress,  with  a  hwia  in  his  other  b^nd. 
Two  of  the  otfaar  figures  are  leaning  upon  pillar^  one  of  which  has  a  staff  in  his  r^ht 
hand,  with  two  serpents  twisted  about  it,  tne  syn^bol  of  il!isculapius»  whose  im^e  I 
take  it  to  be ;  and  the  shcurt  figure  which  stands  ue%t  exactly  agrees  to  Telesphorus» 
the  god  of  recovery,  who  is  always  represented  in  this  'manner,  with  a  doak  covering 
both  his  arms ;  and  is  often  placed  between  J^ulapius  and  his  daughter  Hygieia, 
and  sometimes  standing  by  JELsculapius  alone :  in  both  cases  he  appears  like  a  boy. 
He  stands  with  ^culapius  alone  in  a  medal  of  Caracalla,  and  between  him  and  Hy- 
gieia in  the  medals  of  Lucius  Verus  and  Philip  the  younger,  as  also  in  a  sculpture  in 
Montfaucon.  The  god  and  goddess  of  physic  and  health,  and  the  god  of  recovery, 
are  proper  companions  one  of  another.  The  third  figure  here  nmy  be  Hygieii^  with 
the  calathas  upon  her  head ;  the  drapery  is  very  doubtful,  and  the  serpent,  her  usual 
symbol,  does  not  appear,  in  which  this  sculpture  agrees  with  that  of  Montfaucon. 
A  man  holding  a  horse  may  be  an  emblem  of  victory,  peace,  or  security.  In  a  medal 
of  Commodus,  with  FortanuB  mafkmti  on  the  reverse,  Fortune  sits  holding  a  horse  by 
the  bridle.  There  is  so  great  a  resemblance  between  this  fourth  figure  and  that  of 
Castor  upon  some  coins,  that  it  has  created  am  opinion  in  me,  that  it  may  have  been 
intended  for  Ca3tor,  or  Geta  under  that  figure  holKiing  his  Cyllarius  in  his  hand.  If 
the  haHt  be  set  aside  (which  is  very  obscure),  how  exactly  does  this  answer  to  Qise- 
Bus's  account  erf  a  coin  of  Geta's,  where  he  is  represented  in  the  figure  of  Castor,  in  a 
military  dress,  holding  a  spear  in  his  left  hand,  and  leading  a  horse  by  the  bridle  with 
his  right  ?  The  figure  here,  indeed,  boLdU  the  spear  in  his  right  hand^  and  the  horse 
in  his  left ;  but  that  is  no  material  di£Cerence."  In  another  j^ace,  Horsley  mentions 
Severus  and  his  two  sons,  on  a  seal,  under  the  figures  of  Jupiter,  Castor,  and  PoUux.* 
Rdhm  qf  Risifigham^  or,  as  it  was  called  by  the  country  people,  Bobin  qfBedes^Me^  was 
a  remarkable  figure,  cut  upon  the  face  of  a  huge  piece  of  rock,  that  hm  fallen  oS  fxova 
the  main  one.  It  was  on  the  side  of  a  hiU  or  rock,  near  the  ParkJiead^  and  about  half 
a  mile  from  the  station  at  Risingham.  The  image  was  in  io^^o  r^ievo^  and  both  the 
sculpture  and  stone  very  coarse.  ^  I  take  it,"  says  Horsley,  **  by  the  drapery  and 
symbols,  to  be  certainly  Roman ;  though  some,  from  the  rudeness  of  the  sculpture^ 
have  thought  it  British:  and  probably  it  is  the  Emperor  Commodus,  represented 
under  the  figure  of  Hercules.  The  square  stone  beside  him  must,  I  suppose,  be  an 
altar,  and  what  he  carries  in  his  left  arm  a  club :  on  his  left  shoulder  are  distinctly 
seen  a  quiver  and  arrows,  and  in  his  right  hand  a  bow,  which  agrei^  with  the  character 
given  him  b^  Herodiau^  who  celebrates  him  as  a  most  ex<;eli&it  archer.  What  he 
wears  or  his  head  looks  like  a  helmet.  Every  body  knows  th^t  Cdapamodus  affected 
to  be  called  the  Roman  Hercules,  and  to  be  worshipped  as  such.  We  have  his  coins 
with  JSercidi  Sonumo  AugustOy  HercuU  Ramano  Conditor}^  &c.  This  figure  then 
upight  represent  the  Roman  Hercules,  triu^iphant  and  victorious,  ai'ter  things  had 
been  settled  in  Britain  by  Pertinax,  and  Commodus  assumed  the  name  of  Britannicus. 
The  face  of  the  whole  piece  of  rock  on  which  the  imagf?  is  cut,  is  an  i^egylar  figure 

«  Cough's  Camden,  iii.— Horsey,  i.  ^.  201,  386,  &c.-^PhUo8.  TraiM-No.  37i8^f*rHi,itob,  i.  p.  10JI,  et  8^q< 
— Warb.  Val.  Rom.  p.  139 — Brand,  vol.  i.  p.  6l6. — ^Beaut.  Eng.'xii.  p»  li4« 


CHOtL]gRTON  PARISH-  819 

of  five  sides ;  the  side  which  rests  in  tiie  ground  is  six  feet  mA  a  half;  the  perpendi- 
cular from  the  vertex  to  this  side,  eight  feet ;  the  two  sides  to  the  right  of  diis  per* 
e^ndicular,  each  of  them  five  feet ;  9)e  uppermost  side  to  the  left,  seven ;  and  the 
wer,  four ;  and  the  stone  is  just  about  six  feet  thick.    The  figure  stands  upright." 

Hutchinson  did  not  think  this  figure  was  Roman.  His  doubts  were  founded  on  the 
foUowing  circumstances ;  The  vest  in  which  the  figure  was  habited  was  open  from  the 
waist  to  the  knee ;  round  the  waist  was  a  belt  buckled  before ;  the  loose  garment  on 
the  shoulders,  leaving  the  right  arm  bare  and  at  liberty,  was  put  on  in  the  manner  of 
the  Scotch  plaid.  Descending  to  modem  times,  we  still  find  several  personages  dis- 
tinguished by  the  name  of  Rpbin  of  Redesdale.  One  of  the  Umfranvilles  had  that 
appellation ;  and  in  the  time  of  Edward  IV.  we  find  one  HiUiard  of  the  Lancasterian 
party  thus  denominated  in  the  History  of  England.  Sir  Walter  Scott  (Rokeby,  note 
ix.  to  canto  I)  says,  *'  The  popular  tradition  is,  that  it  (the  figure)  represents  a  giant, 
whose  brother  resided  at  Woodbum,  and  he  himself  at  Risingham.  It  adds,  that 
they  subsisted  by  hunting,  and  that  one  of  them,  finding  the  game  become  too  scarce 
to  support  them,  poisoned  bis  companion,  in  whose  memory  the  monument  was  en* 
graven.  What  strange  and  tragic  circumstanee  may  be  concealed  under  this  legend^ 
or  whether  it  is  utterly  apocryphal,  it  is  now  impossible  to  discover." 

Unfortunately,  a  churlish  Gotfi  has  entirely  destroyed  this  curious  remain  of  anti- 
quity. To  prevent  the  learned  or  inquisitive  stranger,  who  might  occasionally  wan- 
der to  this  solitary  place,  from  passing  over  a  few  yards  of  his  ground,  the  owner,  John 
Shanks,  obliterated  the  figure.  The  land  on  which  the  trespass  was  made  is  certainly 
not  worth  a  shiiUng  an  acre  !* 

The  Watling-street  here  has  left  the  ancient  appellation,  Leam^  to  two  farm-houses 
in  the  neighbourhood,  as  it  has  done  in  i>a»^ei^-lane,  Yorkshire,  and  in  i>afii-lane, 
in  the  county  of  Durham,  to  the  Roman  way.  Raking  Dike,  from  Lanchester  to 
South  Shidds. 

At  th^  north  side  of  the  parish,  there  is  a  rock  called  Damoek  Crmg^  in  which 
there  is  a  cave  of  very  ^reat  fength.  It  has  been  explored  a  long  way,  and  contains, 
it  is  said,  a  spring  of  excellent  Water. 

CHOLLERTON  PARISH. 

This  parish  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  BeUingham  and  Corsenside,  on  the  west  by 
^Wark  and  Simonburn,  on  the  south  by  St.  John  Lee,  and  on  the  east  by  the  latter 

♦  In  the  Dedicatory  Epistle  to  the  romance  of  Ivanhoe^  "by  the  author  of  Waverley,"  thi«  dingraceful  dr- 
cumstance  is  noticed  in  the  following  manner : — **  Several  curiosities  have  been  lately  dug  up  near  the  Wall, 
as  well  as  at  the  ancient  station  of  Habitancum.  Talking  of  the  latter^  I  suppose  you  have  long  since  heard 
the  news,  that  a  sulky  churlish  boor  has  destroyed  the  ancient  statue,  or  rather  bas-relief,  popularly  called 
Robin  of  Redesdale.  It  seems  Robin's  fame  attracted  more  visitants  than  was  consistent  with  the  growth  of 
the  heather^  upon  a  moor  worth  a  shilling  an  acre.  Reverend  as  you  write  yoursdf,  be  revengeftil  for  once, 
and  pray  with  me  that  he  may  be  visited  with  such  a  fit  of  the  stone,  as  if  he  had  all  the  fragments  of  poor 
Robin  in  that  region  of  his  viscera  where  the  disease  holds  its  seat.  Tell  this  not  in  Gath,  lest  the  Scots  re- 
joice that  they  have  at  length  found  a  parallel  instance  among  their  neighbours,  to  that  bfffbarous  de«d  which 
demolished  Ardiur's  oven.    But  tiuare  is  no  end  of  lamentation,  ipdieii  we  betake  ourselves  to  such  subjeota." 


820  TINDALE  WARD.— N,  E.  D 

and  Thockrington  parishes.  Its  length  from  Hindhaugh  on  the  Reed,  to  the  Erring 
Burn,  a  little  south  of  ChoUerton  village,  is,  including  the  chapehy  of  Birtley,  8 
miles;  and  its  breadth  about  4  miles.  Much  of  the  land  in  this  parish,  particularly 
what  adjoins  the  North  Tyne,  which  forms  its  western  boundary,  is  well  adapted  for 
turnips  and  clover ;  and  it  contains  abundance  both  of  coal  and  lime.  In  1821,  it 
contained  226  houses,  and  1241  inhabitants.  In  the  same  year,  the  poor-rates 
amounted  to  £696,  6s.  There  is  a  day-school  at  Barrasford,  attended  by  55  scholars, 
and  a  well-conducted  Sunday-school,  attended  by  60.  At  Collwell  there  is  also  a  day- 
school,  containing  70  children,  18  of  whom  are  educated  at  the  e5q)ence  of  R.  Rid- 
dell,  Esq.  of  Fefion.  Mrs.  Ursula  Mountney,  in  1680,  left  a  rent  charge  of  forty 
shillings  a  year  to  the  poor  of  this  parish. 

Chollerton. — ^This  hamlet  is  situated  on  the  eastern  banks  of  North  Tyne,  and 
is  distant  5i  mUes  north  by  east  from  Hexham.  It  is  a  remarkably  pleasant  village, 
and,  with  the  whole  township,  containing  1500  acres  of  excellent  arable  land,  belongs 
to  Sir  John  Swinbum,  Bart.  The  farm-house  is  a  modem,  convenient  erection,  wim 
a  wind-mill  for  thrashing  and  grinding  com.  The  church,  which  has  a  tower  at  the 
west  end,  is  dedicated  to  St*  Gues ;  and  the  living  is  a  vicarage,  valued  in  the  king^s 
books  at  £6, 14s.  4^.  The  vicarage-house,  which  is  a  neat  and  commodious  structure, 
was  built  at  the  expence  of  Sir  Walter  Blackett,  Bart,  who  was  the  patron  of  th^ 
living. 

Barrasford  is  a  pleasant  village,  containing  several  cottages  for  labourers,  and  one 
public  house.  It  is  seated  near  the  Tyne,  1^  mile  north-west  of  Chollerton,  and  6^ 
miles  north  of  Hexham.  The  principal  part  of  this  township  belongs  to  the  Duke  of 
Northumberland.  It  was  the  lordship  and  estate  of  Robert  de  Umfranville,  who, 
having  been  in  the  wars  of  Scotland,  31  Edward  I.  obtained  of  that  prince,  in  the 
83d  year  of  his  reign,  a  license  for  a  market  every  week  upon  Wednesday,  and  a  fair 
yearly  upon  .the  feast  of  St.  Martin  (November  11),  at  his  manor  of  Barrasford,  witU 
free-warren  in  the  same  lordship ;  but  both  are  long  since  disused. 

SwiNBURN  is  a  small  village,  distant  above  2  miles  north  of  Chollerton.  Utde 
Swinbum  stands  nearly  two  miles  further  north,  the  space  between  being  intersected 
by  Watling-street.  It  was,  in  1663,  the  property  of  William  Middleton,  Esq.  It 
soon  afterwards  passed  by  purchase  to  the  Swinbums  of  Capheaton ;  and  belonged, 
with  Deanum,  in  the  parish  of  Hartbum,  to  a  younger  branch  of  the  family,  who 
was  out  in  1715 :  they  were  both  forfeited  to  the  croMrn,  and  bought  by  the  Loraines 
of  Kirk  Harle,  Little  Swinbum,  which  is  occupied  in  one  large  farm,  now  belongs, 
to  Sir  Charles  Loraine,  Bart.  Here  are  still  considerable  remains  of  the  old  castle, 
consisting  of  a  large  square  tower.  Svnnhum  CasUe^  belonging  to  the  Riddell  family, 
is  a  very  elegant  stone  building,  seated  on  a  rising  ground,  in  the  midst  of  a  fine  ex- 
tensive park.  It  is  surrounded  with  plantations,  which  are  laid  out  in  straight  lines, 
agreeably  to  the  prim,  formal  taste  that  once  prevailed  in  this  country. 

As  the  Swinbums  take  their  name  from  this  place,  they  probably  held  it  before 
the  rei^n  of  king  Edward  I. :  but  in  that  rei^,  1272,  it  was,  with  Gunnerton,  in  the 
possession  of  Peter  de  Gunnerton,  who  held  it  of  the  barony  of  Baliol,  by  the  service 


CHOLLERTON  PARISH.  221 

of  two  knights*  fees  of  the  old  feoffiooent.  In  t6e  reign  c^  king  Edwaid  II.  it  was  the; 
seat  and  manor  d  Adam  de  Swinbum,  who  was  seized  of  the  manor  of  Swinbum,  of 
and  in  the  barony  of  Haughtcm  and  Humshaugfa.*  It  next  came  to  Sir  John  de 
Widdrington,  of  Widdrington  Castle,  knt.  by  manying  Chmtian,  the  4aughtar  and 
coheir  of  the  former  possessor.  10  Elizabeth,  1568,  Sir  John  Widdrington  was  seized 
of  the  manor  and  yiuage  of  Great  Swinbum,  and  Litde  Swinbum,  and  Hau^ton, 
with  a  mediety  of  the  xiH.  and  manor  of  Humshaugh ;  and  by  inquisition  in  the  S8th 
of  the  same  reign,  Henry  Widdrington  heki  the  castle^  manor,  and  Village  of  Swin« 
bum,  with  its  appurtenances,  of  the  queen  in  capite,  by  the  service  of  four  ps»i:s  of 
one  knight's  fee.     It  continued  in  this  £sunily  during  many  generaitions. 

This  castle  and  manor  was  lately  possessed  by  Thomas  KiddeU,  Esq.  descended 
ftom  Sir  Jordan  de  Riddell,  knt.  who  had  a  mediety  of  the  lordship  and  villa  of  Till- 
mouth,  in  Norhamshire,  1  king  Edward  I.  ancestor  to  Sir  William  de  RiddeU,  knt. 
high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  8  king  EdWard  II.  son  to  Walter,  grandson  to  Patri- 
dus,  and  great  grandson  to  Dukentzmis  de  Ridddl^  lords  of  the  villa  and  mancH*  of 
Whickham,  in  the  bishopric  of  Dniham.  Sfr  William  was  in  the  possessk>n  of  the 
whole  manor  and  villa  of  Tillmouth,  of  the  maonor  and  villa  of  T  wizel,  of  the  hamlets 
of  Dudhoe  and  Old  Grindon,  and  two  parts  of  the  maflBor  of  Upsetlin^ton ;  inherited 
by  his  three  grand-daughters,  by  his  eldest  son,  WiUtam ;  bis  famSy  name  being 
preserved  in  his  younger  son,  Hugh,  from  whom  descended  a  numerous  and  opuleit 
race.  Thomas,  his  great  grandlson,  married  the  daughter  and  heir  of  ^^  Karbottle, 
knt.  Peter,  great  grandson  to  Thomas,  manied  the  sister  of  Sir  Rofbert  Brasidling, 
knt. ;  and  another  Thomas  married  the  daughter  of  Sir  John  Corners,  knt.  Baron  of 
Sockbum,  in  the  bishopric  of  Durham, 

Sir  Thomas  Riddell,  in  t^e  reign  of  queen  Elizabeth,  was  one  of  the  grand  lessees 
in  trust  for  the  corporation  of  Newcastle  upon  Tyne,  of  the  lordships  6t  Gateshead 
mid  Whickham,  in  the  bishopric  of  Durham,  and  the  parks,  wastes,  and  coaI*mines 
belonging  to  them,  said  by  Dr.  Craddoek,  ardidtecon  of  Northumberlamd,  to  be  then 
worth  £50,000  per  annum.  He  was  knighted  1st  James  I.  1^3.  Sir  Thomas 
erected  a  seat  out  of  Ibe  hospital  of  St.  Edmund,  in  Gateshead,  whieb,  owing  to  a 
quarrel  between  the  tnob  and  an  old'  servant,  was  set  on  iSre  as  the  Ddke  cf  Cumber- 
land marched  to  Scotland  in  1746.  The  second  Sir  Thbmafi  Ridd^,  knit,  seated  at 
Fenfaam,  was  a  representative  in  parliament  for  Heweasde  upon  Tyne,  18  kirig 
James  I.  1630 ;  atiso  8  kmg  Charies  I.  lAaS,  with  Sfr:Pet€r  RiddeQ,  knt  Sh*  Tho- 
maSj  by  his  active  seal  and  steady  ioftHtv  to^ldng  Charles  I.  bo  provoked  the  Olrve- 
rians,  that  they  ofi^red  by  fdodamationr  £  1000  for  taking  hun;  He  narrowly  escaped 
their  vengeance  by  retiring  beyond  sea  from  Berwick  upon  Tweed,  and  died  qt  Ant- 
werp, lOftS;  '  His  son,  f  Ikomai^  RiddditoflFenhami,  Esq.  nnder  a^  aet  o£  parlaKtment, 
sold  Penbaimi  1699,  to- John  Ord,  Escu  fmdpwciiasinaSnRi^^bfirn,  settled  tbei^e,  md 
died  1704.  His  great  grandson,  the  late  Thoniasi  Riddrii,  Esq.  ttlajvied  the  daugh- 
ter and  sole  heir  of  Ec^ao^  Horsley  Widdnsigtori,  Esq.  o£^^  Homley  and  Eelton,^  in 
the  possession  c^  whose  son,  Ralph  Riddell^  SsMji  it  still  leiriatiti^ 


1         ^ 


p 

*  The  landsj reettB, 'and*llomag«  dmaed by  thepi^ovy  0f  Heiiluiii)  inSvrinbum oad  othev pfaMea,  wiH  be, 
to  prevent  useleBs  irepettt$on«>  noticed  hi  th»  lUUory  df  Aftt  rellgioii^  ettebKsfadieDt        ' 

VOL.  !!•  8   K 


222  TINDALE  W ARD—N,  E.  D. 

CoLLWELL  is  a  small  village,  which  adjoins  the  turnpike  leading  from  Cambo  to 
Hexham.  It  is  distant  8  miles  north^north-east  from  the  latter  pkce^  and  a  short 
distance  east  of  Swinbum  Castle,  to  which  estate  it  belongs*  It  contains  three  farm- 
steads and  cottages  for  labourers. 

GuNNEKTON  Ucs  on  the  east  side  of  Gunnerton  Bum,,  about  9  miles  north  by  tirest 
of  Hexham,  and  about  2^  miles  north-west  of  Chollerton.  It  consists  of  two  or  three 
farmholds,  two  public  houses^  and  a  few  cottages  for  people  employed  in  husbandry, 
and,  with  the  great  tithes,  belongs  principally  to  T.  W .  Beaumont,  Esq.  M.  P*  The 
chapel,  which  formerly  stood  here,  is  now  quite  destroyed. 

Chii>chas£  Castle.-— This  ancient  and  beautiful  seat  is  distant  9  miles  north-' 
north-west  from  Hexham,  and  4  miles  noith-west  from  Chollerton.  Leland  calls 
'*  Chipchase  a  praty  towne  and  castle,  hard  on  the  easte  parte  of  the  aitne  of  Northe 
T3me ;"  and  Sir  Ralph  Sadler,  in  a  letter  to  Secretary  Ceol,  says,  **  die  most  ante  and 
convenyent  plads  ror  the  keeper  of  Tindale  to  reslide  in  on  all  the  frontiers  are 
Hawgston,  L«angley,  or  Chipchase,  in  one  of  which  iij  placls  men  of  service  haVe  al- 
wayes  been  placed,  aiid  especially  for  the  well  executing  of  that  office  of  Tyndale*** — 
'*  The  old  tower,"  says  'Hodgson,  **  still  remains :  its  roof  is  buUt  on  corbels,  and  has 
openings  through  which  to  throw  down  stones  or  scalding  water  upon  an  en^ny. 
The  grooves  of  the  portcullis,  the  porter's  chamber  above  it,  and  tattered  fragments 
of  Gothic  painting  on  the  walls,  are  exceedingly  curious." 

During  the  reign  of  king  James  I.  Cuthbert  Heron,  Esq.  made  large  additions  to 
the  old  castle.  The  initials  of  his  name,  C.  H.  cut  in  stone  on  each  side  of  his  coat 
of  arms,  with  the  date  of  the  year,  1621,  is  above  the  south  entrance.  Soon  after  it 
came  into  the  possession  of  the  Reeds,  it  was  thoroughly  repaired  and  much  im- 
proved. New  gardens  were  laid  out,  enclosures  made,  and  the  grounds  covered  with 
extensive  plantations.  Several  tasteful  embellishments  have  more  recently  been 
added,  and  the  interior  fitted  up  in  a  splmdid  stvle ;  while  many  of  the  rooms  were, 
ornamented  with  very  excellent  paintings  from  the  best  masters.  The  castle  itself  is 
beautifully  situated  on  a  declivity,  <m  the  eastern  banks  of  North  Tyne,  onnmanding 
an  elegant  prospect.  The  river  forms  a  fine  canal  in  front,  washing  a  woody  steep  on 
this  side,  and  on  the  other  the  foot  of  a  wild  projecting  cUff:  Nunwick  enriches  the 
more  distant  view,  surmounted  by  Simonbum  castle :  me  Tyne,  winding  through  the 
vale,  in  various  meanderings,  oft^i  shews  itself;  whilst  woods,  rocks,  and  heathy 
eminences,  in  a  happy  manner,  mingle  their  various  beauties  with  the  cultivated  lancis 
upon  the  landscape. 

Chipchase  Chapel,  in  1172,  was  given  to  the  church  of  Hexham  by  Odonel  Um* 
franville.  It  stood  near  the  front  of  the  castle.  It  was  rebuilt  in  the  lawn  by  John 
Reed,  Esq.  the  first  possessor  of  that  name.  The  vicar  of  Chollerton  performs  duty 
here  four  times  a  year,  for  which  he  receives  forty  shillings  in  lieu  of  aU  tithes.  ^ 

Chipchase  was  anciently  a  member  of  the  mahor  of  Prudhoe,  bdonging  to  Odonel 
de  Umfranville,  18  king  Henry  II.  who^  when  he  gave  the  chapel  of  Chipchase  to 
the  canons  of  Hexham,  reserved  the  mahor  to  Robert  de  UmfranviUe,  his  son  and 
heir,  in  whose  family  it  ocmtinued  throu^  several  successions.  The  Umfranvilles 
had  a  Httie  fort  here.    In  1  king  Edward  1.  Chipchase  was  the  aeat  of  Peter  de  In- 


CHOLLERTON  PARISH. 


2SS 


^ula  ;^  and  ofterwairds  of  a  branch  of  the  noble  family  of  the  Herons,  of  F<»rd  Castle. 
In  the  reign  of  king  Henry  VIII.  it  was  in  the  possession  of  Sir  John  Heron,  knt. 
whose  daughter,  Ursilla,  married  Roger  Fenwick,  Esq.  of  Bitchfield,  in  the  parish  of 
Stamfordham,  second  son  of  Sir  John  Fenwick,  of  WaUington,  knt  by  Margery,  the 
daughter  and  heir  of  John  Harbottle,  Esq.  In  the  next  reign  it  belonged  to  Sir 
George  Heron,  knt.  then  keeper  of  Tynedale ;  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  IS 
queen  Elizabeth.  He  was  killed  in  a  fray  with  the  Scotch  Borderers  in  July,  1575, 
in  company  with  Sir  John  Forster,  Lord  Warden  of  the  Middle  Marches,  and  his 
son-in-bw,  the  Lord  Russel,  who  were  taken  prisoners,  but  released,  and  the  regent 
of  Scotland,  Murray,  obliged  to  make  satisfaction  by  the  best  offices  in  his  power. 
He  was  succeeded  by  his  cousin,  Cuthbert  Heron,  Esq.  high  sheriff  of  Northumber- 
land  in  16S5 ;  created  a  baronet  12  king  Charles  II.  1663,  for  his  loyalty  to  king 
Charles  I.  in  whose  service  his  brother.  Colonel  George  Heron,  was  slain  at  the  battle 
of  Marston  Moor.  In  the  19th  of  king  James  I.  he  built  a  very  handsome  structure 
adjoining  the  old  castle.  He  married  Elizabeth,  the  third  daughter  of  Sir  Richard 
Graham,  of  Netherby,  in  Cumberland,  Bart,  master  of  the  horse  to  king  Charles  I. 
and  afterwards  Lord  Preston,  by  whom  he  had  three  sons,  viz.  Cuthbert,  John,  and 
Charles ;  the  two  last  of  whom  lived  to  succeed  him  in  honour  and  estate.  His 
grandson.  Sir  Harry,  only  son  to  Sir  Charles,  sold  Chipchase  to  G^rge  Allgood,  Esq. 
of  whom  it  was  purchased  by  John  Reed,  Es(]^,  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  1732 ; 
descended  from  a  younger  branch  of  the  ancient  family  of  the  Reeds  of  Troughend, 
by  the  river  Reed.  He  died  20th  March,  1754,  and  was  interred  in  his  own  chapel. 
He  was  succeeded  by  his  nephew,  Christopher  Soulsby,  who  took  the  name  of  Reed, 
and  was  high  sheriff  of  Nortnumberland  in  1764.  He  married  the  eldes  daughter  of 
Francis  Blake,  of  Twizell,  Esq.  great  ^i^nd-daughter,  by  the  mother's  side,  to  Sir 
Francis  Blake,  knt.  of  Ford  Castle,  by  the  river  TuL  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son, 
John  Reed,  Esq.  who  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  1810.  He  married 
Miss  Mary  Nevfll,  of  Hull,  by  whom  he  has  issue  five  sons  and  four  daughters.  He 
was  many  years  colonel  of  the  Northumberland  Militia,  and  was  much  noticed  by  the 
general  officers  of  the  army  for  his  skill  in  military  tactics.  In  consequence  of  the 
failure  of  the  Northumberland  Bank,  with  which  Mr.  Reed  was  connected,  Chipchase 
and  other  parts  of  his  valuable  estates  have  been  ofiered  for  sale.  Other  arrangements 
have  also  been  adopted,  from  which  it  is  expected  the  creditors  of  the  bank  will  be 
fiilly  indemnified.  Mr.  R.  has  just  been  appointed  commissioner  of  stamps  for  this 
county. 

•  •     •  • 

Reedsmouthy  which  is  delightfullv  seated  at  the  confluence  of  the  Reed  and  Nortl\ 
Tyne,  is  the  property  of  Edward  Charlton,  Esq.  of  Sandhoe ;  but  is  now  occupied  by 
Mr.  George  Gibson,  late  of  Stagshaw  Close  House,  who  married  his  sister.    The  east- 

*  ^  fidward  I.  (A.  D.  1273)  Robert  de  Lisle  was  lord  of  Chipchase.  1  Edward  IL  ISO?,  Peter  de  Lisle 
held  Chipdiase  and  Whithill,  as  third  part  of  one  knighf  s  fee  6f  old  feofiinent.  But  the  tnsuias  are  supposed 
to  be  the  fbrefathers  of  the  modem  Lhlet ;  the  one  being  the  Fren<!h^  and  the  other  the  Latin  name  of  the 
family.  LUl^s  Bum,  a  streamlet  that  gives  name  to  a  small  district  in  the  parish  ot  Corsenside,  probablj 
received  this  designation  from  Robert  de  Insula,  to  whom  it  chiefly  belonged.  Some  antiquarians  diink  the 
Scotdi  Lesleys,  who  were  Flemings,  are  the  same  race  as  the  Nortfaumberiand  lAdes  and  Insiihs. 


S(M  TINDALB  WARD.^N.  R  D. 

i 

em  banks  of  the  T3me  towwds  the  south  are  covered  with  very  extensive  woods; 
mostly  the  prc^r^  of  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  which  impart  to  this  district  a 
rich  and  ocMnfortaUe  appearance.  The  townships  of  Buteland  and  Beoomhqfe 
constitute  the  northern  part  of  this  parish ;  the  former  belonging  to  Greenwich  Hos* 
pital,  and  the  latter  to  John  Davidson,  Esq.  Time^  west  of  Bimey,  was  the  seat  and 
estate  of  WilUatn  Sanderson  Hodgson,  Esq.  who  resides  abroad,  and  after  the  de- 
rangement of  whose  afiairs,  it  was  sold  to  T.  Carr,  Esq.  of  Alnwick,  who  has  made 
great  improvements  here.  The  Tone  Pitt  Inn  stands  conveniently  on  the  side  of  the 
turnpike  leading  to  Jedburgh. 

BIRTLEY  CHAPELRY. 

This  chapelry  is  bounded  on  the  north,  east,  and  south,  by  Chollerton  parish,  and  is 
divided  on  the  west  from  Wark  parish  by  North  Tyne.  It  is  a  pleasant,  well  peo- 
pled district,  containing  85  houses  and  393  inhabitants.  The  annual  value  of  pro^ 
perty,  in  1815,  was  £4398 ;  and  the  parish  rates,  in  182X,  amounted  to  £S>56,  Is.  It 
contains  three  schools,  in  which  above  70  children  are  educated ;  and  a  Sunday-school, 
attended  in  summer  by  68  children. 

Birtley  village  is  situated  11  miles  north-north-west  from  Hexham,  and  above  half 
that  distance  m)m  Chollerton.  It  consists  principally  of  cottages  for  mechanics  and 
labourers,  including  two  public  houses.  Here  are  the  remains  of  an  old  mansion- 
house,  called  JBirttey  Halt  Birtley  anciently  formed  part  of  the  barony  of  Prudhoe. 
Most  of  it  at  present  belongs  to  the  Duke  of  Northumoerland^ 

THOCKRINGTON  PARISH. 

This  parish  is  enclosed  by  Kirkwhelpington  on  the  north,  by  the  same  and  Kirk 
Harle  on  the  east,  by  Kirk  Heaton  and  St.  John  Lee  on  the  south,  and  by  Chollerton 
on  the  west.  It  is  above  4  miles  from  north  to  south,  and  on  an  average  S^  miles  in 
breadth.  It  contains  35  houses  and  201.  inhabitants.  Its  annual  value,  in  1815,  was 
£4115;  and  the  poor-rates,  in  1831,  were£S19>  10^. 

Thockrington  is  a  small  hamlet,  distant  lOf  miles  north  by  east  from  Hexham. 
The  chapel  stands  on  an  eminence,  from  which  there  is  a  view  of  a  rich  and  well  cuL 
tivated  country  on  the  south  and  east,  over  which  many  beautiful  mansions  and  fine 
plantations  are  scattered.  In  the  ehurch-^yard  is  a  very  old  tomb,  without  any  in- 
scription, of  an  ecclesiastic  (or  female),  said  to  have  been  one  of  the  Shaftoe  family. 
Thockrington  is  a  pecuUar  of  the  see  of  York,  and  was  first  impropriated  to  it  by 
Richard,  bishop  of  Durham,  in  1204;  its  first  fruits,  £2, 17*.  1^.  It  is  a  prebend, 
and  the  lowest  in  that  cathedral.  The  prebendal  interest  in  the  tithes  was,  on  the 
demise  of  Lord  Charles  Aynsley,  purchased  by  the  late  David  Stephenson,  Esq.  of 
Newcastle.  Thockpngtou  was  paojt  of  the  possessions  of  the  Shaftoe  family,  10  Eli- 
zabeth, 1568 ;  ^d  G.  D.  Shaf-toi^  Esq*  is  nqw  the  principal  proprietor.  Hodgson 
n(Dtioea  that  the  neighbourhood  <^  this  pla<^  is  celebrated;  for  the  exodilenee  of  its 
sheep-waUuf. 


STAMFORDHAM  PARISH.  S25 

XiiTTLE  Bavington  is  distant  llj^  miles  narth-north*east  fixnn  Hexham.  Ba-^ 
vingtan  Sail  stands  on  the  east  side  or  the  turnpike  road,  and  is  adorned  widi  planta- 
tions and  other  rural  ornaments,  which  combine  to  give  it  an  agreeable  appearance. 
Opposite  the  haU  stands  a  remarkable  box-tree,  formai  like  a  so& :  it  is  30  reet  long, 
12  feet  high,  and  of  sreat  breadth. 

In  the  reign  of  Edward  I.  the  prior  and  monks  of  Hexham  held  lands  here,  the 
gift  of  Stephen  de  BateviUe ;  and  a  right  of  common,  the  gift  of  Gilbert  de  Wirces* 
ter.  Even  at  this  early  pariod.  Little  Bavington  was  the  seat  of  the  ancient  family 
of  the  Shaftoes.  It  bdonged  to  William  Shaftoe,  19  kin^  Charles  1.  1648,  who  was 
a  captain  in  the  commonwealth  army,  and  a  sequestrator  m  1658 ;  and  also  of  Wil- 
liam Shaftoe,  1  G^rge  I.*  He  was  attainted,  together  with  his  son  John,  in  1715, 
and  condemned,  but  afterwards  pardoned.  Patten  saya»  he  ^*  was  formerly  a  justice 
of  the  peace  for  the  county  of  Northnmberland,  and  has  a  plentiful  estate.  There  he 
was  brought  into  the  rebellion,  from  the  instigation  of  his  lady,  and  Mr.  John  Shaf- 
toe, that  was  shot  at  Preston.'*  It  came  next  into  the  possession  of  George  ShM^oe 
Delaval,  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  1740,  and  ^  representative  for  it  in  par- 
liament  in  1767.  He  was  son  of  the  brother  of  the  Ifust  mentioned  William,  by  Eli- 
zabeth, sister  of  Edward  Delaval,  Eaq.  of  South  Dissington.  Her  brother^  Admiral 
Delaval^  purchased  the  Bavington  ^tate,  and  left  it  to  his  said  nephew,  The  said 
George,  passing  a  fine,  left  it  to  his  brother^  and  afterwards  to  his  nephew,  Sir  Cuth- 
bert  Shaftoe,  mgh  sheriff  of  Northumberknd  in  1795,  whose  ^on,  George  JDalston 
Shaftoe,  Esq.  is  the  present  po^s^ssor, 

* 

Carey  Coaxes,  adjoining  the  Bavington  estate  on  the  north-west,  had  probably 
at  some  period  been  the  appanage  of  a  younger  branch  of  that  ancient  house.  It  was, 
towards  the  latter  end  of  the  l^t  century,  we  estate  and  residence  of  William  Shiif«« 
toe,  Esq.  His  son,  Delaval  Shaftoe,  married  his  cousin,  Marv,  daughter  of  Charles 
Shaftoe,  of  Hexham,  attorney,  W  whom  he  bad  an  only  daughter,  Elisabeth  Mary, 
the  wife  of  Isaac  Spark,  Esq.  of  Summeirods,  who  dying,  March,  1819^  without  issuei, 
the  estate  reverted  to  her  father's  sister,  who  married  James  Johnston,  Esq.  the  pre^ 
sent  owner  of  Carey  Coates.  Swbethope,  banging  to  Jdm  Trevelyan,  Esq,  of 
Wallington,  and  occupied  in  sheep-walks,  forms  the  north  divisipn  of  the  pariahi 
Herie  is  a  sm^  lake,  the  chief  source  of  the  river  Wansbeck. 

STAMFOKDHAM  PARISH, 

This  parish  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Bolam  and  Kirk  Heaton,  on  the  west  by 
St.  John  Lee  and  Halton,  on  the  south  by  Corbridge  and  Ovingham,  and  on  the  east 
by  Heddon  on  the  Wall  and  Newbum.  Its  length  from  east  to  west  is  computed  at 
5^  miles,  and  its  breadth  from  north  to  south  at  4^.  It  is  well  Inclosed  and  culti- 
vated, and  contains  abundant  seams  of  coal  and  lime.    The  annual  value  of  the  parish, 

*  "  We  know  ikmX  Sir  Ralph  Shaftoe  and  Mr.  Clavenng  (both  npw  liyi^g)  hare  really  mude  large  pnf(reaei 
ia  its  (Northamberliind)  antiquities ;  and  we  hope  thej  will  be  so  just  to  the  public  and  tfaeinadyei  as  shortly 
to  oommunicate  'em.'* — Bishop  Nichobon*$  EngUsk  HistarictU  Ubrax^  1714k 

VOL.  II.  8  L 


S26  TINDALE  WARDEN.  E.  D. 

» 

in  1815,  WAJi  returned  at  £SS>170.  In  IStl^  it  contained  340  dweUing'^Ubuses^  and  a 
population  of  18S7  persons.  In  the  teme  year,  the  poor-rates  amounted  to  £941, 1#« 
Mr.  Henry  Paston,  of  Black  Heddon,  by  a  deed,  dated  the  14th  Maidi,  1698,  gave 
£1S  per  annum  out  of  his  estate  at  Black  Heddon  and  WaUridge,  to  be  distributed 
by  the  minister  and  churchwardens  at  four  several  terms,  viz.  Ist  May,  Ist  August, 
11th  November;  and  ad  February.  In  Stamfordham  there  is  a  free  sdiool,  founded 
by  Sir  Thomas  Widdrington,  knt.  166S,  who  endowed  it  with  land  at  the  Heugh^  on 
tne  east  side  of  the  town,  wUch,  at  the  time,  was  valued  at  £10  per  annum ;  but  by 
a  return  made  to  parliament,  and  printed  in  1819,  the  annual  rent  has  risen  ix>  £S10. 
The  school  is  attended  by  80  scholars:  the  master's  salary  is  £160  per  annum,  and 
that  of  the  assistant  Ushcs"  £50.  There  is  also  a  Sund^-school  here,  whi6h,  with  a 
day-sdiool  at  Hawkwell,  One  at  Ryal,  and  another  at  Matifen,  afford  sufficient  means 
of  education. 

STAMFOnnHAM  is  distant  12  miles  north-west  by  west  fr^m  Newcastle,  and  11 
miles  east-north-east  from  Heitham.  It  is  a  pleasant  well-built  town,  seated  on  the 
north  bank  of  the  river  Pont,  and  consists  principally  of  one  long  and  broad  street, 
which  slopes  towards  the  river.  It  contains  nearly  100  houses,  including  three  pubUe 
houses,  and  a  brewei^  belonging  to  M^.  Hunter.  In  the  centre  is  a  covet^  market, 
cross,  surmounted  with  a  square  pinnacle.  On  the  east  side  is  this  inscription  :«--• 
^  £E£OT£D  BY  SIR  JOBt^  swiNBt/HN,  BAtiT.  1TS5.''  And  ou  the  other  side  is  his  coat 
armorial  Here  is  a  market,  and  three  annual  fidrs,  on  the  ISth  of  April,  Holy 
Thursday,  and  Thursday  succeeding  the  26th  of  Au^st  Opposite  to  the  market- 
place, on  the  south  side,  is  a  A*ee  scnool,  founded  by  mr  Thomas  Widdrington.  The 
parochial  church  stands  on  the  west  side  of  the  market^cross.  It  has  three  aisles,  and 
a  gallesry  at  the  west  end.  The  chancel  was  built  by  tlie  Fenwieks.  There  was,  on 
the  north  side  of  the  altar,  an  ancient  tomb  of  this  ramily,  with  an  effigy  of  «  man  in 
armour  on  the  wall,  in  the  habit  and  attitude  of  a  knight-templar,  neariy  covered  with 
a  tomb  of  the  Swinbums;  also  another  in  the  same  style,  dose  by  the  south  chanoel 
door,  the  arms  veiy  distinct  on  the  coat  of  mail.  The  representation  of  an  ecclesias* 
tic  in  long  robes,  near  the  vestry  door;  is  likewise  said  tone  of  tibe  Fenwiek  fimiily* 
The  one  before  the  central  steps  of  the  altar  was  ronoved  by  I>.  Bicker,  the  vicar. 
The  living  is  a  vicarage,  in  the  gift  of  the  crown,  and  is  valttea  in  the  king's  booka  at 
£14,  18^.  1^.*    The  vicarage-house  stands  on  the  south  side  of  the  church.    It  is  an 

*  On  the  24th  September^  1662,  king  Charles  presented  the  vicarage  of  Stamfordham  tu  the  Rev.  Ralph 
Fenwiek,  A^M.:  not  said  hbm  vtiOBiA.-^6dward  F^nirtek  CWrk  was  ppetented  on  the  death  of  Ralph  Fen- 
wick:  ttmeiK>€  rai$ntioiied.*^In'.t71^«  AmlMse  Fenwiek,  A*  M.  succeeded  on  the  itesignatioa  of  Edwaed 
Fenwick.*-*lSth  March,  273£,,JiU9es  Baker,  A.  Mr  sodceeded  qn  the  death  of  Ambrose  Fenwiek.  He  was  4 
very  worthy,  but  a  very  ecoentrio  |nan.  '  He  wat  a  greal;^  i^ricukurist^  and  was  caHed  the  draining  doctor. 
Qe  kept  no  servant^  Im^  had  his  m^ldis  from  a  public  house.  He  never  changed  his  coat  till  in  tatters.  He 
resigned  Stamfordham  on  his  succeeding  to  the  family  estate  of  Pen,  county  of  Bucks,  and  died  14th  De- 
cember, 1783,  very  much  lamented  by  all  who  knew  him.— 17th  December,  I761,  Thomas  Dockwray, 
A.  M.  afterwards  D.  D.' followed  bn  tJife  resigna^on  of  Mr.  ^ker.  Dr.  Dockwray  dwd  December  14, 
1T83,  very  much  re8pect^.-^In  DiJcember,  1783,  the  Rev.  O'Bryne,  an  Irishman,  was  presented.  He 
was  afterwards  an  Irish  bishop.    At  the  time  of  his  presentatioEi,  he  was  secretary  to  the  Duke  of 'P6rthnd> 


STAMf^ORDHAM  PARISM]  M? 

Cilegatit  building,  being  considerably  enlat^ged  and  imwonrad.  bjr  the  kte  vicir,  Hx. 
Thomas  Dockwroy.  OVer  the  south  entrance  is  the  foUawmg  inscription  >-m.<'  ^d£9 
HASCE  BEFECiT  THOMAS  D0CKWiuv>  mdcclxil"  The  garaj»i8  are  extensive,  and 
there  is  a  fine  terraee  before  the  house^  below  whidi  is  a  grass  lawn,  bordered  with 
shrubs,  the  Pont  forming  a  semicircle  at  the  extremity.  On  the  west  is  a  small 
island,  formed  by  the  river,  which  is  passed  on  the  east  by  a  stone  bridge  of  two 
arches.  There  are  several  beautiful  prospects  from  the  banks  of  the  river  ut  Urn 
place,  which  render  the  walks,  highly  agreeable. 

East  MATF£N.---This  township  lies  on  the  soutii  side  of  the  Pont,  above  a  mile 
west  of  Stamfordham,  and  contains  one  farmhold  and  a  few  straggling  cottages. 
From  the  ruins  still  visible  here,  this  must  have  been  a  {dace  of  more  consequence. 

West  Matfen  stands  above  3  miles  west  of  Btamfordham,  S  miks  north  of  the 
Roman  wall,  and  9  miles  northeast  of  Hexham.  It  is  a  snug  littie  village,  contain* 
ing  two  rows  of  cottages,  and  a  detached  range  of  well-built  houses^  where  the  steward 
has  a  neat  residence.  Here  are  also  two  farmsteads  and  two  public  houses,  with  the 
various  mechanics  necessary  in  an  agricultural  village.  South  of  the  village  stands 
Matfeh  HaU^  which  is  a  neat  stone  building,  situated  on  a  fine  eminence,  sheltered 
by  extensive  woods,  with  a  grass  lawn  in  m>nt,  bounded  bjr  the  Pont  From  the 
bridge  is  a  vista  of  considerate  extent,  opening  upon  the  military  road.  Both  the 
house  and  pleasure-grounds  are  simple^  elegant,  and  pleasing. 

In  a  field  on  the  east  side  of  tne  vista,  about  three-quarters  of  a  mile  £roi^  the 
house,  was  a  circular  mount,  with  a  round  cavity  in  the  middle,  of  the  form  oi  the 
Celtic  tumuli ;  an  upright  stone  pillar  standing  by  it,  of  a  great  size,  nine  feet  h^h 
above  ground,  with  flat  sides,  three  feet  Ixvad,  and  a  foot  and  a  half  thick.  The 
mount  was  composed  of  earth  and  numerous  masses  of  stone,  of  the  coarse  rag  kindp 
which  was  used  for  huilding  the  adjoining  farmstead.  Among  them  were  disoovered 
two  kiittaens,  consisting  of  four  flags  set  edgewi^ys,  with  a  bottom  stone  and  a  stone 
cover,  containing  the  asnes  of  dte  dead,  appearing  like  a  white  duat 

^  From  this  description,"  say*  Mr.  Hutchinson,  "  I  apprehend  it  was  one  of  the 
most  curious  pieces  of  antiquity,  of  the  tumuli  order,  that  was  in  this  county,  or  peiv 
Imps  the  north  of  England.  I  humUy  conceive  it  was  not  a  Cdtic  temple,  as  Mr. 
Waliis  calls  it,  being  evidently  appropriated  to  the  sepulture  of  the  dmd ;  a  defile- 
ment  at  no  time  permitted  by  the  Druids  in  their  holy  places.  Its  distant  antiquity 
is  proved  by  the  mode  of  sepulture ;  the  burning  of  the  deceased,  after  the  manner 
of  the  Romans,  was  not  attended  with  the  mode  distin^ished  here  in  interment; 
the  Danes  used  burning  the  deceased,  but  We  have  no  evidence  in  what  manner  they 
practised  it  in  England.    From  the  cavity  on  the  crown  of  the  mount,  similar  td 

and  was  hastily  inducted  by  proxy  (Rev.  — •  Clerkson,  of  Kirk  Harle),  on  account  of  the  dukife  then  goh^ 
out  of  the  ministry,  and  not  willing  to  neglect  an  opp<Hrtunity  of  providing  for  hid  chaplain.  O'Bryne  Was 
a  man  of  elegant  manners,  and  was  married  to  a  daughter  of  Colonel  Stuart^  who  was  killed  in  ihe  Amerl« 
can  war.  He  was  bred  in  the  English  College  at  Lisbon,  and,  on  his  return,  beciime  chaplain  to  Lofd 
Petre,  when,  after  some  time,  he  embraced  Protestantism,  and  was  finally  rewarded  with  a  bishopric-— Ed« 
wa  rd  South  Thurloe  was  presented  by  his  brother  when  lord  dumcetlar. 


S28  TINDALE  WARD.— N.  E.  D 

some  of  the 'Druids'  monuments  I  have  seen»  I  am  induced  to  apprehend  this  was  the 
mausoleum  of  the  Druid  tribe,  aiid  of  the  remotest  antiquity ;  and  that  such  cavity 
was  adapted  to  rites  paid  to  the  manes  of  the  deceased." 

Perhaps  neither  of  these  conclusions  are  correct.  It  seems  highly  probable  that  the 
sepulchres  of  the  ancients,  from  being  beheld  with  v^ieration,  became  afterwards  ap- 
phed  to  the  solemnization  of  their  highest  rites  of  religion  and  festivity.  Hence,  as 
soon  as  Alexander  had  arrived  upon  uie  plains  before  Troy,  he  performed  sacrifices 
and  other  usual  fites  at  the  tumulus  of  Achilles,  as  if  it  had  been  one  of  the  esta* 
blished  customs  of  the  country ;  and  exactly  the  same  practice  prevailed  among  the 
Druids,  who  used  their  barrows  as  altars  for  sacrifice.  ^Besides,  single  upright  stones^ 
though  not  constituting  portions  of  a  temple,  may  have  been  regarded  with  religious 
reverence  by  the  ancient  Britons,  and  may  indeed  have  been  worshipped  by  thipa,  as 
representatives  of  their  fanciful  gods.  These  holy  places  continuea  to  be  revared 
even  after  the  introduction  of  Christianity ;  and  it  was  lately  a  custom  in  the  Scotch 
isles  to  lay  the  corpse  (as  it  was  carried  to  burial)  on  some  little  barrow,  around  whidi 
the  attendants  made  a  tour  sun-ways.  The  reason  assigned  for  the  observance  of  this 
Druidic  custom  was,  that  one  barrow  was  consecrated  to  St.  Martin,  and  another  to 
the  Virgin  Mary. , 

Borlase,  in  Ins  learned  work  on  the  Antiquities  of  Cornwall,  observes,  that  ^'  the 
first  missionaries  in  Ireland  (in  order  to  prevail  in  ^eater  points)  were  forced  to  con- 
nive  at  some  of  the  Druidic  superstitions,  and,  mstead  of  abolishing  them  quite, 
thought  it  best  to  give  them  only  another,  and  a  Christian  turn.  Not  being  aole  to 
withdraw  the  people  from  pajring  a  kind  of  adoration  to  erected  stones,  they  cut 
crosses  on  them,  and  then  permitted  that  superstition.  -  So  here,  their  missionaries^ 
sent  to  convert  these  ignorant  islanders,  seeing  the  profound  veneration  they  had  for 
barrows,  dedicated  them  to  Christian  saints,  and  then  allowed  of  the  religious  turUi 
resting  the  corpse,  and  the  like  fanciful  absurdities."* 

Wiest  Matfen  was  the  manor  of  Philip  de  Ulcote  in  the  reigns  of  king  John  and 
king  Henry ;  and  was  held  by  grand  serjeancy,  by  the  service  of  keeping  the  pleas  of 
the  crown.  He  was  joined  in  commission  with  Hugh  de  Baliol,  17  King  John,  12X6, 
to  hold  the  castle  and  town  of  Berwick  upon  Tweed  against  the  barons.  He  was 
high  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  16,  17  king  John,  and  1,  2,  3,  4  king  Henry  HI, 
He  died  in  the  18th  of  the  latter  reign,  and  was  succeeded  in  this  and  his  other  estates 
by  his  five  sisters,  viz.  Alice,  Margaret,  Juliana,  Isabell,  and  Constance,  as  was  found 
by  an  inquisition  in  that  year.  It  was  afterwards  in  the  possession  of  the  Feltons; 
of  Sir  William  de  Felton,  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  5,  6,  7,  8  kin^  Edward  II, 
and  12,  IS,  14,  15,  16,  17  king  Edward  III. ;  also  a  representative  for  it  m  parliament 
with  Sir  BLobert  de  Manners,  of  Etall,  14  king  Edward  III.  1340 ;  who  were  allowed 
by  the  county  £28,  4^.  for  their  expences :  of  Sir  John  dq  Felton,  49  king  Edward 
III. ;  of  his  son.  Sir  John  de  Felton,  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  14  kin^  Richard 
II.  He  died  4  king  Henry  IV,  He  left  one  daughter,  Elizabeth,  married  to  Sir 
Edward  de  Hastings,  who  at  her  mother's  death,  10  king  Henry  V.  succeeded  to  this 
manor  and  other  lands,  according  to  a  deed  of  settlement  made  bv  the  above-men- 
tion^ Sir  William  de  Felton,    Sh^  and  her  husband.  Sir  Edward,  had  a  considerably 

*  See  Borlas^'s  Antiq*  p.  16S,  )63;  and  Mona.  Antiqua^  p.  52. 


fiTAMFOBDHAM  FASIfSIL  S2» 

estate  in  MJatfien  and  Naflferton,  8  king  Heniy  IV.    He  was  high  sheriff  of  Northum- 
berland, 6  king  Henry  V.    He  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  John  de  Hastings* 

In  10  queen  Elizabeth,  this  manor  was  in  the  possession  of  Sir  Ralph  Lawson,  of 
Byker ;  who  was  succeeded  by  his  nephew  and  heir,  Henry  Lawson,  Esq.  ancestor  of 
the.  present  Sir  John  Lawson,  of  Brouffh  Hall,  in  Yorkshire,  Bart.  It  was  afterwards 
in  the  possession  of  a  branch  of  the  lenwicks,  of  Fenwick  Tower,  by  whom  it  was 
alienated,  about  l£80,  to  John  Doug^,  Esq.  who  acquired  a  large  fortune  at  New^ 
castle  as  an  attorney,  and  whose  eldest  son,  Oley  Douglas,  left  an  only  daughter  and 
heiress,  who  marned  Sir  Edward  Blackett,  Bart^  father  of  the  late  Sir  Williai^ 
Blackett. 

I.  Sir  William  Blackett,  the  first  baronet^  a  rich  merchant  in  Newcastle,  and  a  re- 
presentative in  pcurlianient  for  that  town,  had  several  children  by  his  first  wife,  Eliza* 
beth,  daui^ter  o(  Michael  Kirklev,  of  whom  three  sons  and  three  daughters  survived 
him,  viz.  Edward,  Michael,  and  William ;  Isabella,  Christian,  and  Elizabeth. 

.  II.  Sir  Edward,  eldest  son,  and  successor  to  his  father,  married,  first,  Mary,  daugh- 
ter of  Thomas  Norton,  Esq.  by  whom  he  had  only  one  son,  William,  who  died  an 
in£ant ;  secondly,  Maiy,  daughter  oi  Sir  John  YorK,  knt.  by  whom  be  had  six  sons 
and  six  daughters :  1,  WilHam,  who  cUed  in  his  father's  life-time,  but  having  married 
Diana,  daugnter  of  Sir  Ralph  Dekval,  Bart,  had  one  daughter,  Diana,  wife  of  Henry 
Mainwaring,  Esq.  who  had  issue  by  her,  one  son,  Henry ;  2,  Edward ;  S,  John,  who 
married  Patience,  daughter  of  Henry  Wise,  Esq.  and  had  five  sons,  Edward,  William, 
Henry,  John  Krasnuis,  ^md  MattJiew ;  4,  Christopher^  who  married  Mrs.  SavUle,  by 
whom  he  had  one  son  and  one  daughter ;  Thomas  and  Christophw,  the  two  other 
sons  of  Sir  Edward,  died  without  issue.  Of  his  daughters,  Elizabeth  was  wife  of 
John  Wise»  Esq. ;  Henrietta  Maria,  of  Mi^r  Saville ;  Alathea,  of  Walgrave  Tan- 
cred,  Esq.  fourtn  s<m  of  Sir  William  Tancred,  Bart. ;  Isabel,  of  William  Norton, 
Esq. ;  Anne,  of  Mr*  Risdale ;  and  Christian,  of  Mr.  Curtis.  Sir  Edward  married^ 
thirdly,  Diana,  daughter  of  George  Liord  Delamere,  and  widow  of  Sir  Ralph  Deli^ 
val,  Siart.  by  whom  he  had  no  issue.  He  served  in  several  parliaments  for  the  county 
of  Northumberland,  and  for  Ripon,  in  Yorkshire,  and  died  April  23,  1718. 

III.  Sir  Edwmxl^  eldest  surviving  son,  succeeded  his  father,  and  married  a  daughter 
of  the  Rev.  TluHnas  Jekyll,  D.  D«  bA)ther  to  Sir  Joseph  Jekyll,  knt.  (master  of  the 
rolls),  and  relict  of  Nicholas  Roberts,  merchant.  Sir  Edward  died  without  issue, 
March,  17£6,  aged  73,  and  his  lady  in  December  following,  aged  82«*  He  was  suc^ 
eeeded  by  hk  ne|^ew, 

IV.  Sir  Edwara,  eldoft  son  of  John,  third  son  of  the  first  Sir  Edward.  He  was  oolo-. 
nd  of  the  Northumberland  militia,  and  high  sheriff  of  the  county  in  1757.  He  also  re-% 
pt^sented  it  in  parliament  from  1768  to  1774.    He  married^  Sept^oibe*,  1701;  Aim, 

• 

*  "  Nw.  £St>  llSS.'^iyieAj  9t  HexhaxD,  in  die  SSd  yeav  of  her  ags,  the  woitiiy  velict  of  the  late  Sir  Edwant 
Blackett^  Bart.  i)4iriQg  a  reodeQce  of  near  ^Oyears^  »he  was  a  great  ornament  and  benefactress  to  thai  town 
and  neighbonrbood.  Whilst  her  regular  and  ocwstant  acts -of  devotion  set  a  fine  example  of  true  piely  to  all 
aromsd  her,  a  cheerful  hospitality  enliv^ied  her  house ;  which  yet  was  manciged  with  such  prudent  economy 
as  enabled  her  to  extend  her  4:buities  to  the  poor  with  al^nd  hand.  Happy  herself  in  making  others  so, 
it  WM  ever  her  pleasnre  |o  oreiieve  the  distressed :  and  as  her  life  was  a  most  valuable  blessing  to  society,  her 
memory  must  still  be  dear  to  the  good  and  benevolent"— JVeivc.  Mag,  6l8,  IJSfi^ 

VOL.  II. — (81)  S  M 


S36  TINDALE  WAUD— N.E.  D. 

daughter  and  sole  heiress  of  Oley  Douglas,  of  West  Matfen,*  by  whom  he  had  issue 
five  children :  1,  Edward,  who  died  unmarried,  June  26,  1796>  in  the  44th  year  of 
his  age ;  2,  John,  who  died  young ;  3,  William ;  4,  Ann,  who  married,  in  1785,  Ma- 
jor Scott,  of  Ripon,  and  had  i^ue ;  5,  Mary,  who  died  young.  He  died  at  his  seat 
at  Thorp,  ia  the  county  of  Surrey,  February  3,  1804,  aged  85  years.  His  lady  died 
at  the  same  place,  in  December,  1805,  aged  88  vears. 

V.  Sir  William,  eldest  surviving  son,  succeeded  to  the  title  and  estate  of  his  father 
in  1804,  having  married,  August  6,  1801,  the  eldest  daughter  of  Benjamin  Keene, 
Esq.  of  Westoe  Lodge,  in  Cambridgeshire,  by  whom  he  had  issue  four  sons  and  two 
daughters.  The  eldest,  William  Douglas,  born  October,  1802,  died  March,  1805. 
Edward,  born  February,  1805,  succeeds  to  the  estates.  Sir  William  WdssheriflPof 
Northumberland  in  1807,  and  died  at  Westoe  Lodge,  October  27, 1816. 

Messrs^  Pearson,  Dunn,  Aynsley,  Wawn,  Howell,  &c.  are  also  freeholders  in  this 
township.    Each  freeholder  is  lord  of  his  own  manor. 

Hyad  is  situated  4^  miles  west  by  north  of  Stamfordham.  It  was  the  lordship  of 
John  Lord  Beaumont,  who  died  seized  of  it  20  Richard  II.  leaving  it,  with  many 
other  estates  in  this  county  aitd  others,  to  his  son  and  heir,  Henry  Lord  Beautnont, 
then  16  years  of  age,  who  was  knighted  at  the  coronation  of  king  Henry  IV.  It 
now  consists  of  three  farms,  two  of  which  belong  to  the  heirs  of  the  late  Sir  W. 
Blackett,  of  Matfen,  and  the  other  to  T.  W.  Beaumont,  Esq.  At  this  place  is  a 
small  chapeV  belonging  to  the  vicarage  of  Stamfordham,  several  cottages  for  labourer^ 
and  one  public  house. 

Ingo  is  a  small  village,  Containing  two  houses  and  about  iO  cottage,  mostly  inha- 
bited by  colliers.  One  of  the  pits  b^ongs  to  the  Duke  of  Northumoerland,  and  the 
other  to  Messrs.  Hall  and  Dixon.  It  stands  4  miles  north-west  from  Stamfordham. 
Kearsley,  a  township  belonmng  to  Mr.  Beaumont,  and  containing  two  farmholds 
and  one  cottage,  lies  between  Kyal  and  Ingo,  on  the  western  extremity  of  the  parish. 

Black  Heddon  lies  3  miles  north  of  Stamfordham,  and  consists  of  two  farmholds 
imd  three  cottages.    It  is  the  property  of  Mr.  Hepple.    The  township  of  Bitch- 

*  Bj  this  marriage^  the  Blackett  family  became  poesessed  of  the  m&noea  of  Hdlton,  Whittington^  and  Ay- 
don  Castle>  and  certain  lands  in  Halton^  Halton  Sheels,  WhittingtoD^  Aydon  Castle^  Carre  Houses,  Clarewood, 
East  Matfen,  and  West  Matfen,  all  in  the  county  of  Northumberland.  The  prei^ous  possesdoos  of  the 
Blacketts  consisted  of  the  manor  of  Homeby,  in  the  county  of  York ;  the  manor  of  Sockbume,  in  tfae  comnty 
of  Durham;  the  manors  and  lordships  of  Willimoteswick^  Chesterwood^  Ridley  and  Ridley  Hall>  Thoragraf- 
ton,  Henshaw,  Huntlands,  Kingswood,  and  Melkeridge,  in  the  county  of  Northuibberland>  and  of  certain 
lands  in  the  said  manors ;  and  in  Dinsdale,  Bishopton^  the  Forest  of  Lowes^  Fallow-field,  Woodhall,  Winla- 
ton,  &c.  &c.  The  whole  worth,  in  1759>  upwards  of  £5000  per  annum.  Vide  act  of  parliament,  passed 
A.  D.  17597  ''for  carrying  into  execution  the  articles  made  on  the  marriage  of  Sir  Edward  Blackett,  Bart, 
with  Dame  Ann,  his  wife,"  Sec  In  Spearman's  MS.  it  is  said,  that  Douglas,  or  DagUsh,  came  from  Scotland, 
and  worked  at  Matfen  as  an  agricultural  labourer.  He  afterwards  removed  to  Newcastle,  and  obtained  the 
situation  of  clerk  to  Mr.  Oley,  an  attorney,  and  finally  married  his  master's  heiress,  afler  which  he  purdiased 
Matfen  of  a  brandi  of  the  Fenwick  family.  His  eldest  son,  Oley  Douglas,  died,  leaTing  one  daughter  and 
heir,  wife  of  this  Sir  Edward  Blackett. 


STAMFORDHAM  PARISH.  9$1 

Pi£LD  lies  one  mile  north-west  of  Black  Heddon,  and  contains  two  farm-houses  and 
a  few  cottages.  It  was  the  property  of  Roger  Fenwick,  second  son  of  Sir  John  Fen- 
wick,  of  Fenwick  Tower  and  Walnngton,  and  Mary  his  wife,  daughter  and  hen:  of 
John  Harbottle.  This  Roger  married  Ursula,  daughter  of  Sir  John  Heron,  of  Chip- 
chase  ;  but  his  family  became  extinct  in  1684,  when  Bitchfidd  pasi?ed  to  the  Delav^s, 
and  then  to  the  Claverings,  until  Charles  Clavering,  nephew  of  Sir  Thomas  Claver- 
ing,  of  Axwell,  sold  it  to  Sir  Charles  Monck,  Bart.  Wallribge,  a  township  con- 
taining but  one  house,  belongs  to  the  same  proprietor,  Heugh,  a  village  one  mile 
holrth  of  Stamfordham,  contains  two  farmholds,  one  public  house,  and  seven  or  eight 
cottages  for  labourers  and  mechanics.  Hawkwell  adjoins  Stamfordham  on  the 
south,  from  which  it  is  divided  by  the  Pont.     It  belongs  to  different  proprietors. 

Cheeseburn  Grange  stands  pleasantly  on  the  south  side  of  the  Pont,  about  one 
mile  east  of  Stamfordham.  The  mansion-house  has  been  lately  improved,  and  a  do- 
mestic chapel  erected  adjoining  the  hall.  This  manor,  which  belonged  to  Hexham 
5riory,  was  the  seat  and  estate  of  Gawen  Swinbiim,  Esq.  10  queen  Elizabeth ;  and  of 
'homas  Widdrington,  Esq.  of  Grey's  Inn,  14  king  Charles  L  afterwards  Sir  Thomas 
Widdrington,  knt.  founder  of  Stamfordham-school  (brother-in-law  to  Thomas  Lord 
Fairfax),  for  some  time  recorder  of  York ;  also  Lord  Iteeper  of  the  Great  Seal  of 
England,  1647>  with  a  salarv  annexed  of  £1000  per  annum;  speaker  to  the  parlia^ 
ment,  1656 ;  and  Lord  Chiet  Baron  of  the  Exchequer,  1658.  He  wrote  the  history 
of  York,  of  the  MS.  copy  of  which  the  ingenious  and  learned  Mr.  Drake  hath  given 
us  a  particular  account  in  the  preface  to  his  history  and  antiquities  of  that  city.  He 
left  rour  daught^^  and  coheirs,  one  of  whom,  Mary,  married  Sir  Robert  Markham, 
Sedgebroke,  in  Nottinghamshire,  Bart,  descended  from  the  famous  Judge  Markham, 
displaced  for  his  integrity  by  king  Edward  IV.  From  this  family  the  estate  of 
Cheeseburii  Grange  passed  in  the  female  line  to  Ralph  RiddeU,  Esq.  the  father  of  the 
present  proprietor,  Ralph  Riddell,  Esq. 

Nesbit  and  Ouston,  two  townships  that  form  the  south-west  division  of  the  p». 
rish,  belong  to  the  proprietor  of  Cheesebum  Grange'.  They  oflFer  nothing  worthy  of 
remarks 

Fenwick  Is  distant  about  2  miles  north-west  of  Stamfordham.  The  village 
contains  three  farmholds  and  five  cottages.  The  ancient  Tower,  which  is  now  totaUy 
m  ruins,  is  situated  near  a  small  lake,  now  drained ;  but  the  grounds  from  hence  to  the 
Pont  are  watery  and  fenny.  From  this  circumstance,  the  viua  from  which  the  ancient 
proprietors  took  their  name  was  called  Pen^wick.  In  pulling  down  part  of  the  old 
tower  in  1775,  226  gold  nobles  of  Edward  III.  Richard  II.  and  one  of  David  II.  king 
of  Scotland,  (now  in  the  Hunterian  Museum,  Glasgow)  were  found.  The  workmen 
who  discovered  them  sold  107,  and  the  remainder  were  delivered  up  to  Sir  W.  Blackett. 

Fentcick  Tower  is  admitted  to  have  been  the  original  seat  of  the  ancient  and  valiant 
family  of  the  Fenwicks.  It  was  possessed  by  Thomas  de  Fenwick,  in  the  reiffii  of 
king  Henry  HI.  a  benefactor  to  Hexham  priory ;  by  Robert  de  Fenwick,  33  King 
Edward  I^;  by  Sir  John  Fenwick,  10  Edward  111.  He  was  a  receiver  of  tax^s,  &c. 
but  rebelled  and  fled  into  Scotland,  having  previously  concealed  the  public  treasure. 


SM  TINDALE  WARD— N.K  D. 


John  de  Fenwick,  of  Fepwick  Tower,  was  high  sheriff  of  Nordiamherland,  9i  king^ 
Ridiard  II.  and  married  Mary,  the  youngest  daughter  and  coheir  of  William  de 
Strother,  in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  IV.  with  whom  he  had  the  e^te  of  Walling- 
ton,  which,  with  this  of  Fenwick  I'ower,  continued  in  his  family  till  the  beginning 
of  the  reign  of  king  William  III.  (see  WoEUngton)  when  Sir  John  Fenwick,  in  1688, 
being  encumbered  with  debts,  the  first  Sir  WilHam  Blackett  procured  him  £20,000 
on  his  estates  frcnn  Mr.  Guy,  the  founder  of  Guy's  Hospital.  For  this  sum,  and  an 
annuity  for  himself  and  a  smaller  one  for  his  lady,  he  alienated  the  whole  of  hit  noUe 
estates.*    Sir  John  was  a  person  of  amiable,  though  dissipated  manners.    His  Ugh 

*  Sir  Walter  Bladcett,  who  must  have  poeaessed  many  pf  the  fecords  of  this  family,  always  considered  the 
F^nwicks  of  Bf  at£ni  as  next  in  line  to  those  of  Fenwick  Tower.  They  were  seated  at  West  Matfen  from  the 
re^  of  James  I.  to  that  of  William  III.  On  this  account.  Sir  W.  ^ackett  allowed  the  last  heir,  Robert 
Fenwick,  who  possessed  a  house  at  Stamfordham,  £5tO  a  year.  On  his  deaths  his  lease  of  lives  being  out. 
Sir  John  Swinbum  leased  it  to  Phillis  Pinkney^  but  gave  a  good  part  of  the  fine  to  one  Simpson^  a  midwife> 
daughter  of  the  deceased  R.  Fenwick.— ^Speannan'^  MS^ 

It  has  been  befoie  noted,  that  the  chancel  of  Stamfordham  church  was  erected  by  a  Fenwick,  and  that 
several  of  that  name  have  officiated  there.  Before  closing  the  account  of  this  parish,  the  following  particulars 
of  one  of  the  diief  branches  of  the  Northumbrian  Fenwicks  must  interest  the  reader  :•— 

Edward  Fenwick,  curate  of  Whahon,  1680,  was  presented  by  Charles  II.  to  the  vicarage  of  SCamfevd* 
ham.  He  was  tiie  son  of  Ambrose  Fenwick,  sen  of  Sir  Wiiliam  Fenwick,  of  Meldon,  a  branch  of  the 
^knightly  ftmtly"  of  Fenwi^  Tower,  and  a  near  niaticm  of  die  Raddyffes  of  Dilston.  He  manied  a 
daughter  of  ^  Frands  Liddett,  of  Redheugh,  Gateshead,  sncoeHiTcly  aheriff,  akbrnra,  and  mayor  of  Kew^ 
<astle  upon  Tyne,  and  son  of  Sir  Thomas  Liddell,  knt  of  the  Ravensworth  fionily.  Sir  Fhuids  lidddl  died 
at  his  son-in-law's  house,  the  vicarage  of  StamibnMiaa,  and  was  buried  ha  the  choir  of  that  church,  ISth  0&* 
tober,  17<^.  Tradition  reports  him  to  have  been  a  large  muscuUv  man,  wearing  a  gold  chain  in  many  UMb 
avouad  his  neck,  whidi,  when  extended,  reached  the  length  of  the  vicarage  kitchenw  The  ''  Vicar's  TomlT 
was  opened  a  few  years  ago,  and  some  bones  of  enormous  sise  were  found,  which  there  was  reason  to  suppose 
were  those  of  Sir  Frands.  On  the  death  of  Sir  Frands,  Mr.  Fenwick,  in  right  of  his  wife,  became  possnsed 
4if  Redheugh ;  and,  shortly  afterwards,  he  negotiated  an  ^[change  with  his  reljitive,  the  Earl  of  Derwentwa^ 
ter,  of  the  Redheugh  estate  for  the  adyowson  of  Simonbum,  one  of  the  richest  and  largest  rectories  in  the 
kingdom.  At  the  time  of  this  exchange,  the  earl  obtained  possessicm  of  the  Redheugh ;  the  incumbent  of 
the  living  being  then  above  90  years  of  age,  and  supposed  to  be  dying:  he,  however,  survived  the  attainder 
of  Lord  Derwentwater,  and  the  crown  seised  both  the  Redheugh  estate  and  the  living  of  Simonbum  in  17S2. 

Mr.  Fenwick  had  two  sons:  the  Rev.  Ambrose  Fenwick,  steward  of  the  sons  of  the  dergy  in  1721,  and 
vioar  of  Stamfordham  on  the  resignation  of  his  father;  and  the  Rev.  Edward  Fenwick,  vicar  of  Kirk  whelp* 
ingtpn^  172(X  Mr.  Ambrose  Fenwick  married  Elizabeth  BracDey,  ciaughter  of  Mr.  Bradley,  (^  Newcastle* 
attorney  at  law,  and  died  in  January,  17dS,  without  issue,  and  was  buried  in  Gateshead  church.  Mr.  Ed- 
ward  Fenwick,  iht  vicar  of  Kirkwhelpington^  married  Ann,  daughter  of  Mr.  Thomas  Newton,  of  HawkwelL 
The  crown  having  presented  Mr.  Wastell  to  the  rectory  of  Simonbum,  Mr.  Edward  Fenwick,  who^  on  die 
decease  of  his  brother  Ambrose,  became  entitled  to  the  advowson  of  diat  living,  impmdently  went  to  law  with 
Mr,  Wastell,  to  oust  him  of  it.  A  long  and  arduous  contest  ensued,  in  which  the  power  <]€  the  crown  was 
brought  to 'bear  in  support  of  Mr.  Wastell.  Mr.  Fenwick  was  twice  successful  in  his  daim;  but  the  cause 
was  carried  into  a  higher  court,  and  a  verdict  was  given  against  him,  on  the  ground  that  the  eontniet  between 
his  fkther  and  Lord  Derwentwater  was  simoniacal.  The  vicar  of  Kirkwhelpington  had  two  sons,  Edwaid 
Fenwick  and  Newton  Fenwick,  and  six  daughters.  His  case  excited  conddenible  interest  in  the  eounty  ; 
but  his  kw  expeneee  were  rainaufl  to  hit  fbttone,  and  he  died  of  a  bvoken  hear^  and  was  bwied  at  Sbm« 


monareMcd  principles  and  conrtant  ^Enbarrafiments  led  him  into  f^  conspiracy  against 
^g  William  III. ;  but  legal  proof  of  his  guUt  failing,  he  was  condemned  py  parli^ 
mentaiy  attaindar. 


fiOJK.TH'WmsT  nxviaxoN. 

SIMONBUJIN  PARISH. 

This  palish  ira^  the  largest,  and  also  the  wildest  and  most  unproductive  of  any  in 
the  county.  It  extended  from  the  Roman  wall  northward  to  Liddlesdale  in  Scot- 
}md,  a  distance  of  about  38  miles,  and  its  breadth  was  about  14  miles,  including  a 
circumference  of  108  miles.  "  Between  Falstone  and  the  extreme  boundary ,**  observes 
Hutchinson,  "  is  an  extensive  tract  of  country,  which,  till  within  the  last  century,  con- 
version had  scarce  reached,  or  the  benefits  of  religion  iand  the  rites  of  the  Endish 
church  been  promulgated,  except  in  the  collection  of  tithes.*'    The  bold,  wanike. 


^fittdham,  in  Jul^,  1784.  He  is  repretenteH  to  have  teen  an  ei^s^iffit  ma^,  and  much  bekived  bjr  hia  pavislv- 
ioners*'who  gave  ino  li^ebneiderable  evideoce  of  it,  by  their  reiq^ing  their  $elda  on  the  Sunday  after  his  dea^ 
in  order  that  hit  widow  might  have  the  bsneit  of  ^le  tilihe.  On  his  death,  the  neighbouring  fimiiliea  pat* 
ivoniced  hia  children.  Mr:  Fenwick^  of  By  w/dl,  took  Edward,  the  eldest  son,  and  brought  him  up,  designing 
him  to  holy  orders ;  bat  he  preferoed  to  follow  a  t^^^  «id  was  bound  to  Mr.  J^o^qpin,  a  saddler  in  Hexham^ 
by  indenture,  dated  the  9th  of  November,  I747»  for  seven  years;  Mr.  Fenwick,  of  Bywell>  joining  in  the 
lndeatune>  as  lAene^t  (friehd  of  ijbe  apprantioeji  and  paying  an  apprentice-fee  wit^  him.  He  afterwards  mar- 
ried  Mary,  dau|^^  qf  ^r.  Rol^  ^iTilsou,  of  Hexham ;  and,  with  his  brother,  Newton  Fen  wide,  entered 
into  the  5€th  regiment  ^f  foot,  and  died  in  the  hospital  at  Gunamaco,  or  on  board  an  hospital  ship,  on  the 
4th  of  November,  1762,  leaving  a  widow  and  two  children,  Edward  and  Robert  This  branch  of  the  ^mily 
hasrbeen  particularly  unfortunate-  There  iis  reason  to  suppose,  that  the  last  named  Edward  Fenwick  waa 
entitled  to  the  estates  of  the  celebrated  Dorothy  Windsor ;  for,  during  his  infkncy,  the  late  Sir  Walter 
Blackett  took  posse^on  ef  one  of  the  ^states,  in  trust  for  the  infant ;  but,  in  a  fit  of  irritation,  he  surrendered 
it  to  the  ultimately  successful  claimants.  This  ^ct  bore  heavy  on  the  mind  of  Sir  Waller ;  and'he,'  in  conse- 
quence, took  care  of  the  infant,  and  secured  a  sum  of  money  to  hit  use,  which  was  paid  him  en  his  attBiiiiiii(| 
his  majority. 

Edward,  the  eldest  son  of  the  jteKve  Ednrard  Feninck,  }ike  il^  j&ther,  leartied  the  business  of  a  aaddler  afc 
Hexham.  He  manied  Mary,  daliglKer  ojf  John  Shi«il^,  gf  Catton  in  AUendaIe>  «nd  had  issue  John  Fenwick^ 
an  attorney  in  Newcastle,  bom  April  14,  1787>  and  manried  June  9,  18l4i,  Ann,  daughter  of  the  late  Aha^ 
htm  Rtttnney,  master 4if  the gfamsnar««aobool,  Alnwick;  and  Edward  Fenwick,  bom  February,  1792,  and 
married,  in  March,  lass,  Hannah,  dtugbter  of  I(slph  Eleripgbam^  of  Linta  Hall,  county  of  Durham;  be- 
sides other  four  sons,  that  died  young  or  vid>QHt.is3ue« 

*  ^^In  fKorthe  Tyndsle  Js,blitone  parodiechlirche,  called  Simonsbume.  In  it  is  the  aliquot  sacella.  Sens  I 
jMurd  that  Simonsbume  u  in  Sowth  Tyndale,  and  that  in  Northe  Tyndale  is  onely  Belingeham  chapel,  long«i 

VOL.  II.  S  N 


234  TIN'DALfi  WARD—N.  Wv  D. 

During  the  late  rage  for  agricultural'  improvements,  many  parts  of  this ^^ 

Were  drained,  endosed,  &c.  The  commons  of  Thomeybum,  IBlackbum,  StaimeM- 
bum,  Stokoe  Fell,  and  Ealinghanr  Rig  and  Shitlington,  were  divided  witliin  ax 
years  time.  These  enclosures  nave  had  the  usual  effect  of  decreasing  the  number  of 
small  proprietors,  or  lairds,  and  of  enlarging  the  estates  of  the  great  land-owners. 
Yet,  notwithstanding  these  extensive  divisions,  not  above  one-tentn  of  the  land  is  in 
tillage :  the  rest  is  mostly  used  as  sheep-walks,  on  which,  from  a  calcuktion  made  a 
few  years  a^o,  above  72,000  sheep  are  fad.  But  the  sheep-farmers  being  liable  to 
such  great  losses  in  stormy  seasons,  some  have  been  recently  induced  to  stock  with 
Highland  kyloes,  er  with  black,  Irish,  and  Cumberland  cattle.  The  rents  vary  from 
t>elow  fi#.  to  60ff.  an  acre,  and  the  farms  are  of  very  unequal  extent  Some  of  them 
comprehend  a  lar^  tract  of  country,  and  are  above  20  mues  in  circumference. 

Coal  abounds  m  this  district,  is  of  excellent  ^ualitjr,  and  the  beds  of  considerable 
thickness.  Iron  mines  have  been  wrought  here  in  ancient  times,  **  as  appears  by  the 
heaps  of  scoriae  of  that  metal,  still  to  be  seen  by  the  road  side  in  a  plantation  a  little 
to  the  north  of  Mounces,  and  on  the  hills  to  the  east  of  Hawkhope.**  The  face  of  the* 
country  varies  greatiy,  and  presents  a  combination  of  all  that  is  most  wild,  romantic, 
and  agreeable  in  mountain  scenery. 

.  An  act  was  passed  in  the  year  1811,  intituled,  *^  An  Act  for  erecting  Five  distinct 
Rectories  and  Farishes  .within  the  Rectory  and  Parish  of  Simonbum,  in  the  County 
of  Northumberland;  and  for  separating  the  same  from  the  Rectoty  and  Parish 
Church  of  Simonbum ;  and  for  providing  Parish  Churches,  Church-yards,  and  Par- 
sonage Houses  for  the  same ;  and  for  restndninff  the  Commissioners  and  Governors 
of  the  Royal  Hospital  for  Seamen  at  Greenwich,  in  the  County  of  Kent,  from  pre- 
senting to  the  rectory  of  Simonbum,  or  the  said  new  Rectories,  any  other  Persons 
than  Chaplains  in  the  Royal  Navy."  Previous  to  the  passing  of  this  act,  this  exten- 
sive parish  contained  but  one  church,  situate  near  its  southern  extremity,  and  the 
chapels  of  BeDingham  and  Falstone,  the  former  of  which  was  not  endowed,  and  though 
the  latter  had  lands,  the  revenues  were  small  and  insufficient  At  the  same  time,  we 
revenues  of  the  rector  exceeded  £5000  per  annum ;  a  sum  amply  sufficient  for  the 
maintenance  of  the  cure  of  souls,  as  well  within  the  five  hew  parishes,  as  the  residue 
of  Simonburn  parish. 

Agreeably  to  this  act,  the  following  five  new  parishes  were  erected  into  distinct 
rectories,  viz. 

1.  BELLING9AM,  containing  the  townships  or  quarters  of  BdUttgham,  LeefMUing^ 
the  Nookj  JEast  CAarlfymt  West  Charlton,  and  TarretJmm. 


iiige  to  Simonsburne."—- Le/L  It  vcL  viiJoL  74.  The  "aliquaC  saeella,"  Imk  mentioiiecl,  Hodgwn  eonjecCares 
tp  have  ^een  the  chapels  of  Houghton  Castle^  Kirkfield,  Fabtone,  md  the  one  at  Bunskirk,  on  the  MNitfa 
Ade  of  Dead- Water,  where  some  grave-stones  still  remain. 

The  following  is  extracted  from  the  Northumberland  book  of  presentments,  under  tiie  head  Simonbum 
parish :— '^  Micha.  1681.  More  yn  in  ye  former  presentnrt.  vis.  Tho.  Ridley,  son  of  Tho.  Ridley,  of  Parkend, 
and  Tho.  Ridley,  servt  to  Tho.  White,  of  Holmes-haugh,  for  running  horse-races  on  the  Lord's-day  piiblickJy ; 
^  also  Margaret,  wife  of  James  Heron,  of  Ninwick,  for  entertaining  them  on  yt  day,  having  musick  in  her 
bouse,  whereby  Beverall  were  kept  from  ye  church.  By  John  Ellet,  Tho-.  Smith,  Thomas  I>od,  church* 
wardeia.    By  Major  Allgood,  rector." 


SIMGi^BUIlK  PARISH.  .  aS5 

S.  W AEK,  containing  the  townships  or  quarters  of  Work,  Warts  Bum,  SkitUngtoH 
High,  land  ShUUngton^  Low. 

5.  TnoRNETBURi^f ,  Containing  the  townships  or  quarters  of  Thomeyhum  and  Tarsett. 
4.  Falstoke,  containing  the  townships  or  quarters  of  Falstane,  WeUhaugh,  and 

Pkufhetta. 

6.  Greystbad,  containing  the  townships  or  quarters  of  Snudesmouth  and  Chirden. 
The  commissioners  and  governors  of  Greenwich  Horoital,  as  required,  hare  erected 

in  each  new  parish  a  proper  and  convenient  parsonage-house,  to  which  a  garden  and 
glebe  land  have  been  attadied.  The  expence  had  to  be  provided  for  from  the  sale  of 
the  great  and  small  tithes  in  the  township  of  Wellhau^h.*  They  were  also  authorized 
and  empowered  to  build  a  ishurch  for  the  new  parishes  of  Wark,  Grey  stead,  and 
Thomeybum,  a  chapel  of  ease  at  Hiimshaiigh,  and  to  make  additions,  enlargem^its, 
and  improvements  to  the  old  chapels  at  Bellingham  and  Falstone,  the  expence  of 
which  works  were  directed  to  be  paid  out  of  the  general  funds  of  Greenwich  Hospi- 
tal. The  right  of  presentation  to  the  new  livings  was  vested  in  the  commissioners 
and  governors  of  the  Royal  Hosnital.  It  was  further  enacted,  that  all  the  great  and 
small  6thes  (except  those  of  WeUhaugh),  and  all  parochial  dues,  fees,  donations,  and 
emoluments,  in  each  new  parish;  should  belong  to  the  rector  thereof;  but  this  pie* 
served  inviolate  the  rights  of  the  then  rector  ^of  Simonbum  during  his  life. 

None  but  chaplains  in  the  navy,  who  have  served  for  ten  years,  or  lost  a  Umb  in 
the  service,  are  eligible  of  being  rectors  of  Simonbum  and  the  new  rectories ;  the  rec- 
tors not  to  hold  any  other  preferment,  nor  to  receive  half*pay.  But,  by  an  act  passed 
in  1820,  the  rectors  are  authorized  to  receive  half-pay ;  and  the  commissioners  and 
governors  of  Greenwich  Hospital  are  empowered  to  redeem  the  land-tax  chargeable 
on  the  rectories. 

Simonbum  Parish. 

According  to  the  arrangements  detailed  in  the  above  act  (51  G.  3,  c  cxeiv.),  this 
tiarish  now  consists  only  of  the  townships  of  Simonbum,  Haughton,  and  Hums- 
haugh.  These  townships,  in  1821,  contained  181  houses  and  1032  inhabitants.  The 
poor-rates,  in  the  same  year,  amounted  to  £463, 1^.  There  is  aschool  in  the  village 
of  Simonbum,  containing  about  60  boys  and  girls,  and  which  is  partly  supported  by 
R.  L.  Allgood,  Esq.  who  built  the  school-room.  The  master  receives  w.  per  week 
for  each  child.    There  is  also  a  day-school  at  Humshaugh. 

SiHOKBtTRN. — ^This  village  derives  its  name  from  St.  Simon,  the  tutelar  saint  of 
the  church.  It  is  distant  about  9  miles  north-west  by  north  from  Hexham.  Besides 
the  rectory  and  curate's  house,  the  steward  of  Nunwick  estate  has  a  house  here.  The 
rest  are  cottages  mostly  occupied  by  workmen  under  his  direction.  Here  are  also 
one  DuUic  house,  and  three  shops  for  the  sale  of  small  articles. 

The  church  was  repaired  in  1768,  the  walls  of  the  side  aisles  raised,  three  sash-lights 
p^ct  in  on  each  side,  and  another  at  each  end,  to  the  east    In  1809»  the  lead  was  taken 

*  It  appears  that  the  commissicmers  and  governors  of  Greenwidi  Hospital  hold  the  tithes  <^  WeUhaugh  aj^ 
this  time^  and  the  rector  receives  the  Easter-offerings. 


A. 


336 


TINDALE  WABD.~N.  W.  D 


off  the  obancd,  whidi  was  oovered  with  WestmorelaDd  slates^  and,  yerv  recently^ 
the  buildmg  was  much  repaired,  new  pews  made,  flues  laid  for  heating  the  church* 
and  a  neat  vestry-room  erected.  By  the  jmlpit  and  window  at  the  east  es^id  of  the 
south  aide  are  the  efiigies  in  stone  of  one  of  the  ancient  family  of  the  Ridleys,  the  Rev. 
Cuthbert  Ridley,  rector  of  this  parish,  in  a  supplicatory  attitude,  on  his  knees,  yenerable 
with  years ;  a  ruff  about  his  nedc,  the  dress  of  that  age.  Hear  him  are  three  of  his 
family,  sculptured  in  stone  likewise ;  one  at  the  south  comer  of  the  window,  in  the 
same  attitude ;  his  dress  a  straight-bodied  coat,  a  swovd,  and  a  doak  loosely  cast  over 
his  shoulders;  the  l^ad  broken  off;  before  him,  the  following  insmptum  unda:  the 
bottom  of  the  window : — *'  sensus  vivus.  *  B£CORDOe  miserico&diam  dei  ebipk 

ENTIB  EX  HAC  VITA  IN  VITAM  JSTERKAM  ALBANIUM  BIDLEY,   FILIUH  CUTHBEBTI 

Bii>L.£V,  KiSEBi  PEccATOEis,  ANNO  DOM.  16£5."  Above  this  stouc  figuK  is  another 
oi  a  child  on  the  south  dde  of  the  window,  kneeling,  in  the  devout  posture  of  prayer* 
The  effigies  <^  one  of  somewhat  riper  age  is  in  the  bott(»n  oi  the  window,  re<»mbait» 
with  this  mural  inscription  underneath  >^*'  defectus  urmorim'* 

In  making  a  grave  in  the  pew  under  the  next  window,  in  1762,  for  Mrs.  Robley, 
relict  of  Mr.  Rc^ley,  formerly  curate  of  this  place,  a  very  remarkable  skull  wastumed 
up  with  the  spade ;  on  the  back  part  of  it,  the  figiiiie  o£  a  large  scallop-shell ;  at  one 
OI  the  auditories,  the  figure  of  a  torcular  shell,  like  a  screw.  Is  has  heea  fiequaitly 
regretted  that  Mr.  Warns  should  have  treated  of  this  great  cusiosity  ho  very  sfigfatiy. 
He  does  not  even  say,  observes  Hatdiinson,  whether  these  impressions  w«re  scu»«> 
tured,  or  adhesions  of  petrified  matter.  In  either  case,  it  would  have  inatified  the 
virtuoso  to  have  had  a  perfect  desciiptkm.  We  read  of  that  degree  of  wantonness 
and  inhumanity,  that  the  skulls  of  enemies,  at  public  festivals*  were  used  for  drinking 
cups.  Was  this  ornamented  with  sculpture,  it  would  lead  to  an  appr^^ision  it  waa 
once  employed  in  such  unhallowed  rites.  If  these  were  petrifactions,  it  would  stilt 
be  more  wonderful. 

Within  the  iron  rails,  on  the  north  side  of  the  chancel,  is  the  burial-place  of  Sir 
Lancelot  Allgood,  knt. ;  and  above  it  a  mural  monument  of  marble^  with  an  inscrip- 
tion to  the  memory  of  the  Rev.  Major  AHgood,  redtor  of  this  parish,  eldest  son  of 
Laoicelot  Allgood,  Esq. ;  of  the  rector's  eldest  son,  Isaac  AUgood,  of  Brandon  White 
HcHise ;  and  of  Mary,  reUct  of  Major  AUgood,  luad  ^ughter  of  the  Rev.  John  Pye, 
rector  of  Morpeth.  The  chancel  has  at  one  time  exhibited  considerable  elegance ;  its 
door-wi^  on  uie  south  side  being  rich  Gothic,  and  its  cariginal  windows  long,  spear- 

Sointed,  and  finely  ornamented.  On  its  south  side»  within  the  communion-rails,  is  a 
at  tombstone,  to  the  memory  of  Giles  Heron,  of  Wark.  The  inscription  is  nearly 
effaced ;  but  the  duty  of  renewing  H  wiJi  not,  it  is  hoped,  be  much  hmget  neglected 
by  the  parties  conca-ned.  Newr  this  spoty  in  a  recess  in  the  wall,  is  a  pisoatory  £cMr 
holding  holy  water. 

In  a  grave  in  the  church-yard,  about  three  feet  below  the  surface,  a  smaU,  JMght, 

silver  coin  of  king  Edward  II.  was  found  ki  1756.     On  the  obvarse  is  the  profile  of 

r  that  king ;  on  the  reverse,  eivitos  Lincoln ^  the  place  of  mintage;  the  anm  of  England 

and  France  not  being  on  the  reverse  of  our  commop  silver  coins  tiU  the  re^  of  kli^ 

Henry  VII. 

The  patronage  erf  this  rectory  was  taken  from  the  see  of  Durham  by  king  Edward 
I.  together  with  the  lordship  of  Wark  upon  North  Tyne,  and  the  patropage  o£  Ihe 


SIMONBURN  PARISH.  287 

living  of  Penrith,  in  Cumberland,  in  resentment  of  some  undutiful  behaviour  from  An-i 
thony  Bedc,  then  bishop.  We  find  it  afterwards  in  the  possession  of  the  Darcys.  In 
the  reign  of  king^  Edward  III.  John  Darcy  left  it  at  his  death  to  that  kin^s  amiable 
consort,  queen  Fhilippa,  who  gave  it  to  the  college  of  Windsor.  The  KatdiiFs  of 
Dilston,  Earls  of  Derwentwater,  had  it  in  later  times.  By  the  attainder  of  the  last 
earl  it  reverted  to  the  crown,  and  is  now  in  the  presentation  of  the  commissioners  of 
Greenwich  Hospital. 

The  rectory-house,  garden,  and  glebe,  were  much  improved  by  the  Rev.  Henry 
Wastell,  who  preceded  Dr.  Scott  ;*  the  south  front  being  entirely  built  by  him,  and 

*  Dr.  James  Soott,  though  not  a  natiye  of  Northumberland^  yet  from  his  talents^  his  popularity,  and  the 
length  of  time  that  he  held  the  richest  and  most  important  living  in  the  county,  his  memory  retains  much 
local  interest     His  father  vas  a  clergyman  at  I«eeds,  where  he  was  bom  in  17SS ;  but  his  pedigree  is  suffi* 
dently  illustrated  by  the  annexed  in- 
scription^ on  a  white  marble^  in  the  hbbb  libs  thb  boby  op 
floor  of  the  chancel  of  Simonbum  ankabblla  scotv^ 
church.     After  remaining  a  proper  who  dbfaktbd  this  lipb  jan.  28^  177^9 
time  at  Bradford  school,  he  was,  in  aobd  73  tbabs. 
1752,  "bdmitted  pensioner  of  Catherine  bhb  was  mothbb  to  jambs  soott,  d.  n. 
Hall,  Cambridge,  but  afterwards  re*  bbctob  op  this  pabish, 
moved  to  Trinity  College.     He  took  and  gband-dauohtbb  to 
the  degree  of  B.  A.  in  1757,  and  in  tobias  wiobjbam,  dban  op  tobk, 
the  following  year  was  chosen  fellow.  thb  obahdbon  op  William  wicmmam. 
Soon  after,  he  received  the  lectureship  bishop  op  winchbstbb, 
of  St.  John's,  Leeds,  which  he  held  who  mabbibb  aivtonia  bablow, 
till  he  took  his  degree  of  M.  A.  in  onb  op  thb  pivb  dauobtbhs 

1760.  .  There  his  oratorical  powers  op  william  bablow,  bishop  op  cbichbstbb, 
were  first  displayed.     His  attention  all  op  whom 

was  wholly  engaged  by  his  profession,  wbbb  mabbibd  to  bishops,  viz. 

lie  aimed  at  excellence,  and  corrected        okb  to  tobias  matthbw,  abobbibhop  op  tobk  ; 

his  compositions  with  unwearied  care        anothbb  to  wickhah,  bishop  op  wtnohbstbb; 

and  acute  discrimination.     In  1768,        a  thibd  to  ovbbton,  bishop  op  oovbntbt  and  lichpiblb; 

he  took  the  degree  of  S.  T.  B.  and  in        a  poubth  to  wbstphalino,  bishop  op  hbbbpobd; 

1775  that  of  S.  T.  P.    He  served  the        and  thb  pipth  to  day,  bishop  op  chigbbstbb. 

curscy  of  Edmonton  from  176O  to  it  is  bbmabkablb,  that  william  bablow 

1761,  after  which  he  resided  in  col-  -^as  thb  pibst  bnolish  bishop 
lege.    St  Mary's  was  always  crowded  that  bvbb  mabbibd. 
when  he  occupied  the  university  pul- 
pit   His  elocution  captivated  and  ftsdnated  the  hoary  sage,  the  ingenuous  youth,  and  the  unlettered  Chci». 
tian.    He  once  displeased  the  under-graduates  by  preaching  against  gaming :  they  manifested  their  disap* 
probation  by  scraping  with  their  feet,  and  interrupting  him  in  the  delivery  of  his  discourse.    The  next  time 
he  preached,  he  chose  for  his  text,  "  Keep  thg/boi  when  ikou  goest  to  the  house  of  God,"  Sec.  which  he  no  sooner 
pronounced  than  the  galleries  were  in  an  uproar ;  but  the  interposition  of  the  university  officers  produdng 
silence,  he  delivered  a  discourse  so  doquent,  appropriate,  and  impressive,  as  to  esrtort  universal  approbation. 

About  the  year  1764,  Dr.  Scott  resided  partly  in  London,  and  formed  habits  of  intimacy  with  many  public 
characters  connected  with  the  Grenville  administration.  Under  their  patronage,  he,  in  1765,  wrote  letters, 
signed  Anti-Sefanus,  to  expose  the  misdiiefs  of  fkvonritism,  in  the  Public  Advertiser,  the  sale  of  which  paper 
rose,  in  consequence,  from  1500  to  8000  a  day.    He  also  wrote  some  political  pieces,  under  the  s^gnatoro  qf 

VOL.  11.  S  O 


fflS  TINDALE  WAllD.— N,  W.  D. 

r 

the  old  honse  rqwired.  It  was  originally  eracted  by  Mr,  Allgood,  gnndfather  to  Sir 
Lancdot.  The  following  insoiption  still  remains  over  the  entrance  of  it^  though 
mach  injured  by  the  weather : — 


•t 


Non  tarn  sibi^  ({nam  suecessoribus  wm^ 
Hoc  ttdifidum  estruxit  Miyor 
Allgood,  anno  miribili,  1666. ' 
Nunc  meE^  mox  bu}us,  sed  portea  nemo  cnjua.^ 

In  March,  1785,  as  the  workmen  were  pulling  down  the  old^dtchen  of  the  rectory-' 
house,  a  square  stone  was  discovered,  nine  or  ten  inches  each  way ;  but  the  inscription 
was  obliterated  at  one  end,  occasioned,  it  is  supposed,  by  the  workmen's  tods^ 

PMUhangUa.  In  1768,  though  the  pep&lar  candidate^  he  lost  the  vacant  livkig  of  St  John's,  in  Leeda.  He, 
however,  preached  on  Sunday  afiemoMM  ki  Trinity  Church,  where  his  &ther  officiated,  and  was  attended  by 
vast  crowds  of  people  of  various  denoiainalioBS.  After  vacating  this  lectureship,  he  resumed  his  political 
pen,  chiefly  under  the  signatiuw  of  Old  SfyboM;  but  though  for  these  aervioes  he  had  promiaes  in  abundance 
from  Lord  North,  none  of  them  were  fitlfiUed.  At  length.  Lord  Sandwich,  then  first  lord  of  the  admi- 
ralty,  obtained  for  hin  the  rectory  of  Simonbum;  after  which,  in  1771«^  married  Ann,  daughter  of  Henry 
Scott,  Esq.  by  whom  he  had  three  children,  who  died  young. 

Dr.  Scott  and  the  parishioners  of  Siaaonbuni  srare  perpetually  in  a  state  of  war&re.  A  writer  in  the  Gen« 
tleman's  Magastnc  (vol.  84,  part  ii.)  thus  defimds  tiie  rector:-^'' It  was  Dr« &otf s  misfortune  to  succeed  a 
clergyman  who  was  so  loCaUy  negligent  of  his  temporal  affairs,  that  althoqgh  he  had  held  die  living  58  year^ 
it  produced  less  to  htm  at  hk  decease  than  k  did  at  his  induction.  A  Munber  of  surreptitiotts  moduses  had 
crept  in,  which  his  long  inoumbency  established ;  and  the  pariahioners  had  been  so  accuatomed  to  pay  to  the 
rector  just  what  they  pleased,  that  they  looked  upon  his  demands  as  c^ypressive  and  illegal  :^  they  therefore 
threatened  him  that  they  would  h^  all  their  corn-lands  down  with  grass,  if  he  would  not  take  what  they 
were  diaposed  to  give  him  for  their  tithes,  and  he  then  aliould  have  no  corn-tithe  at  alL  After  hia  argnmenta 
were  disr^arded,  his  .perauaaioos  ndiculed,  and  hia  proposals  iiyected,  he  was  reduced  to  the  necessity  of 
claiming  the  tithe  of  agtatraent  ibr  barpien  and  unprofitable  cattle ;  and  he  accordingly  filed  a  bill  in  the  court 
of  exchequer  in  1774,  to  substantiate  hia  daim.  He  had  two  decreea  in  hia  faiwur,  and  several  submisaiona 
in  court;  notwithateBding  whiwh  his  partshionets  would  not  ooncode  to  his  demands,  which  he  prosecuted  far 
more  than  20  years,  at  the  expenceof  near  £  10,000.  The  litigation  at  length  was  dosed  upon  the  foUowiog 
conditions  :-*-Tfae  rector  was  to  give  up  the  tithe  of  agistment  during  his  inoumbency,  reserving  the  rijght  to 
hia  sucoeaaora ;  and  the  larmera  were  to  pi^  the^costs  of  the  suit,  amounting  to  upwaxds  of  jS£400 ;  firam 
which  concession  it  is  evident,  that  they  fUt  the  ground  under  them  to  give  way." 

This  long  aeries  of  litigation  exdted  the  utmost  rancour  against  Dr.  Scott  in  his  panshioners,  until  at 
length,  apprehending  thatliis  life  was  in  danger,  he  removed  to  Xiomlon,  where  he  frequently  preached  be- 
ftve  very  feahionable  audienqea.  In  anmmer  he  lived  at  the  pleaaant  village  of  Thornton,  in  Craven,  York- 
diife,  where  he  aurprised  and  pleased  the  Diaaentera  by  preaching  to  them  memoriier^  which  indeed  was  hia 
usiisl  mode.  He  generiilly  took  his  sermon  into  the  pulpit,  but  seldom  looked  at  it,  for,  being  ahortosighted* 
it  was  of  little  me  to  him.  The  ld>our  of  learning  to  repeat  it  was  certainly  considerable,  but  the  effect  was 
aatoniahing.  He  frequently  preached  charity-aerraona,  both  in  London  and  Newcastle,  much  to  the  benefit 
of  many  uaefttl  inadtutiona.  At  the 'dedication  of  the  Masonic  Lodge  in  the  latter -place,  now  used  as  a  dis- 
pensary, he  ddivered  an  elegant  oration  on  the  antiquity,  progress,  and  excellence  of  the  order. 

Several  of  Dr.  Scott's  sermons  have  been  pobliahed,  and  alao  three  Seatonian  Prize  Poema,  which  distm- 
gahh  him  as  a  poet    He  waa  an  adnursUe  okaainil  achobr,  and  as  a-public  speaker  was  almost  unequalled. 


SIMOKBUBK  PABISH.  «tft 

either  when  thejr  built  or  pulled  down  the  kitchen.  The  letters  aie  three  inches  long 
— VLPIVS  and  SABIUVS.  Mr.  Horsley  takes  notice  of  two  Roman  lieutenants, 
sent  against  the  Britofts,  of  that  name ;  but  says,  he  never  heard  of  any  inscriptioiis 
found  relating  to  either  of  them. 

SSmambum  Castle  stands  a  little  distance  west  from  the  village.  It  belonged  to  th« 
Herons  of  Chipchase,  and  was  sold  with  its  manor  and  demesnes  by  Sir  Charles  Heron, 
Bart,  to  Robert  AU^ood,  Esq.  and  is  now  possessed  by  the  heirs  of  his  son-in-law,  the 
late  Sir  Lancelot  AUgood,  loit.  It  is  situated  upon  a  shady  eminence  of  tall  fir  mid 
beech,  with  a  small  stream,  carrying  the  name  of  Castle  Bum,  gliding  under  it»  bo* 
tween  two  hanging  woods.  **  It  was  pulled  down,"  says  WaUis, ''  to  satisfy  a  violent 
curiositv  the  coun^  people  had  for  searching,  like  king  John  at  Corbridge,  and  Nero 
at  Carthage,  for  hidden  treasure;  where  they  succeeded  no  better  than  those  twa 

His  voice  was  lood  and  harmonious^  his  action  solemn  anc)  dignified^  and  his  language  the  finest  specimens 
of  oratorical  composition.  Mr.  Clapham  says,  (Selected  Sermons,  vol.  iii.)  "  His  elocution  U,  I  thinks  greatly 
•  superior  to  what  I  have  ever  heard,  either  in  the  pulpit  or  the  senate ;  and  his  sermons,  whether  considered 
as  «legant  compositions  or  persuasive  exhortations,  will,  when  -published,  be  esteemed,  I  doubt  not,  superior 
both  to  those  of  Blair  and  Porteus.  From  his  occasional  scrmans  I  could  select  many  passages  whidi  would 
•Ibundantiy  jnstiQr  the  character  I  have  given  of  his  discourses." 

Dr.  Scott  was  much  engaged  in  public  life,  and  owed  his  advancement  chiefly  to  his  political  connections. 
He  was  the  Ikvottrite  companion  of  the  notorious  A.  R.  Bowes,  Esq.  while  that  specious,  unprincipled  man 
was  in  the  senkh  of  his  popularity.  The  docftor^s  ^Ntnne  being  coasidenble,  and  his  prafermeots  large,  he 
lived  in  a  style  of  comspondiBg  oplsndoor.  His  oeoduet  in  private  life  wu  anable,  his  maiiners  refined^ 
and  his  conversation  entertaining.  In  person  he  was  tall  and  athletic,  had  a  fine  aquiline  nose,  and  a  com* 
manding  eountenanoe.  He  died  December  10,  XBl^  at  his  house  in  Somerset-street,  Portman-square,  Loqp 
don,  in  the  61  St  year  of  his  age. 

Tie  Rev,  Jokm.  WaiUe,  a  botanist  and  historian  of  Northumberland*  was  curate  of  Simonbum  for  several 
years.  He  was  born  in  the  year  1714/ hot  the  place  of  his  nativity  is  uncertain.  The  editors  of  the  Histoiy 
of  Cumberland  say  he  was  bora  in  or  near  to  Ireby  in  that  county.  He  studied  in  Queen's  College,  Oxford* 
where  he  took  his  degree  of  A.  M.  in  1740,  and  acquired  some  reputation  as  a  sound  scholar.  Early  in  life 
he  married  a  lady  near  Portsmouth,  whene  he  At  that  ti^ne  resided  on  a  curacy.  During  56  yeirs  their  ma« 
trimonial  hs^iness  was  proverbial  in  their  neighbourhood.  In  1745,  he  published  "  Eeflections  on  a  Can^ 
die,  in  an  im^olar  Ode,"  printed  by  John  Gooding,  Newcastle  upon  Tyne,  to  which  is  prefi^ced  an 
advertisemeat;,  announcing  that  be  had  -opened  an  academy  «t  Wallsendf  where  youth  were  to  be  taught 
Latin,  Greek,  music,  geogiaphy,  arithmetic,  mathematics,  navigation,  and  natural  and  moral  philosophy* 
After  this  he  became  curate  of  Simonburo,  in  which  6ituati<m  he  indulged  his  taste  for  the  study  of  bot^ny^ 
and  filled  his  little  garden  with  curious  plants.  These  amusements,  and  the  interesting  remains  of  antiquity 
by  which  he  was  surrounded,  led  him  into  deeper  researches;  and  in  the  year  1769>  he  published  his  history 
of  the  oeunty,  in  two  volumes  4to.  the  first  of  which>  containing  an  account  of  plants,  minerals,  fossils,  .&c# 
evinces  the  writer's  knowledge  in  natural  history:  the  other  volume, ^considering  the  limited  nature  of  his 
plan,  and  the  variety  of  the  subjects- which  it  embraces,  is  also  possessed  of  considerable  merit.  This  work 
was  the  Msiilt  of  twenty-  years'  study  and  research ;  *'  rocks  ^d  dales,  woods,  heaths,  and  mountains,  the 
shores  of  rivulets  and  the  ocean,  beii^  his  .company  in  the  hours  of  rela^cation,  sfler  leavir^  that  august  and 
venei-able  and  truly  charming  and  delightful  seat  of  learning,  the  univ,ersity  of  Oxford,  where  a  period  of 
seven  years  of  his  earliest  days  were  spent."  But  Mr.  Wallis'  fortune  did  not  improve  with  his  reputation  i 
and  a  dispute  with  his  rector.  Dr.  Scott,  occasioned  him  to  leasee  his  happy  retreat,  though,  alas !  be  had  no 
other  to  fly  to ;  and  he  and  his  wife  were  rcNceiyed  into  the  fimily  of  a  humane  and  benevolent  cler|;ymai^ 


1B40  TINDAUE  WARD—N.  W.  D. 

royal  money-hunters,  who  got  nothing  but  rubbish  for  their  pains.  Part  of  the  west 
end  was  rebuilt  in  1766,  with  two  smSl  turrets  at  the  angles."  It  is  a  pleasing  object 
from  Nunwick,  and  other  places,  in  view  at  a  considerabk  distance. 

The  country  around  Simonbum  presents  a  great  variety  of  aspect,  and  some  parts 
are  highly  beautiful  and  romantic.  In  the  brook  between  the  rectory-dean  and  Teeket 
are  vast  rocks  of  freestone,  which  have  fallen  from  a  range  of  steep  difPs  above.  In 
the  year  1800,  at  the  Teeket  Linn,  a  large  mass  of  rock  fell  down  with  a  tremendous 
crash,  the  report  of  which  was  heard  at  a  considerable  distance,  and  the  people  of 
Teeket  felt  a  shock  similar  to  that  of  an  earthquake. 

At  Teeket  is  a  waterfall  between  two  dreadful  precipices,  which  seem  every  mo- 
ment as  if  they  would  tumble  down.  Above  it,  the  water  runs  on  a  natural  stone 
pavement  for  a  considerable  space;  and  at  a  small  distance  from  it,  on  a  rising 
ground,  pleasantly  facing  the  south  sun,  is  a  natural  stone  grotto,  with  a  stone  seat  in 
it ;  and  $tt  one  comer  a  cavity,  resembling  a  stone  cupboard.  The  roof,  or  canopy,  is 
one  solid  rock  of  a  vast  magnitude,  of  the  coarse  rag  or  millstone-grit,  resting  with 
its  north  end  in  the  ground.  So  many  uncommon  objects  presenting  themsenres  to 
our  view,  render  this  a  very  romantic  spot,  fill  our  minds  altemat^y  with  wonder 
and  amazement,  and  (says  the  pious  Mr.  Wallis)  are  monuments  of  the  tremendous 
power  of  that  Bein^  who  form^  them,  pointing  out  to  us  obedience,  and  an  humble 
dependence  upon  hun. 

Below  the  waterfall,  opposite  to  Teeket,  the  brook  enters  a  subtoraneous  cavity 
under  a  great  rock.  It  keeps  its  secret  course  for  a  mile  and  a  half,  and  then  rises  in 
perpendicular  bubbles,  in  a  field  near  Nunwiek  MiU^  after  supplying  whic^  with  its 

who  had  formerly  been  hit  fHend  at  college.  Soon  after  this«  he  became  curate,  pro  tempore,  at  Haughton,, 
near  Darlington^  1775 ;  and  Immediately  after  removed  to  the  curacy  of  BilHngham,  near  Stockton^  where 
he  continued  until  increasing  infirmhiet  obliged  him  to  resign  at  Midsummer,  1792.  He  then  removed  ta 
the  neighbouring  village  of  Norton^  where,  in  a  short  time,  with  all  the  consciousness  of  a  well-spent  life» 
without  a  pain  he  expired,  July  2"?,  1793,  at  the  age  of  79.  His.  widow  remained  for  a  short  time  to  lament 
his  loss,  and  to  look  forward  to  their  re-union  in  a  future  world.  This  venerable  man,  though  possessed  of 
good  natural  abilities,  and  no  smalt  share  of  acquired  knowledge,  lived  and  died  in  an  obscure  station.  But 
his  situation,  perhaps,  should  not  be  much  lamented,  as  his  disposition  was  so  mild,  and  his  sense  of  duty  so 
proper,  that  he  acquiesced  without  a  murmur  or  a  sigh  in  his  humble  fortune.  Mr.  Plmnant  and  Mr.  George 
Allan  kindly  endeavoured  to  assist  him  with  Bishop  Egerton,  but  failed,  and  the  historian  of  Northumberland 
never  had  any  preferment  better  than  a  curacy  of  £S0  a  year.  It  should,  however,  be  related,  to  the  honour 
of  the  present  bishop  of  Durham  (the  Hon.  Dr.  Barrington),  that  when  the  circumstances  and  situation  o^ 
Mr.  Wallis  were  represented  to  him,  he  allowed  him  an  annual  pension  ftom  the  time  that  he  had  resigned 
his  curacy.  From  a  sense  of  gratitude,  Mr.  Wallis,  just  at  the  close  of  lifb,  was  employed  in  packing  up  all 
ancient  statue  of  Apollo,  fbund  at  Carvoran,  a  Roman  station  on  the  wall,  on  the  confines  of  Northumber- 
land, as  a  present  to  the  Hon.  Daines  Barrington,  brother  to  the  bishop..  In  addition  to  this  p^sion,  he,  in 
consequence  of  the  death  of  a  near  relation,  possessed,  for  nearly  the  two  last  years  of  his  li^,  the  rent  of  a 
very  small  esUte.  The  Rev.  Richard  Wallis,  vicar  of  Carham,  was  his  brother ;  and  the  Rev.  Ridiard  Wal« 
lis,  rector  of  Seaham,  and  perpetual  vicar  of  South  Shields,  is  his  nephew.  In  the  year  1748,  Mr.  Wallis 
published  at  Newcastle,  in  2  vols.  8vo.  "  The  Occasional  Miscellany,  in  Prose  and  Vene,  consisting  of  a 
Variety  of  Letters,  written  originally  to  a  young  Gentleman  designed  for  Holy  Orders;  with  Specimens  of 
Sacred  Poetry,  and  Sermons." — Hutchinson's  Hist,  of  Cumfferland,  voLiLp.  567- — Gent.  Mag.  hiiL^Nkiott 
lAt  Jnec.  voL  vUi.  p.  75S,^^Ckalmer's  Bio.  Diet*  voL  :pxxL  p.  47  y  and  other  Sources. 


*      ' 


SIMONBURN  PARISH.  241 

strong  and  dear  stream,  it  falk  iiibo  Nwth  T3me*    After  heavy  rediM  and  great  snows, 
the  greatest  part  of  it  is  carried  off  in  a  strong  and  rapid  current  nast  Tecket,  bet  ween'^ 
two  iianging  bonOks  of  wood,  where,  by  various  falls  fix»n  broken  rocks,  it  forms  a 
most  romantic  and  beautiful  sc^ie. 

The  farm  of  Tecket  was  purdnased  by  the  trustees  df  Giles  Heron's  charity.  The 
farm*-house  is  about  one  mile  trest  from  Simonbum,  It  form^'ly  belon^Bd  to  a 
branch  of  the  Ridley  family,  whose  arms  are  above  the  front  door.  The  present 
house  has  been  built  upon  the  seite  of  *  large  building  as  the  found^ions  of  walfe 
have  been  discovered  at  some  distance  around  it 

Nunwiek  HaU  stands  half  a  mile  east  of  Simonborn.  It  was  fc^merly  a  vUlaae,  as 
\kA  name  imports.  It  is  a  remarkaUy  genteel  structiure  of  white  freestone,  and  was 
corected  fay  the  late  Sir  Lancelot  AligoiExl.  It  is  seated  on  a  rising  plain  oh  the  con* 
fluence  of  Simonburn  with  the  river  Tyne.  On  the  west  it  is  screened  by  a  fine 
wood ;  and  from  the  eastern  terraoe  a  delightful  prospect  opens,  commanding  a  view 
of  Chipchase  oi>  the  one  hand,  and  the  variegated  vale  of  Simonbum  on  the  other ; 
the  banks  of  the  stream  are  romantic  and  wild,  and  the  wastes  which  terminate  the 
prospect  give  additicNaal  beauty  to  the  scene.  Since  the  old  stables  were  removed, 
the  appearance  of  this  delightful  retreat  has  been'much  improved.  When  Sir  Lan* 
celot  came  into  possession  of  Nunwiek,  it  had  a  cold,  bleak,  and  barren  appearance ; 
but  by  making  plantattons,  enclosures,  and  ^ood  roads,  the  country  has  assumed  a 
comfortable  and  smiling  asj^eet.  In  a  field  adjoining  the  hall  were  five  upright  pillars 
in  drcular  order.  Bishop  Gibson  found  four  of  uiem  perfect  and  entire,  and  the 
other  broken :  the  perfect  ones  were  eight  feet  high,  and  20  feet  in  girt ;  the  drcum* 
ference  of  the  area  m  which  they  stood,  90  feet.  It  was,  perhaps,  a  Druidic  place  of 
convocation,  and  appropriated  for  the  perfoimanoe  of  dvil  and  religious  acts. 

Nunwiek  belonged  to  the  Herons  oi  Chipchase,  and  was  sold  by  Sir  Harry  Heron 
to  Robert  AUgood,  Esq.  whose  <Hily  daughter  and  hdr  married  Sir  Lancelot  Allgood^ 
son  and  heir  of  Isaac  AUgood,  of  Brandon  White-House,  near  the  Breamish.  Sir 
Lancelot  was  high  shaiff  of  Northumba*land  in  1746,  and  one  of  its  representatives 
in  parliament  in  1748.  Otk  the  accession  of  his  late  majesty  to  the  throne,  he  recdved 
the  honour  of  knighthood.  He  was  succeeded  by  the  late  James  AUgood,  Esq  *  who 
married  Martha,  cUuighter  of  the  late  Christopher  B«ed,  Esq.  of  Chipchase  Castle,  by 
whom  be  had  issue  two  sons  and  tlffee  daughters.  The  present  proprietor^  Robert 
Lancelot  AUgood»  Esq.  married  first,  his  cousin.  Miss  Reed,  of  CMrohase  Castle,  who 
died  without  issue,  and,  secondly,  in  1820,  Miss  E.  Hunter,  of  the  Hermitage. 

Park'End^  the  pleasant  seat  of  John  Ridley,  Esq.  is  situated  on  the  banks  of  the 
Tyne,  one  mile  north  of  Simonbum.  The  east  front  of  the  mansion  commands  a  fine 
view  of  Chipchase  Castle^  with  the  adjtmiing  grounds  and  plantations,  A  pleasant 
gravel  walk  extends  f\rom  tJie  house  along  the  banks  of  the  river,  which  is  seen 
through  the  hanging  treea,  The  whcde  scene  is  rich  with  rural  beauties.  The  pro- 
prietor's  fath^,  the  hte  Thomas  Ridley,  Esq.  was  a  very  spirited  improver,  and 
brought  his  different  estates  \nt^  a  high  stete  of  cultivation* 

*  Some  yean  ago,  when  the  late  J.  Allgood,  Esq.  kept  a  pack  of  hounda,  he  had  a  Guhiea^hen  which 
would  go  off  wiAh  the  doga  in  tbemomifig,  tfid  woirid  fbHow  them  all  the  day,  aometimea  to  the  distance  of 
9  or  10  miles.  It  osulimi^  to  Mlow  the  dbgi  fbr  several  years,  but  was  ne?et  cbierred  to  do  ao  until  it  loet 
itsmiSi^ 

VOL,  II,  a  P 


«2  TINDALE  WARD— N.  W.  D. 

Hauchton  Castle  is  boldly  seated  on  a  smootli  sloping  bank»  on  the  southern 
brink  of  Uie  Tyne,  ^ibout  3  miles  below  Nunwick  Hall,  and  about  the  same  distance 
east  by  south  from  Simonbum.  This  extensive  fabric  is  immensely  strong  in  its 
structure,  and  in  the  midst  of  the  surrounding  crave  has  a  most  picturesque  appear- 
ance. The  wall  at  the  east  end  is  11,  and  the  other  walls  8  feet  tnick :  it  is  crowned 
with  five  square  turrets ;  in  the  south-west  turret,  which  is  6S  feet  high,  is  a  winding 
stair-case  from  the  top  to  the  crown  of  the  vaults ;  two  ranges  of  whida,  upon  circular 
ribbed  arches,  extends  from  end  to  end.  It  is  an  oblong  square,  about  100  feet  from 
east  to  west,  and  44  feet  deep  from  nortii  to  south.  At  the  distance  of  about  900 
*  yards  are  the  ruins  of  the  chapel,  near  60  feet  in  length,  and  24  in  width.  This  cha* 
pel  stood  without  the  walls  wnich  surrounded  the  castle,  at  the  distance  of  about  60 
yards,  with  a  kr^e  circular  gateway,  and  a  sallyport,  both  to  the  south.  The  walls 
were  taken  down  by  the  late  Mr.  Smith,  to  build  a  farm-house.  This  castle  has  evi- 
dently been  biunt  down  to  the  height  of  about  85  feet — at  what  time  is  unknown ; 
but  the  lower  part  of  the  castle  to  that  height  appears  to  be  much  older  than  the 
upper  part  Tnere  have  been  many  other  buildings  about  this  place,  some  of  the 
foundations  of  which  were  recently  dug  out  It  was  a  possession  of  the  Swinbums 
in  1326,  and  of  the  Widdringtons  m  1567.  Haushton  Castle,  with  the  estate,  was 
purchased  of  Sir  William  Widdrington,  of  Widdnn^on  Castle,  in  the  year  1642,  by 
Kobert  Smith,  of  Tecket,  great-ffreat-grandfather  of  William  Smith,  Esq.  the  present 
proprietor.  The  paper-mul  of  four  vats,  which  Mr.  Smith  built  in  the  year  1788, 
and  now  occupied  by  Messrs.  Pearson  and  Co.  stands  upon  the  Tyne,  at  the  distance 
of  400  yards. 

HuMSHAUOH. — On  a  woody  and  rising  ground,  a  short  distance  south  of  Haugh- 
ton,  stands  the  delightful  and  healthy  village  of  Humshaugh.  It  anciently  belonged 
to  the  castle,  but  is  now  divided  among  mfierent  proprietors.  Here  is  the  seat  of 
Henry  Richmond,  Esq.  and  that  of  James  Johnson,  Esq.  both  of  which  gentlemen 
have  estates  in  this  township ;  also  four  or  five  fermholds,  one  public  house,  and  a 
few  cottages  for  labourers.  A  new  chapel  was  built,  and  a  cemetery  formed,  in  1818. 
The  annual  stipend  directed  to  be  paid  the  curate,  by  51  Geo.  8,  c.  cxciv:  is  £120; 
but  every  five  years  it  has  to  be  proportioned,  and  the  amount  fixed,  according  to  the 
value  of  the  rectory  of  Simonbum.  The  rector  of  that  parish  had  the  right  of  nomi- 
nation to  this  perpetual  curacy ;  but  by  1  Geo.  4,  c.  cvi.  it  is  vested  in  Greenwich 
Hospital. 

ChoUerfard  Bridge  stands  a  short  distance  south  of  Humshaugh.  It  is  a  good 
erection,  and  consists  of  five  arches.  It  is  built  a  little  north  of  where  the  Roman 
Wall  crossed  the  river.  At  the  west  end  there  is  a  good  inn  for  the  accommodation 
of  travellers.  In  the  17th  year  of  the  reign  of  king  Richard  II.  a  release  from  pe- 
nance for  thirteen  days  was  granted  by  Walter  Skirlaw,  bishop  of  Durham,  to  all 
such  as  should  contribute  by  labour  or  money  to  its  repair ;  as  attested  by  the  follow- 
ing instrument,  to  which  is  an  old  seal  appendant,  of  white  wax : — 

"  To  all  Christian  people,  to  whom  these  presents  shall  come,  Walter,  hishop  k^  Durham,  health  in  our 
Lord  everlasting.  Whereas  the  bridge  of  ChoUerfiird,  as  we  hear,  is  deeayed  by  the  inundation  of  the  wa- 
ters, by  which  there  used  to  be  a  frequent  passage,  and  now  wants  repair,  whereby  the  inhabitants  in  the 


WARK  PARISH.  240 

niil^ilKNirliood  an  in  gmat  danger.  W«  tbeivfbn,  coniidii^  m  tbe  narqr  of  Almighty  God,  and  the  saiBsr* 
iiigs  of  hiB  Holy  Mother,  and  all  the  taints,  do  release  unto  all  our  parishionersi  and  thoae  in  other  dioceses 
where  this  indttlgence  shall  be  received,  IS  days  of  their  enjoined  penance,  upon  condition  they  lend  a  help- 
ing hand  to  the  repairing  of  the  said  bridge,  or  contribute  their  pious  charity  thereto.  These  presents  after 
three  years  nothing  availing.    Given  at  Chester,  the  8th  Kalends  of  August,  of  onr  pontificate  Uie  7th  year.** 


The  English  termination  of  the  name  of  this  place  signifies  the  pctssage  ^  running 
umter^  aim  differs  from  the  Scandinavian  Jk)rd,  which  denotes  a  coU^ctian  qf  water^^ 
aa  a  hay»  frith,  or  haven.  Near  the  southern  extremity  of  this  parish  are  the  Black 
Carta  and  Green  Carts^  from  the  Celtic  Cart^  and  signifying  respectively  the  black  <Mr 
heathy  YnSSHsj  uid  the  green  heights  or  hills.* 

WARK  PARISH. 

The  divisions  of  this  parish  have  been  already  noticed.  In  1821,  it  contained  160 
houses  and  866  inhabitants,  and  the  poor-rates  amounted  to  £561,  S^.  An  act  was 
obtained  in  1765  for  enclosing  Wark  common,  and  which  had  evidently  at  some  pre- 
ceding period  be^a  in  a  state  of  cultivation.  There  is  a  free  school  at  Wark,  con- 
ducted \m  the  new  system  of  education,  and  usually  attended  by  80  children.  The 
funds  were  bequeathed  by  Giles  Heron,f  of  this  place ;  and  in  1805  the  governors  of 

*  Arch.  S^  V.  1.  p.  254. 

f  Giles  Heron  did  not  attract  much  attention  while  pursuing  '*  the  ntnseless  tenor  of  his  way."  He  is  said  to 
have  been  a  natural  son  of  one  of  the  Herons  of  Chipchase,  and  to  have  been  bom  at  Birtley  Hall,  in  the  parish 
of  Chollerton ;  but  of  the  early  part  of  his  life  there  is  no  account  His  mother  had  an  annuity  out  of  the  Bat* 
tlesteads  estate.  He  appears  to  have  been  a  pedlar,  and  afterwards  a  shopkeeper.  Sometimes  he  carried 
soupUi  (for  making  flails)  iiito  Scotland  fbr  sale,  and  was  often  seen  picking  hay  off  the  hedges,  where  farmers 
had  been  leading  it,  for  the  use  of  his  galloway.  On  Sunday  mornings,  when  his  neighbours  had  their  pots 
on,  he  used  to  go  amongst  them  and  solicit  a  little  broth.  Thus^  by  industiy  and  cKtreme  parsimony,  he 
accumulated  a  considerable  sum.  A  few  years  before  his  death,  a  neighbour  met  him  one  day  on  the  road  to 
Chipchase,  whom  he  told  of  his  intention  of  bequeathing  his  effects  to  the  gentleman  of  that  plaoe.  Hia 
friend  endeavoured  to  point  out  the  impropriety  ot  this  decision,  and  finally  prevailed  on  him  to  return  to 
Wark,  and  appropriate  his  money  to  such  purposes  as  might  preserve  his  memory  among  an  applauding  pos- 
terity.   He  died  in  the  year  1684. 

Heron's  will  is  dated  September  23,  1679*  His  effecte  produced  £800.  The  sum  cf  £200  was  directed 
to  be  appropriated  for  the  support  of  a  school  for  the  education  of  children  belonging  to  Simonbum  parish, 
and  also  of  those  inhabiting  Chipchase,  Birtley,  and  Birtley  Shields,  in  the  parish  of  Chollerton ;  the  residue 
to  be  applied  to  the  relief  of  the  poor  of  the  parish,  and  the  binding  out  of  poor  children,  those  of  the  name 
of  Heron  always  to  have  a  preference.  The  trustees  he  named  were  George  Heron,  John  Reed,  Thomas 
Dobson,  Thomas  White,  Edward  Robson,  William  Smith,  Robert  Elliott,  William  Liddle,  and  Nicholas  Rid* 
ley.  They  very  properly  bought  the  Tecket  estate,  which  let  for  £248 ;  but  it  appears,  from  the  report  of 
the  Rev.  J.  Baggs,  rector  of  Wark,  that  in  1819  the  rent  was  reduced  to  £200  per  annum.  One-fourth  of 
the  rent  forms  the  master's  salary.  The  will  of  this  benevolent  man  does  not  direct  any  money  to  be  exn 
pended  by  the  trustees  infetuting,  an  extravagance  in  which  he  himself  never  indulged.  They  are,  however, 
enjoined  to  make  an  entry  annually  of  their  disbursements  and  payments  in  the  book  belonging  to  the 
church-wardens.  But,  no  doubt,  the  parson  and  church«wardens  are  careftd  to  see  the  provisions  of  the  will 
dnly  executed. 


% 


•U  TINDALE  WARD— N.  W.  D. 

GMenwich  HoBfHtal  built  an  et^^t  •chool-room,  and  in  wbidi  they  th^eby 
entitled  to  hold  their  numorial  court  in  October  each  year. 

Wark  is  distant  about  i^  miles  north  Arom  Sinionbum,  and  11  tnilea  ntnili-west 
west  trom  Hexham.  It  stands  in  a  low  situation ;  but  the  eroundi  rising  gradu- 
ly  on  all  sides,  form  a  grand  and  extensive  amphitheatre.  This  andent  vifiage  has 
been  much  improved  during  the  last  40  yean ;  and  the  late  Mr.  Ridley,  of  Fark-E^d, 
erected  a  fine  row  of  eotti^es  at  the  east  end.  It  oontuns  serwal  reiident  frecheklcn, 
^ree  puUio  houses,  and  four  or  Ave  §hops  tor  the  tale  of  necessury  articks ;  the  rest  ot 
the  inhalntants,  who  «xoeed  300,  are  mechanics  and  labourers.  The  Presby  teriaiii,  in 
communion  with  the  church  of  Scotland,  have  a  meeting-house  here.   The  cburdi  stands 

on  a  small  eminence,  above  400  yards 

north  of  the  village.    It  is  built  on 

a  plan  similar  to  that  of  the  other 

diuTches  lat^  erected  by  Green. 

wich    Hospital.     Th*  annexed  eo. 

graving,   by    Mr.    Nicholson,    will 

convey  a  correct  idea  of  the  style  oi 

architecture   adopted,   which  is  at 

once  expressive  tA  simpliidty  and 

permanence.      The  royal  arms  are 

on  the  right,  and  those  of  Green. 

wich  .Hospital  on  the  left  of  the 

chief  ^trance.    This  church  (with 

those  of  Thomeybum  and  Grey-. 

stead,  and  Humshaugh  chapel)  was  consecrated  in  August,  1818,  by  the  bishop  of 

Oxfi^,  on  behalf  of  the  bisiiop  of  the  diooese.    The  foundation  of  Wark  church  waa 

bad  in  October,  1815,  and  the  building  finished  in  November,  1817.    The  church 

cost  £4133,  16«,  7^1^. ;  the  walls  of  the  church-yard,  £146,  Oa.  ^d. ;  the  parsonage. 

house,  £S494,  14f.  Sd. ;  and  the  adjoining  walls  and  offioes,  £6S6,  6f.  l-i^. :  making 

a  total  of  £7410,  17'-  3^.  exclusive  of  the  purchase-mtmey  for  the  land.     From  this 

the  expence  of  the  other  new  churches  and  personage-houses  may  be  pretty  nearly 

ascertained. 

Wark  was  in  the  possession  of  the  crown,  10  queen  Elizabeth,  but  was  granted  tO' 
Sir  Theophilus  Howard,  Earl  of  Suffolk,  1  king  James  I,  It  was  afterwaras  sold  to 
Sir  Francis  Ratcliff,  of  Dilston,  Earl  of  Derwentwater ;  and,  l^  his  sonti  attainder, 
reverting  to  the  crown,  was  f^ven  to  Greenwich  Hospital. 

Several  encroachments  have  been  made  in  the  Town  Gate  at  Wark,  which  mate- 
rially impede  the  roa4  to  the  river.  This,  it  is  hoped,  will  be  noticed  by  the  _proper 
authorities.  In  1804,  as  .some  workmen  were  levelling  the  ground'  in  front  of  a 
building  in  this  village,  they  discovered  a  row  of  hewn  stones,  and,  on  dicing  fur- 
ther, came  to  a  room  14  feet  square,  the  walls  of  which  were  8  feet  thick,  lorming  « 
square  on  the  outside  of  80  feet.  It  was  14  or  13  feet  to  the  bottonij  which  was  co- 
vered with  very  tluck  flags.  It  had  neither  door  nor  window,  nor  any  outlet  Four 
cpi^rset  of  fitonea  on  the  outside  towards  the  bottom  wer^  ashler-work,  from  wbich  it 


WAJaK  PARISH^  245 

*  would  seem  that  it  had  not  been  connected  with  any  other  building  under  ground. 
The  stones  had  the  appearance  of  being  burnt. 

In  a  cairn  of  stones,  on  the  north  side  of  the  village  of  Wark»  two  urns  were  dis- 
covered above  40  years  ago,  containing  human  bones ;  and  at  the  same  place  was 
found,  in  1787»  a  tumulus,  in  which  were  four  flat  stones  set  on  edge,  of  an  oblong 
form,  and  covered  on  the  top  with  a  stone  of  the  same  form,  and  on  the  top,  at  each 
aide,  two  large  stones  were  placed,  as  if  to  fasten  the  top  stone.  No  bones  were  to  be 
seen,  but  it  contained  several  small  pieces  of  what  the  people  called  burnt  heads^  or  a 
iuibstance  near  the  thickness  of  a  black  lead  pencil,  an  inch  and  an  inch  and  a  half 
long.    It  had  the  appearance  of  being  pieces  of  hard  wood,  burnt. 

Near  Wark,  and  close  by  the  river,  is  a  hill  called  Moat  HiU.  In  later  times  it  has 
been  used  as  a  raard-fort,  and  ior  observing  the  motions  of  the  enemy.  On  the 
summit  stood  a  nouse  which  belonged  to  the  Katdiffs.  The  scite  is  now  occupied 
by  the  house  of  Reginald  Charlton,  Esq. 

Half  a  mile  to  the  north  of  Wark,  on  the  road  side,  near  Kirkfield,  are  the  ruins  of 
a  church.  It  has  had  but  one  aisle,  but  there  is  reason  to  suppose  it  had  been  larger 
at  some  former  period,  as  the  wall  on  the  north  side  consistea  in  part  of  aii  arch  and 
two  pillars,  which  were  standing  a  few  years  ago.  A  mountain  ash  grows  upon  the 
north  wall,  and  has  a  most  singular  and  striking  appearance.  A  large  ^t  stope,  sup- 
posed to  have  been  the  altar-table,  was  found  among  the  ruins.  In  front  of  the 
i^urch  is  a  monumental  stone  with  this  inscription : — ^^  her?:  l yeth  intejijiep  the 

BODY  OF  ROWLAND  FINLAY,  WHO  DEPARTED  THE  V  DAY  OF  FJIBRUARY,  A^NO 
DOM.  1686. ^nND£;R  this  stone — AS  GOOD  MASON — ^AS  ANY  ONE."      It  is  Said  he 

was  a  mason  in  the  neighbourhood  of  IQrkfield,  who  wished  to  be  interred  there.  It 
must  have  been  long  after  the  church  was  used  as  a  place  of  worship,  as  there  is  no 
<yther  inscription  to  be  seen. 

There  are  a  great  number  of  square  camps  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Wark.  Above 
a  dozen  may  be  counted  within  the  space  of  three  or  four  miles.  Some  pf  them  are 
easily  distinguished,  but  others,  in  consequence  of  being  ploughed  up,  are  nearly  ob- 
lit^^ted.  Thev  were  formed,  it  is  supposed,  by  th^  army  of  Edward  III,  whue  he 
vainly  widted  the  return  of  the  Scotch  army  into  their  own  country ;  and  this  seems 
confirmed  by  the  exceUence  of  the  position  for  such  a  purpose,  and  its  distance,  about 
S6  miles,  from  Newcastle,  which  is  mention^  by  some  historian;,*. 

*  The  Scots,  under  Murray  and  Douglas,  in  1327  made  a  predatory  and  devastating  incursion  into  Engw 
land,  at  the  head  of  4000  well  armed  cavalry,  and  about  20,000  light  armed  troops,  mounted  on  small,  spi. 
rited  horses.  Young  Edward  assembled  a  gallant  army  at  Durham  to  oppose  the  invaders,  consisting  of 
nearly  100,000  men,  including  a  fine  body  of  Flemish  horse.  The  English  saw  around  them  the  fire  and 
smoke  of  villages  burning ;  and,  after  a  vain  pursuit  of  three  days,  exhausted  by  hunger  and  fatigue,  they 
advanced  northward,  and  encamped  on  the  Tyne,  in-order  to  intercept  the  Scots  on  their  return  homewards. 
In  a  few  days,  the  want  of  subsistence  compelled  Edward  to  change  his  plan  of  operations.  He  returned 
southward,  and  offered  an  annuity  of  i6 1 00  and  the  honour  of  knighthood  to  any  one  that  would  lead  him  to 
the  enemy.  At  length  the  5kx>ts  were  discovered,  encamped  in  an  impregnable  position  on  die  south  side  of 
the  river  Wear.  Edward,  impatient  for  revenge  and  glory,  sent  them  a  defiance;  but  the  wary  Scots  r^ 
the  advantage  they  possessed.    In  a  short  time  they  suddenly  decamped^  and  took  a  similar  situation 

VOL,  II.  8  Q 


246 


TINDALfi  WARD-— N.  W.  D 


WARKSBtmi^. — This  township  Kes  Ivest  ttam  the  village  of  Waik.  It  bddMi  to 
different  proprietors.  Here  are  several  farms  of  the  tenure  of  customary  freenbld^ 
paying  a  nne  when  the  lord  dies,  and  the  best  cow  on  the  death  of  liie  tenant.  The 
village  of  Ros^s  Bower  is  romantically  situated  on  the  brink  of  lofty  precipices^  over 
one  of  which  falls  a  streamlet  into  a  hollow  underneath.  This  being  shaded  with 
various  kinds  of  trees,  has  much  the  appearance  of  a  bower.  The  beauty  of  this 
scene  is  greatly  increased  by  the  rivulet  of  Wark,  which  is  seen  at  a  short  dntanoe 
falling  from  anpther  rock,  between  a  hanging  bank  of  brushwood  and  broken  diflb, 
into  a  bason  of  considerable  depth.  Near  to  this  place,  according  to  Wallis,  is  a  me- 
dicinal spring,  called  the  Holy  Well,  which  is  said  to  be  an  eflfectual  cure  for  agues, 
the  gravel,  and  other  obstructions. 

In  the  southern  part  of  this  parish  Mr.  Wallis  describes  a  range  of  steep  freestime 
rocks,  with  a  nortii  exposure,  called  RaoerCs-hugh^  i.  e.  the  Raven's  Crag,  fiom  its 
being  the  solitary  and  secure  retreat  of  that  bird,  by  its  high  situation,  and  scraggy 
projections.  It  is  mostly  in  horizontal  strata,  with  some  large  perpendicular  fissures^ 
as  is  usual  in  precipices.  It  is  of  a  whitish-brown  colour,  with  silvery  partkdes  of 
talc,  and  of  different  degrees  of  fineness ;  part  of  it  making  excellent  gnndstones ; 
the  greatest  part  highly  esteemed  for  pavements,  stone  steps,  columns,  and  ornamented 
ashler-works.  It  holds  its  colour  and  form  under  the  rigour  of  the  severest  seasons* 
The  handsome  seat  at  Nunwick  is  built  with  it.  At  the  west  end  of  the  crag  is  a 
spring,  under  a  scraggy  cover  of  natural  arch-work,  the  sides  in  summer  shaded  with 
dwarf  stone-ferns,  the  adit  stored  with  that  wholesome  and  agreeable  salad,  the  water^ 
cress.  Near  the  spring  are  the  ruins  of  huge  focks,  beaten  down  by  storms,  and  lying 
in  the  wildest  disorder. 

Shitlington,  High  and  Low,  which  form  the  northern  division  of  the  pari^, 
offer  little  worthy  of  particular  notice.  R.  L.  Allgood,  Esq.  of  Nunwick,  is  the 
'  principal  proprietor.  About  2  miles  north  from  Wark  is  a  rapid,  dangerous 
water,  called.  Hauxty  Bum,  which  frequently  interrupted  the  eomihunioation  with 
Bellingham ;  but  about  SO  years  agp,  a  few  public-spirited  individuals,  in  a  very 
humble  situation  of  life,  formed  a  r'ooVs  PUmghy  and  all  the  money  they  collected 

in  Stanhope  Park.  Here  Douglas,  at  the  head  of  200  resolute  horse,  entered  the  English  camp  $t  night,  cot 
the  cords  of  the  king's  tent,  killed  his  chaplain  and  chamberlain,  he  himself  narrowly  escaping,  and  then, 
amidst  great  slaughter,  effected  his  retreat.  Soon  after,  the  Scots  decamped  without  noise  in  the  dead  of 
night,  crossed  a  morass  formerly  deemed  impassable,  and  were  several  miles  on  their  march  towards  Scotland 
before  the  impetuous  and  mortified  Edward  knew  of  their  departure.  The  English  passed  over  to  the  de- 
serted camp,  and  saw  proofs  of  that  simplicity  and  hardness  of  living  that  gave  the  Scots,  under  skilful 
leaders,  a  superiority  over  more  numerous  and  regular,  but,  at  the  same  time,  more  luxurious  troops  than 
>  themselves.  Their  horses  found  subsistence  every  where,  and  carried  them  with  rapid  and  unexpected 
marches.  Their  whole  equipage  consisted  of  a  bag  of  oat-meal,  which,  as  a  supply  in  case  of  necessity,  each 
soldjer  carried  behind  him ;  together  with  a  light  plate  df  iron,  on  which  he  instantly  baked  the  meal  into  a 
cake  in  the  open  fields.  But  his  chief  subsistence  was  the  cattle  which  he  seized ;  and  his  cookery  was  as 
expeditious  as  all  his  other  operations.  After  flaying  the  animal,  he  placed  the  skin,  loose  and  hanging  iu 
the  form  o^  a  bag,  upon  some  stakes :  he  poured  water  into  it,  kindled  a  fire  below,  and  thus  made  it  serve  as 
a  caldron  for  the  boiling  of  his  victuals. 


/ 


BELLINGHAM  PARISH.  S47 

was  appKipriated  to  the  buUdiqg  of  a  bridge  at  this  place)  the  deficiency  being  sup- 
plied by  Mr.  Charlton,  of  Hesley^ule.* 

BELLINGHAM  PARISH. 

ft  4 

This  parish  is  divided  into  six  townships,  one  of  which  CLeemailing)  lies  on  the 
south  side  of  the  Tyne»  and  the  other  five  on  the  north  side.  It  contains  262  houses 
and  1396  inhalHtants.  The  poor-rates,  in  1821,  amounted  to  £746,  7s.  It  abounds 
with  coal  and  lime»  and  has  an  exten»ve  moor,  called  Hareshaw  .Commotio  which 
abounds  with  game,  and  contains  above  7000  acres  of  land« 

Bdlingbam  school  stands  at  the  south-west  comer  of  the  church-yard.  The  master 
has  a  dweUinff-house  above  the  school,  and  a  small  garden  adjoining.  The  school  is 
usually  attended  fay  100  children,  from  25  to  30  of  whom  belong  to  Bellingham,  and 
pay  a  smaller  quarterage  than  those  attending  from  the  townsnips.  The  master  is 
paid  £12  per  annum,  by  John  Reed,  Esq.  Concerning  the  funds,  the  Rev.  John 
Davis,  rector,  reported  to  a  committee  of  the  House  of  Commons,  appointed  to  en- 
quire into  the  education  of  the  poor  in  1819,  thus : — **  It  is  the  current  report,  that  a 
Mrs.  Reed,  of  Troughend,  left  £200  to  a  free  school  previously  established  at  Bel- 
liQgham,  to  which  £40  was  also  bequeathed  by  John  Cliarhon,  of  Temple  Green,  in 
17S2,  as  appears  by  the  inscription  on  a  tomb-stone.  These  two  sums,  it  is  thought, 
were  laid  out  in  the  purchase  of  the  third  part  of  a  farm  called  the  Bog,  which  ought 
now  to  produce  £ 50  per  annum ;  and  a  Mr.  Riddle,  of  Monkerage,  states,  that  about 
54  years  ago,  he  paid  on  hts  fatb^s  «ooount  the  third  pert  of  the  amount  of  the  rent 
of  the  said  mortgage ;  and  it  is  generally  supposed  that  the  papers  respecting  this 
transaction  are  now  in  the  hands  of  Johii  Reed,  of  Chipchase.  Nothing  is  at  present 
allowed  the  master  for  repairs,  and  the  hoiuse  and  school  are  in  a  very  ruinous  state. 
An  inquiry  has  been  made  into  the  affairs  o/  the  charity,  at  the  request  of  the  bishop 
of  Durham."f  The  rector  adds,  "  There  are  at  least  20  families  without  the  means 
of  educating  their  children,  but  would  be  very  glad  to  possess  them.** 

Bellingham  stands  on  the  north  side  of  the  Tyne,  nearly  2  miles  above  the  con- 
fluence of  that  river  and  the  Reed.  It  is  distant  5  miles  north  by  west  from  Wark, 
and  16  miles  north-north-west  from  Hexham.  It  is  pleasantly  situated  on  the  slope 
o^  hiU,  which  rises  from  the  -eastern  margin  of  North  Tyn^,  and  is  well  buHt.  It, 
with  Hie  rest  of  the  township,  contains  79  dwelling-houses  and  404  inhabitants.  Here 
are  three  public  houses,  five  shops,  and  three  butdiers.    A  meeting-house  for  Burgh- 

*  Mr.  David  NiKon,  an  iatellif  ent  iahabitent  #f  Wark,  has  kindly  furnished  some  particulars  relative  to 
Ibia  parish ;  and  Mr.  J.  L.  Dodd,  of  Newton  Ridge^  obligingly  aent  a  drawing  of  the  church. 


t  One  lUohard  Thompson  kept  this  school  from  about  1744  to  1784.  As  master,  he  held  part  of  the  Bog 
estate ;  but  Mr.  Reed  selling  the  other  two  parts,  he  was  induced  to  give  up  the  writings.  Mr.  Elrington 
Reed,  of  Troughend,  who  is  now  81  years  of  age,  recollects  carrying  one-third  of  the  rent  of  the  Bog,  which 
his  father  fanned,  to  this  Mr.  Thompson.  The  next  master,  Mr.  William  Ridley,  now  living  at  Risingham, 
states,  that  after  the  sale  of  the  endowed  land,  the  master  was  paid  £S0,  £\5,  or  £  12  annually,  as  caprice 
directed.  An  ineffectual  attempt  was  made  a  few  years  ago  to  eject  Mr.  John  Tumbul),  the  present  master. 
The  Bog  estate  was  lately  sold  to  John  Merton  Davison,  Esq.  of  Beamish^  county  of  Durham. 


248  TINDALE  WARD— N.  W.  D, 

ers,  now  the  United  Secession,  was  erected  about  15  or  16  years  a^o ;  and  the  Roman 
Catholics  have  had  a  chapel  here  for  upwards  of  SO  years.  A  library,  or  book-club» 
was  established  here  in  1809>  and  now  consists  of  about  40  subscribers  and  400  volumes. 
In  a  place  like  this,  situated  at  a  distance  from  any  populous  town,  and  where  many 
of  the  inhabitants  have  a  ffreat  deal  of  leisure  during  our  winter  evenings,  an  institu- 
tion like  this  must  not  only  contribute  to  their  amusement,  but  also  tend  to  preserve 
their  morals  aitd  extend  their  knowledge. 

The  church  is  dedicated  to  St.  Cuthbert,  and  is  a  small  but  ancient  structure,  the 
roof  being  arched  with  stone,  and  without  a  single  piece  of  timber.  It  is  very  agree- 
ably seated  on  a  rising  ground,  and  the  church-yard  lorms  a  fine  terrace  above  the  nver. 
In  the  pavement  of  the  church  are  many  grave-stones,  sculptured  with  sWords,  but  hav- 
ing no  inscriptions  Upon  them.  In  the  chancel,  on  the  north  side,  is  a  muial  monu- 
ment of  blue  and  white  marble,  erected  by  the  late  John  Reed,  Esq.  of  Chipchase 
Castle,  to  the  memory  of  his  father,  containing  the  following  inscription : — 

^  This  Marbl^is  raised  to  the  Memory  of  Mr.  Abchibalh  Rbbd,  pf  Bellinghaoi,^ 

Who  died  in  the  Year  17S9»  aged  86  Years,^ 
By  Mr.  John  Reed,  his  dutiful  Son. 
Too  small  a  Monument  of  filial  Piety  to  so  indulgent  a  Fatb^, 
By  frugal  acts  of  industry  he  rose. 
Preserved  his  virtue,  and  provoked  no  foes. 
But  died  lamented  as  he  lived  beloved. 
For  all  his  actions  just  and  generous  proved. 
Always  subservient  to  a  poor  man^s  suit. 
His  gains  were  sweetened  by  a  good  repute. 
Unenvied  he  his  fortune  fairly  left. 
And  mourned  his  country,  of  such  worth  bereft.^^ 

*  Ralph  Reed,  son  of  Archibald  Reed,  of  BeUingham,  was  sheriff  of  Newcastle  in  1710,  and  mayor  in 
1716 :  he  died  without  leaving  any  issue.  Old  Arc^  Reed,  of  Bellingham,  began  life  as  a  small  shop- 
keeper there,  and  by  great  sagacity,  industry,  and  economy,  scraped  together  a  considerable  portion  of  the 
large  estate^  which  the  late  failure  of  the  Northumberland  Bank  has  again  dispersed.  He  married  Sarah, 
daughter  of  William  Ridley,  of  the  Yethouse,  a  small  pro|Mietor  of  Tarset,  by  whom  he  had  Ralph,  mentioned 
above,  and  John,  who  bought  Chipchase  Castle  (which  see).  The  Reeds  of  Troughend  protest  against  aiy 
consanguinity  with  the  Reeds  of  Chipchase,  who  are  more  likdy  to  have  sprung  from  the  Reeds  of  the  drag, 
afterwards  of  Aydon,  and  now  resident  at  Acklington  Park.  However  this  may  be,  the  Troughend  Reeds 
are  undoubtedly  oAt^of  the  fiunilies  of  this  name.  Mr.  Elrington  Reed,  who  alienated  Troughend  (now  resold 
to  Mr.  Davison,  of  Beamish),  was  lately  residing  with  his  daughter,  Mrs.  Hall,  of  the  WindimQl  Hills, 
Gateshead.  His  eldest  son,  Mr.  Gabriel  Reed  (not  Elrington),  married  the  daughter  of  Colonel  Mackay, 
and  occupies  a  very  extensive  farm  in  Sutherland.  He  has  a  large  and  flourishing  family,  so  that  the  d^ 
scendants  of  the  gallant,  but  unfortunate  Parcy  Reed,  who  is  thus  sung  in  "  The  Lay  of  the  Reed-water 
Minstrel,"  is  not  likely  to  be  soon  extinct: — 

''  Hell  tell  of  hapless  Parcy  Reed, 

And  how  each  traitor  Ha' 
The  'squire  betra/d,  ail  reft  of  aid. 
By  Crosier's  brand  to  fk'J* 

Newcastk  Mag.  March,  1S24. 


BELLINGHAM  PARISH.  249 

Oh  the  same  $ide  of  die  chancel  is  another  mural  momim^it,  erected  to  the  me- 
mory  of  two  of  the  children  of  William  John  Charlton,  Esq.  of  Hesleyside.  Near 
the  south  door,  in  the  church-yard,  upon  a  large  table  monument,  is  the  following 
inscription  :-^"  heee  lieth  the  body  of  john  charlton,  of  tempi-e  green, 

WHO    DEPARTED    THIS    LIFE    OCTOBER    THE    5TH,    1735,    WHO  .GAVE    TO    YE.  FREE 

SCHOOL  OP  BELLINGHAM  £40,  AND  DIED  WITHOUT  ISSUE."  In  front  of  the  chanccl 
is  the  following  inscription,  on  a  tahle  of  black  marble,  supported  by  four  pilasters, 
and  surrounded  with  iron  rails : — **  saceed  to  the  memory  of  simon  dOdd,  who 

DIED  AT  the  steal,  APRIL  21,  ISOT,  AGED  83  YEARS.  ALfiO,  OF  ISABELLA  HIS 
WIFE,  WHO  DIED  FSlB.  15,  1802,  AGED  77  YEARS.  OF  GILBERT  THEIR  BON,  WHO 
DIED  APRIL  28,  1778,  AGED  24  YEARS.  OF  JOHN  THEIR  SON,  WHO  DIED  AT  NEW- 
CASTLE  IN  THE  ...  YEAR  OF  HIS  AGE.  OF  ANTHONY  THEIR  SON,  WHO  DIED  AUGUST 
17,  1796,  AGED  87  YEARS.  AND  OF  JANE,  WIFE  OF  THE  SAID*  ANTHONY  DODD, 
WHO  DIED  FEB.  4,  1797,  AGED  ...  YEARS.  ALSO  OF  JAMES,  SON  OF  THE  SAID  SIMON 
AND  ISABELLA  DODD,  WHO  DIED  AUGUST  4,  1797,  AGED  9  YEARS."* 

Bellingham  has  a  weekly  market  on  Saturday,  which  is  now  of  little  consequence. 
It  has  two  annual  fairs :  one  on  the  Wednesday  before  Easter,  called  Good  JredneS" 
day;  and  the  other  on  the  first  Wednesday  after  the  15th  of . September,!  called 
Cuddy's  Fair^  being  probably  dedicated  to  the  same  saint  as  the  church.  At  the  lat- 
ter fair  there  are  a  few  cattle  shewn.  This  place  has  also  two  hirings  in  the  year  for 
unmarried  servants ;  the  one  on  the  Saturday  before  the  12th  of  May,  and  the  other 
on  the  Saturday  before  the  11th  of  November.  On  the  first  and  second  Saturdays 
after  each  hiring,  a  few  cattle  are  generally  exhibited  for  sale.  The  fair  in  September 
is  numerously  attended  by  the  country  folk :  its  pleasures  are  long  and  fondly  antici- 
pated, and  the  adventures  which  it  gives  rise  to  are  for  some  time  the  subject  of 
conversation.  The  gentle  fair,  decked  out  in  the  gaudiest  and  most  tempting  style, 
usually  take  their  stand  on  a  little  eminence  in  the  centre  of  the  town,  called  the 
Mug  Hill,  from  being  the  spot  where  muggers,  or  earthen-ware  dealers,  expose  their 

*  The  above  in  only  worthy  of  notice,  as  being  erected  to  the  memory  of  a  very  remarkable  character,  the 
late  Simon  Dodd,  Esq.  When  he  entered  upon  the  busy  scene  of  h'fe,  all  his  property  consisted  of  a  small 
frediold  worth  about  £5  per  annum.  In  a  few  years  he  commenced  a  stock  farmer,  and,  assisted  by  a  legacy 
he  got  at  the  death  of  one  of  his  wife's  friends,  he  began  to  extend  his  concern.  Like  most  of  the  inhabitants 
of  the  western  districts  of  this  county  at  that  time,  he  was  much  attached  to  gaming;  a  propensity  which  he 
afterwards  had  the  courage  to  conquer.  During  several  years  he  was  a  bailiff  to  the  Duke  of  Northumber* 
hmd ;  and  towards  the  close  of  his  life,  was  justly  considered  one  of  the  first  stock-^rmers  in  the  north  of 
EaglancL    It  is  said  that  he  left  at  his  death  effects  worth  upwards  of  £  100,000. 

t  George  Gibson,  Esq.  late  of  Stagshaw  Close-Honse,  has  a  right  of  toll  on  all  sales  at  this  Mr;  a  usage 
which  his  fkmily  has  long  enjoyed,  paying  for  such  tolls  a  fee-farm  rent  to  Greenwich  Hospital  of  1S«.  4d. 
The  toll  is  2d.  for  each  stall  erected  in  Bellingham  town,  9d.  for  each  beast,  &c.  The  cattle  are  shewn  on 
Bellingham  Green,  a  small  part  of  Hareshaw  Common.  On  a  small  hill,  the  Bun  (bound)  Tupi,  so  kmg 
famed  in  the  county,  were  exposed  for  sale.  A  dispute  between  the  Duke  of  Northumberland  and  Orecn* 
wlch  Hospital,  was  terminated  in  the  court  of  King's  Bench,  in  1815,  by  confirming  to  the  latter  the  fight  to 
(he  waste  of  Hareshaw  Common, 

VOL,  II,  S  R 


250  TINDALfi  WAftD.— N.  W.  D. 

articles  for  sale ;  and  here  each  youth  selects  his  favourite  lass  *  The  richer  da^  of 
persons  who  attend  thi^  fair  have  an  assemblv  at  the  principal  inn ;  and  the  elegance 
of  their  dress,  particularly  of  the  females,  the  order  and  regularity  of  their  proceed- 
ingSy  and  the  good  demeanour  of  the  attendants,  will  bear  comparison  with  the  as- 
semblies in  most  of  the  cotintrv  towns  in  the  kingdom. 

BeUingham  is  sut)posed  to  have  been  the  scite  of  a  Roman  station.  It  commands 
a  view  of  the  passes  into  Scotland,  both  by  the  North  Tyne  and  the  Reed.  Na 
traces  of  Roman  antiquities  have  been  observed  on  the  Tyne  above  it,  though  this 
district  abounds  with  the  remains  of  the  circular  entrenchments  and  fortified  villages 
of  the  ancient  Britons.  Immediately  below  Bellingham  there  is  a  square  camp  on 
Garret  Hut,  another  on  Reedswoody  and  a  third  near  NixA  MiUj\ 

Two  parts  of  the  manor  of  Bellingham  belonged  to  the  archbishop  of  York,  S  kine 
Heniy  V .  as  parcel  of  the  possession  of  the  franchise  of  Tindale.  The  castle  and 
manor  ^ve  itame  to  an  ancient  family,  and  was  held  by  Robert  de  Rellingham, 
2  king  Richard  II.  and  3  kin^  Henry  iV. ;  and  by  Richigrd  de  Bellingham,  38  king 
Henry  VI.  Their  castle,  which  stood  near  the  village,  is  now  in  nuns.^  Edward 
Charlton,  Esq.  of  Sandhoe,  has  the  greatest  share  of  property  in  Bellingham.  John 
Reed,  Esq.  of  Chipchase  Castle,  had  a  large  portion,  which  has  been  uitely  sold  in 
small  lots,  whereby  the  number  of  freeholders  has  been  considerably  increased.  || 

^  An  incident  onoe  occurred  here,  which  deserves  a  place  in  ''the  short,  but  simple,  annals  of  the  poor  :"*- 
A  young  girl  waited  op  the  M^g  Hill,  bat  waited  in  vain,  for  no  khid  Strephon  seemed  to  take  pitjr  en  her^ 
She  stepped  up  to  a  young  man,  her  acquaintance,  and  with  a  heart  big  with  grief^  slipped  a  shilling  into  his 
band,  and  whispered  tp  him,  that  it  was  for  the  purpose  of  treating  her.  She  then  returned  to  her  compa- 
nions, and  the  young  man,  agreeably  to  promise,  followed,  and  c^ered  to  lead  her  to  an  ale-house.  She 
seemed  shy,  and  gently  drew  back  her  hand,  when  the  unfeeling  brute  most  cruelly  threw  the  shilling  at  her, 
exclaiming,  "  There  is  your  money  again."  The  agonizing  feelings  of  the  poor  girl,  on  being  thus  basely 
exposed,  may  easily  be  conceived. 

t  See  Introduc.  to  Beauties  of  England,  &c.  Appen.  p.  627* 

X  In  the  accounts  of  Sir  Thomas  Swinbum,  high  sheriff,  l62S,  is  the  following:— >'' 21  May,  1629,  rie6d. 
of  Sir  Robt.  FleetwfKxl  (receiver  of  court  of  Wsrk)  of  the  lands  of  Roger  Bellingham,  deceased^  £6."  Sir 
William  Bellingham,  Bart  F.  A.  S.  of  Castle  Bellingham  in  Ireland,  is  descended  from  this  fiimily.  ArmSy— 
Argent,  three  bugle  horns,  sable,  stringed  and  garnished,  of.     Cresty— A  buck's  head  coufred,  or. 

II  The  want  of  a  bridge  across  the  North  Tyne  at  Bellingham  has  long  been  severely  felt,  as  there  is  none 
higher  up  the  river  than  the  one  at  Chollerford.  This  defect  is  likely  in  a  short  time  to  be  remedied^  as 
there  is  now  (April,  1824)  a  bill  before  parliament,  under  the  sanction  of  the  directors  of  Greenwidi  Hospi- 
tal, providing,  amongst  many  other  important  objects,  for  the  building  of  a  bridge  at  Bellingham,  and  im- 
proving the  road  between  that  place  and  the  West  Boat,  near  Hexham.  The  following  extract  from  the 
"  Report  on  the  State  and  Condition  of  the  Roads  and  Mines  on  the  Estates  of  Greenwidi  Hospital,  in  the 
Counties  of  Cumberland,  Durham,  and  Northumberland,  by  Edward  Hawke  Locker^  F.  R.  S.  Secretary  to 
the  Institution,**  will  give  some  idea  of  the  object  of  this  bill : — "  As  the  direct  communication  passes  chiefly 
through  the  estates  of  the  Hospital,  it  has  been  judged  advisable  to  reform  the  whole  line  from  Hexham  to 
Peivith,  condacting  the  road  through  Aldstone  as  a  central  point,  and  thereby  cqpening  a  communication  be- 
tween'the  more  distant  parts  of  the  property,  extending  by  Penrith  towards  the  estates  of  Derwentwater  on 
the  western  side;  by  Langlqr  barony,  Corbridge>  and  DilstoD^  to  Newcastle,  on  the  ent;  and  thiongh  the 


BELLINGHAM  PARISH.  951 

• 

ffareshaw  JAnn^  £i  mile  north  of  Bellingham,  is  a  gruid  and  picturesque  waterfidl^ 
and  has  been  often  admired^  The  fall  is  about  80  feet,  but  the  precipice  below  rises 
in  a  semi-lunar  form  to  between  three  and  four  times  that  height ;  and  the  rocks  are 
covered  with  trees  of  different  descriptions.  The  diameter  of  the  basin  into  which 
the  water  falls,  measuring  from  the  bottom  of  the  precipice  on  each  side,  is  about  55 
feet ;  and  the  width  of  the  water,  at  the  top  of  the  rock  from  whiish  it  falls,  between 
12  and  15  feet  Close  to  the  waterfall  is  a  semi-circular  stone  grotto,  with  a  large 
canopy ;  but  the  loose  parting  stones  render  the  approach  too  dangeroiji's  tp  be  much 
frequented. ,  Rocks  of  a  vast  magnitude  have  tumbled  from  these  precipices  into  the 
brook  below. 

Hesleyside,  in  the  township  of  Lebmailing,*  is  situated  on  the  soutli  side  of  the 
Tvne,  and  about  a  mile  above  Bellin^ham.  It  is  the  seat  of  the  ancient  family  of  the 
Charltons,  and  was  possessed  by  William  Charlton,  Esq.  in  the  reign  of  king  £d< 

barony  of  Wark  to  Bellingham  on  the.  north.    1*0  carry  this  into  effect^  it  is  proposed  to  incorpiMrate^  under  a 
new  act  of  parliament^  the  present  trust  from  Aldstone  to  Hexham,  with  that  which  crosses  it  at  the  former 
place^  from  Burtryford  to  Bumstones^  and  connecting  with  them  the  following  branches,  vfs.-»i.  From  Ald« 
stone  to  Penrith,  with  a  branch  from  Melmerby  to  Appleby,  thus  opening  into  Westmoreland  and  Lancft- 
ahire.    2.  From  Bumstones  to  Brampton,  leading  to  Carlisle.     3.  From  Burtryford,  through  Weardale,  into 
Durham.     4.  From  Aldstone  to  Middleton  and  Bernard-Castle,  there  opening  a  line  into  Yorkshire.     5.  From 
the  West  Boat  (between  Haydon  Bridge  and  Hexham)  to  Bellingham,  there  opening  an  easy  access  to  die 
road  over  the  Carter  Fell  into  Sodtland." 

The  following  is  extracted  from  Mr.  Locker's  letter  to  Mr.  M'Adam,  requesting  a  report  and  estimate  of 
the  probable  expence:-— "  From  the  High  wood  to  the  West  Boat,  where  a  bridge  is  t*  be  erected^  crossing 
the  South  Tyne,  by  Four-stones,  to  the  Tower  Tye,  and  thence  by  Simonbum  to  Bellingfaam^  where  a  bridge 
is  to  be  erected  across  the  North  Tyne."  .  The  other  branches  are  specified  in  a  sim^  way. 

The  whole  extent  of  road  is  122  milee^  and  the  estimated  expence  £fi6,980,  as  appears  by  the  foDowing 
extract  from  Mr.  M'Adams  estimate : — *'  Estimate  of  the  expence  of  making  and  repairiiig  the  lines  of  roada 
from  Haydon  Bridge  to  Penrith,  from  Haydon  Bridge  to  Bellingham,  from  Aldstone  Moor  to  Abbey  Bridge, 
from  Nenthead  to  Clargill,  and  from  Burtryford  to  Brampton:— 

£. 
Sixty-six  miles  new  road,  at  £200,      -        -        13,200 
Fifty-six  miles  old  road  repaired,  at  £80,     -  4,480 

Bridges,     -•--.--  5,000 

Surveys,     -------  350 

Fencing  and  indemnities  for  damage,  -  2,200 

Expence  of  act  of  parliament,      .        •        •  1,000 

sCftso** 

Mr.  Locker  states,  that  '*  These  roads  are  comprised  in  a  cirde,  of  which  the  diameter  is  aboqt  fifty  miles, 
extending  from  Bellingham,  in  Northumberland,  on  the  north,  to  Rokeby  Abbey  Bridge,  in  the  county  of 
York,  on  the  south ;  and  from  Penrith,  in  Cumberland,  on  the  west,  to  West  Boat,  in  Northumberland,  on 
the  east;  including  several  branches,  ais  by  a  sketch,  accbmpanjing  this,  will  be  more  easily  understood." 


township. 


History  of  Whitby, 


iSi  TIN© AL1£  WAHD.— ^N.  W.  D. 

ward  VI.  qtieen  Mary,  and  10  queen  Elizabeth ;  by  another  William  in  the  reigii  of 
Idng  Charles  I.  who  married  Jane,  daughter  of  William  Swinbum,  Esq.  of  Capheaton  * 
by  Edward  Charlton,  Esq.  who  was  created  a  baronet  21st  of  the  sttne  reign,  1645,  and 
married  Mary,  eldest  daughter  and  coheir  of  Sir  Edward  Widdrington,  of  Cartington, 
Bart,  who  raised  a  troop  ol  horse  for  the  service  of  king  Charles  I.  and  whose  estate 
was  sequestered  by  the  parliament  in  1659 ;  by  William  Charlton,  Esq.  who  served 
the  office  of  high  sheriff  for  Northumberiand,  8  king  GeOTge  I.  1788 ;  by  Edward 
Charlton,  Esq.  who  married  Teresa,  sister  to  the  late  Sir  Edward  Swinbum,  of  Cap* 
heaton ;  by  William  Charlton,  Esq.  who  married  a  daughter  of  the  late  Dr.  Fenvidck, 
of  Morpeth ;  and  now  by  his  only  son,  WiUiam  John  Charlton,  Esq.  who  in  1809 
married  Miss  Catherine  Henrietta  Cholmelly,  third  daughter  of  the  late  Francis 
Chohnelly,  Esq.  of  Bransby  Hall,  in  the  county  of  Yc^k,  and  by  whom  he  has  seve« 
ral  children. 

The  seat-house  is  a  handsome  modem  structure  of  white  freestcme,  built  on  a  plan 
similar  to  Lowther  Hall,  in  Westmoreland,  and,  like  that  also,  had  the  misfortune  to 
suffer  greatly  by  fire,  one  of  the  wings  being  totally  burnt  down.  It  was  rebuilt, 
with  considerable  additions,  nearly  30  years  ago,  by  the  father  of  the  present  possessor ; 
and,  at  the  same  time,  the  gardens,  which  adjoined  the  mansion,  were  removed  to  a 
more  eligible  situation  at  we  river  side.  It  contains  a  remarkably  neat  domestic 
chapel.  The  plantations,  which  are  extensive  and  judiciously  laid  out,  are  in  a  very 
flourishing  state ;  and  the  pleasure-ffrounds  evince  considerable  taste  and  skill,  both 
in  the  design  and  the  execution.  The  prospect  from  the  eminence  on  which  the 
structure  stands  is  beautifully  variegated  with  verdant  sheep*walks,  **  heath-dad  hills,'* 
rocks,  and  woods ;  having  the  pleasant  town  of  Bellingham  and  part  of  the  North 
Tyne  in  the  fore-ground.  The  estates  of  the  family  are  now  both  valuable  and  ex- 
tensive, having  been,  of  late  years,  much  increased,  both  by  purchases  and  by  gaining 
possession  of  property  that  had  for  many  years  been  alienatCKl  from  the  family.  The 
present  owner  and  his  amiable  consort  reside  here  nearly  the  whole  of  the  year;  and 
as  they  pay  great  attention  to  the  comfort  of  the  people  employed  under  them,  and 
contribute  liberally  towards  the  relief  of  the  sick  and  distressed,  their  residence  is  of 
great  benefit  to  the  neighbourhood. 

Target  Hall. — ^This  ancient  castle  was  situated  on  the  Tyne,  about  four  miles  west 
of  Bellingham.  Within  the  last  80  years  part  of  the  walls  were  standing.  They 
were  about  four  feet  thick,  of  the  finest  ashler- work,  and  strongly  cemented.  About 
a  century  ago,  they  were  of  considerable  height,  but  yearly  su£^red  dilapidations,  and 
now  the  very  foundations  have  been  dug  up  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  the  stone 
to  build  a  mansion-house.  This  old  buikling  stood  in  a  commanding  situation,  and 
seems  to  have  occupied  nearly  an  acre  of  ground :  it  was  evidently  a  place  of  consi* 
derable  strength,  bemg  almost  surrounded  by  a  deep  moat,  ten  yards  broad,  the  east 
side  lying  on  a  steep  descent.  Hutchinson  says,  ^*  At  each  comer  have  been  turrets, 
and  traces  of  an  outward  wall  appear."  Its  magnitude,  strength,  and  antiquity,  have 
combined  to  impress  the  minds  of  the  neighbouring  people  with  the  notion  of  its 
having  been  the  dreadful  habitation  of  a  giant ;  and  it  is  popularly  believed,  that  a 
'subterraneous  road  is  cut  out,  even  below  the  bed  of  the  river,  between  this  ancient 
0trong-hold  and  Dalley  Castle,  which  is  distant  about  a  mil^  to  the  south.  About  a 
century  ago,  vulgar  superstition  was  so  quick-sighted,  as  to  discern  horses  and  ch»- 


THORNEYBURN  PARISH.  353 

riots  driving  between  the  two  old  castles  at  midnight.    Tarset  Hall  is  now  the  pro- 
perty of  Mr.  Joseph  Thompson. 

Tarset,  with  Kealder,  Emblehope,  and  several  other  places  in  this  district,  were,  in 
the  time  of  Edward  I,  the  estate  of  J<^n  Cummin,  of  Badenoch,  who  was  one  of  the 
competitors  for  the  crown  of  Scotland.     He  was  assassinated  by  Robert  Bruce  in  the 
cloister  of  the  Grey  Friar's  diurch  of  Dumfries,  February  10,  1306.     His  soh  like- 
wise, John  Cummin,  of  Badenoch,  dying  without  issue,  19  Iring  Edward  II.  1325, 
his  estate  was  divided  between  his  two  sisters,  and  their  issue,  Joan,  the  wife  of  David 
Strabolgy,  Earl  of  Athol,  and  Elizabeth,  afterward  the  wife  of  Richard  Talbot.*   This 
lordship  was  a  part  of  the  property  of  the  elder  sister,  and  was  inherited  by  h^  son, 
David  Strabolgy,  Earl  of  AtiboL     He  died  seized  of  it  and  many  other  manors,  49 
king  Edward  III.  1875,  and  left  it^  with  the  rest  of  his  estate,  to  his  two  daughters 
and  coheiresses,  Elizabeth  ^and  Fhilippa, ,  who  being  comrmitted  to  the  wardship  of 
Henry  Lcml  Percy,  he  very  proyidently  married  them  to  his  two  younger  sons.  Sir 
Thomas  and  Sir  Ralph  Percy.     Upon  the  division  of  their  inheritance,  the  lordship 
of  Wanehope  was  assigned  to  Elizabeth,  the  wife  of  Sir  Thomas  Percy,  in  whose 
family  and  name  it  still  remains,  in  the  person  of  its  present  noble  owner,  the  Duke 
of  Northumberland.     It  had  attached  to  it  a  park,  the  boundaries  of  which  may  still 
be  traced  in  many  places  frona  the  remains  of  a  stone  wall  now  lying  in  ruinous  heaps. 
The  lords  of  the  coundl  wrote,  concerning  Tarset,  to  the  Earl  of  Northumberland 
and  Sir  Ralph  Sadler  ki  the  following  manner,  as  may  be  seen  in  the  State  Papers  of 
the  latter :— **  And  here  we  have  thought  mete  to  put  you  in  remembrance  of  Tarsett 
Hall,  belonging  to  the  Lord  Borrows,  and  Hawgston,  belonmng  to  Sir  John  We^- 
theryngton,  beyng  thought  mete  places  for  the  keeper  of  TindSe  to  live  in,"f 

THORNEYBURN  PARISH, 

This  parish  is  not  of  great  breadth ;  but  it  extends  to  the  Tyne  up  EmUehope 
Burn  to  the  borders  of  Reedsdale,  a  distance  of  7  miles.  It  contains  70  houses  and 
858  inhabitants.  The  poor-rates,  in  1821,  w^re  £350,  10^.  There  are  no  permanent 
schools  in  this  parish,  but  the  children  are  sent  to  the  neighbouring  parisnes,  when 
the  weather  permifB  them  to  pass  the  riv^^,  &c. 

» 
Thobneybuiik,  where  the  new  church  and  rectory-house  are  erected,  is  a  small 

hamlet,  about  half  a  mile  north  of  the  Tyne,  and  about  6  miles  west-north-west  of 

Bellingham.     It  contains  one  good  house,  occupied  by  Mr,  C,  Reed.     The  township  . 

of  West  Tarset,  which  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  the  rivulet  of  that  name,  presents 

nothing  remarkable, 

•  A  farm  at  Newburgh,  in  South  Tyne,  belonging  to  the  Duke  ©f  Northumberland^  is  gtill  known  in  o]d 
writings  by  the  name  of  TdlhoCs  Land,     It  was  probably  the  share  of  Elisabeth,  the  wife  of  Richard  Talbot, 

'■^Northumh,  and  New.  Mag.  vol,  t.  p,  199« 

'f  The  Editor  begs  to 'acknowledge  the  valmble  assistanoe  received,  in  drawing  up  the  account  of  this  ga^ 
fish^  from  Mr.  James  Charlton,  master  of  the  Anchorage  School,  Gateshead, 

VOL,  II.— f82)  8  S  -  • 


254  TINDALE  WARD— N. W.  D. 


GREYSTEAD  PARISH. 

This  is  also  a  thinly-peopled  and  uninteresting  parish,  and  consists  chiefly  of  the 

f'ound  between  Smales  Bum  and  Chirdon  Bum ;  but  it  extends  in  length  from  the 
yne  to  the  borders  of  Cumberland,  in  a  south-westT  direction ;  a  distance  of  about  8 
miles.  In  1821,  it  contained  70  houses  and  858  inhabitants;  and  the  poor-rates 
amounted  to  £113,  10^.     A  school  was  established  in  this  parish  in  1818. 

Chirdon  is  a  small  hamlet  on  the  east  side  of  the  bum  so  named,  and  about  2| 
miles  south  of  the  Tyne.  Greystead,  from  which  the  parish  is  designated,  stands 
about  one  mile  north  of  Chirdon,  and;  exclusive  of  the  parsonage-house^  contains  only 
two  or  three  other  dwelling-houses.  The  Bower,  wnich  is  the  property,  and  was 
long  the  residence  of  a  branch  of  the  Charlton  family,*  stands  opposite  to  Chird<»i. 
Smalesburn  township  forms  the  west  division  of  the  parish. 

FALSTONE  PARISH. 

This  extensive  parish  extends  from  the  line  by  which  it  is  separated  on  the  east 
from  Thomeybum  and  Greystead,  westward  to  Scotland^  a  distance  of  near  11  miles ; 
and  from  Reedsdale,  south-west  to  Cumberland,  above  12  miles.  This  vast  country 
consists  mostly  of  barren  wilds,  or  steep  and  high  mountains,  on  which  sheep  are 
depastured.  The  rental  of  the  whole,  in  1809,  was  £4483.  Its  topography  snews 
that  in  ancient  times  it  has  been  well  dothed  with  wood.  In  1831,  the  number  of 
houses  was  85,  and  of  inhabitants  501 :  thfs  poor-rates  amounted  to  £330, 18^.  There 
are  five  schools  ill  this  parish,  in  which  145  children  are  educated ;  but  these  schools 
are  but  temporary.  The  one  at  Kealder  is  supported  by  the  Duke  of  Northumber- 
land.  The  school-room  at  Falstone  was  built  m  181 4,  at  the  expence  of  the  inha« 
bitants. 

Falstone  stands  on  the  north  side  of  the  Tyne,  9  miles  above  Bellingham^  The 
old  chapel  is  being  rebuilt  by  the  governors  of  Greenwich  Hospital.  A  handsome 
rectory-house  was  built  when  Falstone  was  made  a  distinct  parish.  The  chapel  had 
queen  Anne's  bounty,  by  a  donation  of  £  200  from  the  Rev.  Mr.  Stainsforth,  rector 
of  Simonbum,  and  one  of  the  proctors  for  the  clergy  of  Northumberland,  in  the 

*  The  Charltons  of  this  place  were  noted  freebooters,  and  many  wonderful  tales  are  related  of  their  address 
and  prowess.  The  chief  of  the  family  was  always  called  Bowery,  or  rather  Boorey,  from  his  place  of  resi* 
dence.  William  Charlton,  of  Reedsmeuth,  a  son  of  Mr.  Charlton,  of  the  Bower,  had  all  the  fierceness  and 
implacability  of  a  Borderer.  On  the  21st  of  February,  1709,  he  slew  Mr.  H.  Witherington,  or  Widdeiing- 
ton,  of  Belh'ngham,  in  a  wood  called  Reedswood  Scroggs.  William  Laidley,  of  Emplehope,  who  was  riding 
past  at  the  time,  hastened  to  the  Doddheaps,  where  there  was  a  horse-race,  and  alarmed  die  people.  The  offender 
was,  however,  pardoned  by  queen  Anne ;  but  as  it  is  said  the  body  of  the  deceased  was  interred  before 
Charlton's  pew-door,  he  would  never  again  enter  the  church.  In  1715,  he  joined  the  Earl  of  Derwentwater, 
and  behaved  with  great  sjnrit  and  bravery  at  Preston.  Patten  says  that  his  brodier,  Edward  Charlton,  was 
adoctor  ofphysiCi 


FALSTOKE  PARISH.  iOfi 

• 

hoUd^  of  convocation  in  1717,  and  father-in-law  to  Dr.  Terrick,  the  then  bishop  of 
London.    The  Presbyterians  have  also  a  meeting-house  at  this  place. 

This  hamlet,  in  Speed's  map,  is  spelt  Faustan,  which,  Mr.  Hedley  supposes,  "  is  a 
slight  corruption  of  the  Anrfo-Saxon  Faesten^  signifying  a  strong-hold^  any  place 


was  secured  on  the  inside  by  a  huge  oaken  bolt,  a  trap-door  communicating  with  the 
upper  story  where  the  family  lodged.  The  house  of  Mr.  Robson,  the  present  hospi- 
table laird  of  Fausten,  is,  in  fact,  a  very  complete  specimen  of  one  of  these  ancient 
houses,  which  so  strongly  remind  us  of  the  barbarous  and  insecure  life  of  jout  moss^ 
trooping  ancestors.  It  is  what  is  now  called  a  peel  house  somewhat  modernized,  and 
is  probably  the  yery ^aesten  from  which  the  place  acquired  its  name.  There  is  a  word 
neaiiy  allied  to  faesten  still  in  common  use,  inz.Jasiness^  from  the  A.  S.Jaestenesse.*'^ 
In  a  farm  adled  Hawkhope  Hill,  belonging  to  John  RicQw,  Esq.  of  Park-End, 
and  which  is  a  short  distance  west  of  Falstone,  the  late  Rev*  .fames  Wood,  minister 
of  the  Scotch  Chapel  there,  discovered,  in  1810,  a  curious  Saxon  remain.  It  is  sup- 
posed to  have  been  part  of  the  capital  of  some  Saxon  column.  It  is  a  kind  of  grw 
ireestone,  rather  smooth  on  one  side,  and  having  an  inscription  on  the  other,  which 
is  much  obliterated,  and  has  riot  yet  been  deciphered.  Near  the  spot  where  the  dis- 
covery was  made,  "  Ruins"  are  marked  in  Armstrong's  m^  of  Northumberland.! 

*  Northumb.  and  Newcastle  Mag.  for  ISIS,  pv  I97. 

f  There  are  numerous  traces  of  the  castrametatioDs,  or  strong^holds,  of  the  ancient  firitons,  in  the  district 
between  Tyne  Head  and  Bellingfaam.  ''  They  go  by  the  name  of  camps ;  and  were,  probably,  sometimes 
used  as  sach^  during  the  Border  wars.  The  first  of  these  camps  that  we  noticed  is  on  a  place  which  is  co» 
vered  with  wood,  and  called  Belts  Hunkin :  it  is  on  the  south  side  of  the  Tyne,  about  a  mile  above  Kealder 
Castk,  forms  an  area  of  about  60  yards  in  diameter,  and  is  defended  by  a  vast  vallum  of  rough,  unhewn 
stones.  There  are  several  square  and  circular  lines  within  it,  which,  apparently,  are  the  foundations  of 
buildings.  The  next  of  these  camps  is  about  a  mile  fiirther  down  the  river,  in  HUch-hUl  Wood:  it  is  very 
similar  to.  duit  on  Bell's  Hunkin,  excepting  that  much  of  the  stone  of  its  vallum  has  been  tak^n  away.  The 
third,  on  Lorvey  Knough's,  about  a  mile  from  the  last^  is  about  40  yards  in  diameter,  and  has  a  vallum  of 
earth,  whidi  at  present  is  rather  faint.  The  fourth  is  on  Harpne^-rigg,. on  Lewis  Bum,  very  perfect,  SO 
yards  in  diameter,  and  covered  with  wood.  Still  lower  down,  on  Wellhaugh  Moor,  is  a  fifth,  idso  very  per* 
feet,  a!nd  about  SO  yards  over.  All  these  remains  are  about  300  yards  from  the  river,  on  the  north  side  of 
which  each  of  them  has  a  corresponding  camp.  There  is  one  on  Ryan's  Hill,  opposite  to  that  on  Bell's 
Hunkin,  60  yards  across :  its  mound  is  of  earth,  and  very  fiunt.  Another  is  opposite  to  Hitch-hill,  on  Camp 
Rigg,  and  is  50  yards  over :  its  vallum  is  of  stones,  but  the  greater  part  of  it  removed.  Many  small  hand- 
mill  stones  were  found  in  it,  and  spear  heads,  and  other  pieces  of  iron,  much  corroded.  The  next  in  succes- 
sion, on  the  north  side,  is  over  against  Lowey  Knough's  camp,  on  Hob's  Knough,  50  yards  in  diameter,  its 
vallum  being  of  earth,  and  still  very  discernible.  That  termed  Baredales  is  50  yards  in  diameter,  its  vallum 
is  of  earth,  and  still  very  apparent ;  but  it  is  a  little  below  its  corresponding  camp  on  Harpney-rigg.  And 
the  lowest  one  of  this  series,  that  we  noticed,  is  on  Hawk's  Knough,  in  Kennel  Park,  opposite  that  on  WelU 
haugh,  50  yards  in  diameter,  its  vallum  of  earth,  but  much  defaced.  There  is  also  a  circular  camp,  forme4 
of  earth  and  stones,  on  the  southern  margin  of  the  North  Tyne,  in  a  birch  w^xxi  not  far  from  Eals;  and  one 
on  Knoppmg^Holm'kiU,  opposite  to  Tarset  Castle^  the  lines  of  which  are  faint."— /n/roi^.  to  BeauL  of  Sfi^L  4^. 
Append,  p.  626. 


276  TINDALE  WARD.— N.  W.  D 

Kealder  Castle  is  beautifully  seated  on  the  brink  of  a  steep,  smooth,  green  bank; 
formerly  called  Humphrey*s  Knough,  in  the  angle  formed  by  the  confluence  of  the 
Tyne'and  Kealder,  and^wnich  is  7  miles  above  Falstone.  It  is  a  shooting  box  of  the 
Duke  of  Northumberland's.  The  form  is  quadrangular,  with  a  casteuated  front, 
which  commands  a  view  down  the  North  Tyne,  and  towards  the  mountain  called 
Bewshaugh.  Pearl  Fell,  fantastically^  crowned  with  four  rude  piUars  of  stone  (set  up 
by  shepherds,  and  called  Pikes )^  towers  up  behind  it ;  and  fine  old  woods  of  bircn, 
alder,  hawthorn,  &c.  give  it  a  majestic  appearance.  Large  plantations  of  lardi,  oak, 
fir,  and  a  great  variety  of  other  kinds  of  forest  trees,  have  lately  been  made  in  its 
neighbourhood.  A  bridge  has  also  been  built  here,  over  the  Kealder,  within  these 
few  years.  Some  yards  to  the  north  of  the  castle,  four  rings,  and  two  round  pieces  of 
bronze,  clumsily  soldered  together  with  a  whitish  metal,  were  discovered,  by  tne  earth 
being  washed  from  about  them  by  the  water  of  an  open  drain* 

KeeldeTy  or  Keilder,  or  Kealder^  for  it  is  written  in  different  ways,  is,  no  doubts  a 
pure  Celtic  compound,  from  ce/,  woody,  and  dur,  water,  literally  meaning  the  woody 
stream.  This  district,  according  to  tradition,  was  the  residence  of  a  celebrated  Border 
chieftain,  called  the  Cout  of  Kealder.  He  was  the  most  redoubtable  adversary  of 
Lord  Soulis,  but  perished  in  a  sudden  encounter  on  the  banks  of  the  Hermitage.  Be- 
ing arrayed  in  armour  of  proof,  he  sustained  no  hurt  in  the  combat ;  but  stumbling  in 
retreating  across  the  river,  the  hostile  party  held  him  down  below  water  with  their 
long  lances  till  he  died,  and  the  eddy  in  which  he  perished  is  still  called  the  Cout  of 
Kealder's  Pool.  His  grave,  of  gigantic  size,  is  pointed  out  on  the  banks  of  the  Her- 
mitage, at  the  western  comer  of  a  wall  surrounding  the  burial-ground  of  a  ruined 
chapel.  As  an  enemy  of  Lord  Soulis,  his  memory  is  revered ;  and  the  popular  epi- 
thet of  Couty  L  e.  Ck)lt,  is  expressive  of  his  strength,  stature,  and  activity.  The 
Kealder  Stone,  by  which  the  Northumbrian  chief  passed  in  his  incursion,  is  still 
pointed  out,  on  the  confines  of  Jed  Forest  and  Northumberland.  It  is  a  rough,  in- 
sulated mass,  of  considerable  dimensions,  and  it  is  held  unlucky  to  ride  thrice  wither-* 
shins  (a  direction  contrary  to  the  course  of  the  sun)  round  it.* 

The  banks  of  the  Kealder  in  ancient  times  have  been  clothed  with  wood ;  and  the 
adjoining  country,  though  now  bleak  and  barren,  has  been  enriched  and  beautified 
with  thick  groves.  Some  vestiges  yet  remain  of  the  decayed  woods.  Above  SO 
years  ago,  the  river  near  Tyne  Iiead  washed  up  the  remains  of  an  old  oak  tree,  whidi 
contained  167  solid  feet,  in  Kealder  Castle  there  is  a  large  table,  made  out  of  a  pine 
tree,  which  the  river  Kealder,  in  a  flood,  exposed  on  its  banks  at  Blackcleugh. 
About  20  years  ago,  the  shepherds  set  fire  to  the  heath  on  a  hill  near  a  place  called 
Yarrow,  which,  the  weather  being  dry,  communicated  to  an  extensive  peat  moss^ 
and  exposed  the  remains  of  an  anaent  forest  of  pine.  The  people  of  the  neighbour-v 
hood  go  to  this  place,  called  the  Fir-tree^moss,  for  wood  for  ladders,  &c.  and  make 
torches  of  it,  which  they  use  in  taking  salmon  with  fish-spears  in  the  night. 

Mear-^ikes,  from  the  Anglo-Saxon  viear,  signifying  termination^  or  hownding,  and 
dic^  a  dike,  is  the  boundary-dike  between  England  and  Scotland  near  the  source  of 
the  Tyne,  and  is  in  many  places  yet  visible.  The  North  Tyne  has  its  source  at  the 
foot  of  the  Feel  Fell,  and  runs  in  a  most  sluggish  manner  along  a  level  plain,  froiA 

*  See  the  Cant  qf  Kealder,  by  Mr.  Leyden,  in  Sootfs  Border  Minstrelsy^ 


FALSTONE  PARISH:  257 

which  circumstance  it  is  called  the  Dead  Waier*  until  it  jdihs  Bdl's  Bum.  From 
the  latter  place  a  long  tract  of  land  stretches  southward,  which  was  formerly  Debate^ 
able  Lamdy  (ur  Threap  Ground ;  but  which,  in  1552,  was  divided  by  agreement  be- 
tween  the  proper  officers  of  both  nations.  -  ^ 

On  the  south  side  of  the  Dead  Water  form^ly  stood  Bums  Kirk;  but  every 
vestiffe  has  long  since  been  obliterated,  except  s(Hne  graves,  which  may  yet  be  per- 
ceiv^,  with  a  plain  small  stone  at  the  head,  and  one  at  the  foot,  as  is  the  custom  in 
Scotland.f 

Kennel  Park  lies  about  8  miles  above  Falstone,  and  is  a  tract  of  ground  of  a  round* 
ish  form,  about  S  miles  in  diameter,  and  divided  in  two  parts  by  the  North  Tyne. 
The  part  of  it  situated  on  the  south  side  of  the  river  is  the  property  of  Sir  John  Swin* 
bum ;  that  on  the  north  belongs  mostly  to  the  Duke  of  Northumoerland.  The  lines 
of  its  ancient  fences  are  very  entire,  in  many  parts  of  it,  mounds  of  earth  have  been 
thrown  across  the  dells,  for  the  purpose,  as  tradition  reports,  of  damming  back  the 
streamlets,  and  forming  ponds  in  which  the  deer  might  save  themselves  when  pursued 
by  dogs.  At  one  part,  called  Sunny^rig^  is  a  circular  ditch,  inclosing  an  area  of  about 
five  yards  in  diameter,  with  seats  on  the  outside,  cv^  out  of  the  earth.  It  is  called 
ArUiuf^s  Round  Table.  Deer  formerly  abounded  in  jNorth  Tindale,  and  numerous 
are  yet  discovered  after  floods,  especially  on  the  banks  of  the  Kealder.  Hunting  deer 
was  considered  as  a  noble  and  wairlike  sport;  and,  in  1512,  the  Earl  of  Northumber« 
land  had  four  parks  and  one  forest  in  this  county,  in  which  were  1912  fdlow  and  red 
deer. 

Maunces-Knaw^  where  Sir  John  Swinbum  has  a  shooting-box,  stands  on  the  south 
side  of  the  North  Tyne,  a  little  below  Kennel  Park,  Tw  vicinity  has  been  much 
improved  by  the  fprmation  of  plantations, 

*  Th^  De^  Water  has  its  source  in  a  morass,  on  the  Scotch  side  of  the  Border,  and  in  which  is  a  snk 
phureoos  well,  which  i)s  much  frequented  by  persons  who  are  affiicted  with  cutaneous  and  scrophulous  com* 
plaints,  and  who  repeive  great  benefit  by  drinking  the  water,  and  by  using  it  as  a  warm  bath.  ''  It  only 
wants,"  observes  Chalmers,  ^'  proper  accommodation  to  make  Dead  Water  a  place  of  more  resort" 

Roxburghshire,  which  borders  upon  Falstone  parish,  was,  aocordnig  to  Bede,  in  the  age  of  St  Cuthbert, 
and  long  afterwards,. a  part  of  Northumberland.  Its  alpine  heights  are  also  covered  with  the  military  works 
of  the  Ottadini  and  Oadeni.  The  Roman  road,  called  the  Maidenway,  stretched  ftom  Caerroran,  on  th^ 
Wall,  to  the  Dead  Water,  where  it  ^tered  Liddisdale*  and  travenwd  its  north-east  comer,  under  the  name  of 
the  JVhed  Causewag.    Thia  shire  is  particularly  famed  as  the  scene  of  innumerably  Border  conflicts. 

• 

t  Schaw-h&pe,  in  tliis  difttriet,  is  liamed  from  the  old  English  word  shaw,  for  wood,  and  the  Norman  word 
hope,  for  a  kind  of  valley  or  boHow  in  the  bosom  of  a  height  lih^m-hill,  which  forms  a  kind  of  promontory 
between  the  Kealder  and  North  Tyne,  is  a  purely.  jSritish  name^,  signifying  a  promontory  pr  hill.  A  stiepi* 
herd's  houses  called  fFaite-Aope,  before  noticed,  is  derived  from  fvane,  a  dwelling.  Whickhope,  a  place  be- 
longing to  the  Duke  of  Northumberlaiid,  is  probably  from  the  Anglo^Sa^ion  tvick^  "  a  plape  of  reAige  or 
retreat,"  and  kope^  a  mountain  valley.  CraQe-c/e»gA,  anpther  farm  belonging^  to  the  same  noble  proprietor, 
signifies  the  breach  or  valley  frequented  by  oranes  ;  for  these  birds,  now  judged  to  have  fbrsaken  the  i8lan4» 
were,  even  so  late  as  l641,  very  common,  rsud  visited  our  marshes. in  large  flocks.  Emet-haugh,  a  hamlet  at 
the  ostium  of  Crane-cleugh  Btim,  belonging  to  Sir  John  Swinbum,  is,  in  Speed's, map,  spelt  Emouih^haugh, 
evidently  ffom.  the  Ai^gfo-Saxoti  ea,  water,  iind  vfiuth,  mouth ;  thftt  ilB,  tht  mgiuth  of  the  waler.  *  These  etymo^ 
logics  are  gleaned  from  the  remarks  df  th^^Rev;  A.  -Redley  on  this  subject 

vol.,  II.  9  T 


S58  TIN0ALE  WARD^m.  W.  D. 

The  galloAl  men  of^Tkidale  and  Redetdide  vv^re  afttii  oppos^  in  deadly  conflict 
to  the  intrepid  inhabitanto  of  liddisdala  and  Tevi6tdale.  When  the  sword  was 
^eathed,  they  cheerfully  met  to  indulge  In  the  coarse  hilarity  of  the  age.  Their  fa- 
vourite sports  4re  still  occasionally  pursued.  A  memorable  match  at  the  foat*«ball 
took  place  near  Kealder  Castle,  about  the  year  1790.  A  vast  concourse  of  people 
assembled  from  Liddisdale,  on  the  Scotch  side  of  the  Border,  and  from  the  pastoral 
vale  of  North  Tyne.  Twenty  weire  chosen  by  the  people  of  each  of  tiiese  districts  to 
play  three  games.  The  contest  was  carried  on  with  inconceivable  eagerness  until  the 
end  of  the  fourth  game,  each  party  having  won  twice ;  but  the  North  T3me  lads  got 
the  fifth,  and  were  declared  victors.  Sokne  of  the  players  were  so  completdy  ex- 
hausted as  to  be  unable  to  walk  home ;  and  a  few,  who  died  soon  afterwards,  dated 
the  commencement  of  their  illness  from  that  day.  At  the  time  of  this  foot-ball 
match,  mjEiny  of  the  rival  candidates  also  tried  their  dexterity  in  running,  leaping,  and 
wrestling ;  but  the  Scotdi  exoeUed  in  the  two  forwer  eKcreises. 

WARDEN  PARISH. 

This  fine  and  extensive  parish,  including  the  chapelries  of  Haydon  and  Newbrougfa, 
is  bounded  by  the  parish  of  Simonburn  on  the  north,  by  St.  John  Lee  and  Hexham 
on  tlie  eas.t,  by  Allendale  on  the  south,  and  l^y  the  pariah  of  Haltwhistle  on  the  west 
It  extends  9  miles  from  east  to  west,  and  in  many  parts  6  miles  from  north  to  south. 
Tl^  land  in  gen^^  is  fertile  and  weU  cultivated^  and  the  soenery  extremely  diversi- 
fied and  beautiful.  Coal  and  lime  abound ;  at  SettUngstone  fine  whetstones  are 
found,  and  elegant  marmorites  at  Fourstones.  The  pari»i,  which  is  intersected  by 
the  South  Tyne,  is  divided  into  18  townships,  and  in  1821  contained  401  inhabited 
houses,  and  2072  inhabitants. 

The  poor  in  this  parish  have  sufiicient  means  of  education.  At  Haydon  Bridge 
thene  is  an  excellent,  well-endowed  free-school.    It  is  seated  on  a  little  eminence  near 

the  south  side  of  the  bridge. 

"HJEc  scHOLA  FUNBATA  ET  Ovcr  the  entrance  is  tbean- 

MUNiFicE  DOTATA  FuiT  ANNO  nexedinscsripbipn.    The  Rev. 

DOMINI  MDcxcvii.  A  Jobn  Shaftoc,  vi<»r  of  Ne- 

REVEUENDO  ET  DOCT1B8IMO  vi»p  DOMINO  thcr^Warden,  left  his  estate 

joHAT^yjs  sjrAPTOE,  A.  M.  ECCLE9iiB  of  Mouseii,  near  Belfovd,  hy 

NETHERWARDEN  IN  HOC  A6RO  viCARio :  a  dccd  of  gift,  bearing  date 

IN  TAM  BENiGNi  CAPITIS  ELOGiuM  the  l6th  and  17th  of  June, 

DEESSE  NEQUiT :  HOC  TJNUM  OPUS  PRO  1685,    for   the   use   of  this 

cONCTis  ALUS  sris  BENEFiciis  FAMA  toQUETUR.*'    school,  and  other  charitable 

\  purposes  therein  specified. — 

This  deed  was  afterwards  confirmed,  in  chancery,  on  accoimt  of  a  subsequent  will, 

T)earing  date  the  13th  of  May,  1693,  the  deed  being  uncancelled.     The  estate  then 

let  for  £80;  Wt,  40  years  ago,  it  had  risen  in  value  to  upwards  of  £400  per  annum. 

Agreeably  to  the  directions  of  this  gentleman's  will,  the  trustees  purchased  a  parcel 

of  land,  on  which  they  erected  a  house  for  a  free  grammar-school,  and  an  EngUsh 

school,  with  a  dwelling-house  for  the  master;  all  of  which  cost  £200,  S«.  8^    The 


WAR©BK  FAJtJSH.  ^»Sd 

sdiaol  was  fitted  up  as  a  chapel  for  the  perfortoiance  of  divine  seryioe.    The  m^ter  is 
to  be  of  the  degree  of  lV|aster  of  Arts.    Any  number  of  boys,  giiis,  and  young  pjen, 
both  within  the  chapelry  of  Haydon  Bridge  and  Woodsheels,  in  Warden  parish,  may 
claim  to  be  taught.    The  usher  not  to  takfi  above  sixpence,  and  the  master  one  penny 
a  quarter,  on  pain  of  forfeiting  their  places.     In  this  school  about  $l60  scholars,  male 
and  female,  are  educated.    They  are  admitted  at  four  or  five  years  of  age,  and  m^y 
be  taught  the  classics,  if  desired.     The  head  master's  salary  is  £150  per  annum ;  the 
second  master's*  £  74 ;  the  third's,  £  70 ;  and  that  of  the  mistress,  £  90 ;  and  all  of 
whom  have  houses  and  gardens.    There  is  alsp  a  Sundav-«chool  biere,  attended  by 
about  60  of  the  day-6ch^ars.     There  i^  a  day-school  botn  at  Dean  Ro^  and  Four- 
stones,  and  one  at  Newburgh*  chapel,  attended  by  65  children.    This  school  wai^  built 
by  subscription,  and  16  are  instruct  gratis  by  the  Rev.  H.  WastaL     BetH'Oeii  Ne- 
ther-Warden and  the  paperTimll,  there  was  built  by  subscription,  in  1820,  a  school- 
room, and  apartments  above  for  the  master,  and  which  is  attended  by  45  children, 
many  of  whom  are  taught  gratis  by  the  neighbouring  gentry. 

In  addition  to  the  charities  so  judiciously  bequeathed  to  the  parish  by  tl)^  worthy 
and  Rev.  John  Sbaftoe,  Francis  Mason,  by  wiU,  in  1740,  left  £^00  to  the  poor,  the 
interest  of  which  was  regularly  paid  till  the  5th  of  April,  1772,  when  his  represjenta- 
tives,  William  Errington  and  Maiy  Laidman,  refusea  to  pay  it.  Alargaret  Kell  also 
left  the  whole  of  her  personal  estate  to  the  pajrish  of  Warden  and  chapelry  of  New- 
burgh.  The  principal  appears  to  have  bpen  about  £lOO ;  but  the  distribution  of  the 
interest  ceased  in  1786,  the  trustees,  Johp  Clav.ering,  Thomps  Tpdd,  Richard  Lam- 
bert, Thomas  Crosby,  and  —  Atlfiinson,  refusing  to  pay  any  interest,  or  to  give  any 
account.  Ursula  Mountnev,  in  1680,  by  will,  left  a  free  rent-cbarge  of  £3  to  the 
poor;  and  some  person  unknown  left  4^20  to  the  poor,  for  paying  the  interest  of 
which  the  father  of  William  Frrington  gave  securitv.  The  interest  is  now  paid  by 
the  Rev.  John  Thompson,  the  yij;:^^,  who^  of  course,  holds  the  principal. 

Njether-Wardek  is  a  sm^  village,  ^^stant  2  miles  north-north-west  from  Hex- 
ham. It  is  famed  as  being  one  of  the  sweetest  retirements  iii  the  county.  It  lies  at 
the  conflux  of  the  two  rivers,  defended  from  the  north-west  by  lofty  eminenices,  an<J 
facing  the  vale  towards  the  south.  This  delightful  sppt  is  also  remarkable  as  being 
the  favourite  retreat  of  St.  John  of  Beverley,  upwards  of  eleven  centuries  ago.  The 
church,  which  is  built  in  the  form  of  a  cross,  is  dedicated  to  St.  Michael ;  and  the 
living  is  a  vicarage,  v^ued  in  the  klog's  l^ocks  at  £8,  iSs.Sd.  Near  the  south  corner 
of  the  cburcb-porch,  a  large  stone  coffin  was  discovered  about  four  years  ago,  in  dig- 
ging a  grave ;  but  the  sexton  and  his  assistants  were  unable  to  raise  it.  A  very  srtml 
stone  coffin  had  been  previously  found,  and  is  now  in  the  belfry.  Nicholas  Lea^bil- 
ter,  Esq.  and  the  heiR  of  William  Kirsop,  Esq.  are  the  chief  prpprieftors  of  this  plkce. 

About  a  mile  west  from  Nether- Waraen,  and  on  the  banks  of  the  South  Tyne,  is 
an  extensive  paper-mill,  belonging  to  Mr.  Peter  Crawford,  and  which  is  conducted 
with.mu<^  spint  and  success.  The  situation  is  well  shell ejed  and  peculiarly  beauti- 
ful. Between  Nether- Warden  and  Warden  corn-rmill,  the  banks  of  the  North  Tyne 
present  a  variety  of  picturesque  views ;  and  at  the  most  cliommanding  points  are  rural 
seats,  erected  by  the  late  William  Kirsop,  Esq.  who  took  great  delight  in  forming 
walks,  and  in  adding  to  the  beauty  of  the  scenery,    ^hete  is  a  petrifying  well  under 


266  TINDALE  WARD.— N.W.  D. 

the  weston  bank  of  the  North  IVne,  about  half  way  between  Wardm  oom-mill  and 
the  confluence  of  the  North  and  South  Tyne. 

High  Wasden,  a  farmstead  with  two  or  three  cottages,  the  property  of  William 
Errington,  Eiq.  stands  on  an  eminence  about  one  mile  north  from  Nether- Warden. 
On  an  adjoining  high  hill,  csdled  the  Castle  Hill,  are  the  remains  of  a  British  strength, 
the  annexed  sketch  of  which  was  drawn  hy  Mr. 
Robert  Donkin,  teacher  at  Warden.    This  an- 
cient fortification  includes  an  area  of  above  two 
acres,  and  has  been  defended  by  a  rampart  of  un- 
hewn stone,  as  were  all  those  BritiGh  forts  that 
preceded  the  Roman  times :  the  oth»  rampiers 
of  earth,  and  their  corresponding  ditches,  ^^ich 
circumscribe  the  original  works,  were  probably 
added  by  the  Romans,  or  the  Romanized  Bn. 
tons,  who  wouM  not  neglect  to  occupy  such  a 
commanding  station.    Tne  entrance  has  been 
on  the  east,  and  the  approach  to  it  flanked  by 
stone  ramparts.     Near  SOO  yards  to  the  norlli 
of  the  strength,  Mr.  Belt,  uie  present  tenant^ 
discovered,  about  20  years  ago,  a  subterraneous  passage,  which  remained  open  some 
years ;  but  as  it  soon  became  the  favourite  retreat  and  habitation  of  a  colony  of  foxes,. 
It  became  necessary  to  fill  up  the  excavation  with  earth  end  stones.     It  was  never 
properly  explored ;  and  it  is  uncertain  whether  it  was  used  as  a  magazine,  a  place  of 
sacrifice,  or  of  sepulture  for  those  who  fell  in  the  defence  or  attack  of  the  fort.    The 
remains  of  hullding»  may  yet  be  distinctly  traced  within  the  lines ;  where  aiso  several 
hand-mills,  or  quemt,  have  been  discovered.    This  hill-fort  commands  an  extensive 
prospect  up  both  the  Tynes :  Haydon  Bridge,  LangW  Castle,  the  country  beyond 
Corbridge,   Dilston,  ChoUerford  Bridge,  Cnipchase  Castle,  Hau^ton  Castle,  the 
Chesters,  &c.  are  aJI  within  view.    Behind  the  vicarage-house  at  Warden  are  the 
traces  of  another  military  station,  called  also  the  Castle  HUl,  and  which  has  been  an 
out-work  of  the  former;  or  this  post  may  have  been  erected  by  the  Romans,  to- 
bridle  the  British  strength,  which  tney  could  not  assault 

Walwick  Grange  is  distant  about  2  miles  north  from  Nether-Warden,  and  be- 
longs to  the  Duke  of  Northumberland.  It  was  long  the  seat  of  the  Errington  family. 
Anthony  Errington,  Esq.  occurs  6  Edward  VI.  165S ;  and  Edward  Errington,  gent, 
in  1628.  The  seat,  now  occupied  by  Mr.  Colbeck,  is  built  on  to  an  old  tower,  and 
stands  upon  a  rock  in  a  romantic  and  retired  situation,  on  the  brink  of  North  Tyne. 
Several  antique  remains  have  been  discovered  here.  The  most  remarkable  is  a  monu- 
mental stone,  having  the  figure  of  a  woman  to  the  waist,  surrounded  with  a  wreath,  the 
inscription  totally  obliterated  from  its  being  laid  as  a  bridge-stone  over  a  water-drain, 
for  tlie  passage  of  cattle.  Mr.  Horsley  concludes,  from  the  word  Germanus  on  the  stone, 
that  it  was  erected  by  the  brother  of  the  deceased  lady.  Another  stone  has  the  figure 
of  a  female  deity,  which  Mr.  W^is  supposes  to  be  Cybele ;  adjoining  to  which  is  a  lion, 
raising  the  head  of  a  man  who  lies  prostrate.    This  Hutchinson  thhiks  is  also  monu- 


WARDEN  PABISH.  261 

« 

mental,  and  was  dedicated  to  the  manes  of  some  deceased  personage  of  note.  The 
lion  is  boldly  relieved ;  his  left  foot  is  placed  upon  the  head  of  a  human  figure,  naked 
to  the  waist,  the  hands  cast  forward  in  the  positi(Mi  of  one  fallen.  Separated  from 
these  by  a  moulding,  on  the  left  hand  of  the  stone,  is  a. human  figure  robed  to  the 
feet,  a  spear  resting  on  the  left  arm,  a  small  altar  at  the  right  knee,  and  in  the  right 
hand  what  seems  to  be  a  blazing  torch.  The  construction  put  upon  the  whole  by  the 
above  writer  (though  contrary  to  the  conjectures  of  others)  is,  that  it  was  erected  to 
the  memory  of  one  who  was  slain  in  battle,  and  that  the  figure  to  the  left  was  in  the 
.  act  of  incensing  and  performing  the  rites  and  honours  of  the  dead.  The  Rcnnans  on 
their  monuments  expressed  particular  nations  or  people  by  some  animal ;  so  the  lion 
may  denote  some  noole  enemv.  Scotch  expeditions  are  by  some  authors  said  to  b@ 
distinguished  by  the  figure  of  a  boar. 

Antiquarians  have  also  noticed  the  effigy  of  a  man  on  horseback,  cut  in  reliefs 
wielding  a  sword  or  javelin.  Underneath  a  defaced  monumental  inscription,  begin-r 
ning  in  the  usual  manner,  with  D.  M.  Mr.  Horsley  remarks  that  the  figure  shews 
that  the  deceased  belonged  to  the  horse,  and  therefore  probably  was  one  Ah  Secunda 
Astrum,  and  may  have  been  designed  for  Marous  Suillus  Victor.  The  sword  in  the 
right  hand  c^  the  image  seems  to  be  of  the  Dadan  form.  At  a  little  distance  from 
the  Grange,  and  adjoining  the  lane  leading  to  Warden,  called  Homef^s  Ldine^  is  the 
fragment  of  a  cross,  with  a  sheathed  sword  cut  on  it,  as  the  token  of  a  treaty  of  peace ; 
but  to  what  event  it  relates  is  not  known, 

Walwick  Cheaters  stands  above  a  mile  north  of  the  Grange.  This  estate  was  sold 
by  —  Errington,  son  of  John  Errington,  to  the  Askew  family ;  and,  after  a  very 
short  occupation,  it  was  resold  by  them  to  the  present  proprietor,  Nathaniel  Claytpn, 
Esq.  late  town-derk  of  Newcastle.  The  house  is  a  handsome  structure,  and  the  ad- 
joining grounds  beautiful  and  neatly  laid  out  This  place  was  the  Cilumum  of  the 
Komans  («ee  vol.  i.  p.  18S) ;  and  the  remains  of  a  bridge  are  still  apparent  in  the 
North  Tyne,  which  runs  along  the  foot  of  the  slope  on  which  the  station  stood. 
Amongst  other  antiquities,  a  consular  medallion  of  Hadrian's  was  found  here,  four 
inches  in  circumference,  with  the  head  in  bold  relief ;  the  legend,  Hadriano  Aug^ 
Cagari ;  with  a  lauriated  border  or  dvic  garland  on  the  reyerse,  and  this  leg^id,-n 

"  S.  P.  Q.  R.  OPTIMO  PRINCIPI,  8.  C." 

Walwick,  a  small  village,  built,  as  its  name  Imports,  on  the  Roman  Wall,  at  a 
short  distance  west  from  W  alwick  Chesters ;  between  which  places  the  Wall  and  its 
foss  are  very  observable.  This  place.  Inhabited  chiefly  by  agricultural  labourers,  is 
the  property  of  Henry  Tulip  and  Nathaniel  Clayton,  Esqrs,  . 

•C ARROW  stands  on  an  exposed  eminence,  west  of  the  station  Procolitia,  and  about ' 
8^  miles  west  of  the  Chesters.  Jt  is  an  extensive  sheep-farm,  and  was  formerly  the 
pr(^erty  of  the  Fenwicks ;  but,  on  the  attainder  of  Sir  J  ohn  Fenwick,  it  was  sold  to 
-the  Thomlinsons,  who  sold  it  to  the  Soulsbys ;  and  the  heirs  of  the  late  C.  Soulsby^^ 
Esq.  sold  this  property  to  the  Dodds,  who  also  purchased  Ridley's  Close,  bv  which 
means  the^  became  joint  proprietors  with  the  iJuke  of  Northumberland  of  Brawn. 
Moor,  which  lies  west  of  Carrow.  A  curious  sculpture  of  Neptune,  in  a  reclining 
attitude,  with  his  trident,  was  dug  up  in  the  adjoining  station,  and  built  up  in  th^ 

you  II.  8  U 


262 


TINDALE  WABIX.*;N.W  .D. 


gable  of  a  cottage  at  Cnrow.  *  It  was  taken  down  in  1790,  and  is  now  In  the  wdbs 
at  Wellington. 

Semng-^kields  lies  between  the  Wall  and  die  military  road,  near  the  28th  mile^ 
stone,  and  at  the  western  extremity  of  the  parish.  The  castle,  which  was  probaUy 
built  for  security  during  the  Border  wars,  is  now  in  ruins  (see  vol.  i.  p.  186).  Here 
is  the  Cave  of  the  Enchanted  Warriors^  where,  the  legend  relates,  king  Arthur  and 
his  court  are  enchanted ;  and  a  high  rude  stone,  called  King  JEthel's  Chair*  This 
place  is  the  property  of  W.  Errington,  Esq. 

FoTJRBTONES,  about  1^  mile  north-west  from  Warden,  contains  a  farmhold,  with 
cottages  for  labourers.  This  place,  with  an  adjcaning  colliery,  belongs  to  Greenwich 
Hospital.  This  township  is  named  from  being  bounded  by  four  stones,  supposed  to 
have  been  formed  to  hda  holy  water.* 

Newbrough  is  an  agreeable  village,  adjoining  the  Roman  military  road,  on  the 
north  side  of  South  Tyne,  and  2i|  imles  west  frodn  Wi^rden.  It  contains  one  public 
house,  and  several  cottages  for  labourers  and  mechanics.  The  chapel  is  dedicated  to 
St.  Peter.  Newbroa^  Lodge  is  a  very  neat  mansion,  and  stands  west  of  the  village. 
It  was  a  seat  of  a  family  of  the  Qrds ;  and,  on  the  death  of  William  Ord,  Esq.  in 
1805,  became  the  property  of  his  nephew,  Jasper  Gibson,  Esq.  of  Stonecroft.  It  has 
since  been  sold  to  the  present  occupier,  Nicholas  Maughan,  Esq.  Richard  Lambert, 
Esq.  has  just  erected  a  house  here,  whare  is  also  a  handsome  house  belonging  to  the 
Rev.  H.  WasteL 

Stonecroft,  which  lies  a  short  distance  west  by  north  from  Newbrough,  is  chiefly 
remarkable  as  having  been  the  residence  of  Mrs.  Ursula  Mountney,  widow,  who,  by 
her  last  will  and  testament,  dated  the  I6th  dny  of  July,  1680,  bequeathed  an  annuity 
of  £12  a  year,  out  of  her  lands  and  tenonents  here,  and  the  Nun-bush,  in  the  parish 
cS  Warden,  to  Ralph  Clavering,  of  Callaly,  Esq.  in  trust,  for  the  use  of  the  poor  of 
divers  parishes,  viz.  To  the  poor  of  the  parish  of  Warden  £8,  the  poor  of  the  parish 
of  Hexham  £3,  of  ChoHerton  40«.  St.  John  Lee's  20^.  and  the  poor  of  the  parish  of 
Corbridge  20^.  a  year,  which  is  distributed  annually  at  Christmas,  and  the  remaining 
40*.  a  year  to  the  distributor  for  his  trouble.  The  ancient  family  of  the  Gibsons  were 
long  settled  at  Stonecroft.  It  is  now  the  property  of  John  Todd,  Esq.  by  purchase 
of  me  assignees  of  Jasper  Gibson. 


*  A  writer  in  the  Newcastle  Magazine  (Feb.  1S24)  calls  these  stones  Roman  altars,  and  relates  a  story 
very  current  in  this  neighbourhood,  from  which  one  of  them  obtained  the  name  of  the  Fairy  Stone,  in  the 
rebellion  of  17 1 5.  *'  The  Ratdiffes,  Forsters,  Fenwicks,  and  others  of  the  Jacobite  families  in  the  neighbosr- 
hood,  had  recourse  to  the  following  curious  stratagem  for  the  security  of  didir  correspoadenoe.  The  focus  of 
this  Roman  altar  was  cut  into  a  square  recess  with  a  cover ;  a  little  boy,  clad  in  green^  eame  every  evening 
in  the  twilight,  to  receive  the  letters  deposited  in  this  recess  for  the  Earl  of  Derwentwater,  and  in  return  laid 
down  bis  lordship's  letters^  which  were  spirited  away  in  the  same  manner  by  the  .'^srents  of  his  friends.  The 
huinour  of  these  urchins,  or  the  policy  of  their  masters^  pvobablj'  led  to  those  tricks,  which  are.  still  rekted 
by  the  peasantry  as  choractcriatic  of  the  £ury  stone*" 


WARDEN  PARISH.  a6S 

Allbrwash,  a  farm  on  the  north  banks  of  the  South  Tyne,  near  Newbrou&rh,  is 
the  moperty  of  Greenwich  Hospital,  as  is  also  Brokenheugh,  two  adjoining  farm* 
ateads.  East  and  West  Warmley  stand  on  the  north  side  of  the  Tyne,  oppo- 
site Newbrough.  Mr.  Cuthbert  Snowball  has  a  handsome  house  at  the  former  pkce^ 
and  Mn  John  Snowball  a  pleasant  residence  at  the  latter. 

HayeIon  Bridge  stands  on  the  banks  of  the  South  Tyne,  about  6  miles  west  by 
south  from  Warden,  and  6  miles  west  from  Hexham.*  It  is  a  remarkably  pleasant, 
well-built,  lively  village,  and  contains  one  good  inn  and  three  public  houses.  The 
inhabitants  are  well  employed,  and  seem  to  live  very  comfortably.  The  old  chapel, 
which  stood 'at  some  distance  north  from  the  village,  was  taken  down  in  1795,  and  a 
neat  one  erected  near  the  river,  and  which  is  dedicated  to  St.  Cuthbert.  Not  far 
from  the  church  is  a  small  meeting-house,  belonmig  to  the  Independents :  the  Me- 
thodists have  also  a  chapel  here.  Most  of  the  viUage  belongs  to  Greenwich  Hospital ; 
and  a  smdl  building,  with  convenient  apartments,  is  now  erecting  for  the  use  of  the 
Receivers  when  here  on  business.  The  free  grammar-school  of  this  place  has  been  al- 
ready noticed.f  The  bridge  that  crosses  the  Tyiie  here  consists  of  six  arches,  and  has 
very  recently  been  widened  and  thoroughly  repaired. 

*  The  rosd  between  Haydon  Bridge  and  Hexham  |>a8se8  over  a  rery  steep  and  difficult  hill,  to  avoid  which 
a  new  road  it  now  forming  on  Mr.  M'Adam's  improved  plan.  This  road  leaves  Hexham  at  the  head  of 
Henootes,  crosses  by  a  new  bridge  at  Coulson's  Bank,  runs  along  Shaftoe  Leazes,  joins  the  road  leading  to 
the  Spital  (which  it  passes  about  4pOO  yards  to  the  south),  then  running  along  Warmley  grounds,  it  passes 
Coasdey  Bum,  where  another  bridge  is  building,  and  joins  the  old  road  behind  Woodhall-mill,  where  a  third 
bridge  is  building.  The  estimated  expence  is  £  10^000.  It  would  seem,  however,  that  much  of  this  money 
might  have  been  saved,  and  a  better  level  obtained,  if  the  road  had  crossed  the  bridge  to  be  built  at  the  West 
Boat,  and,  brandling  off  from  the  new  BeUtngham  road  near  Fourstones,  had  entered  Haydon  Bridge  on  the 
south  side  of  the  river. 

t  This  school  can  boast  of  several  able  teachers.  The  Rev.  William  Rotheram,  who  was  master  above  a 
century  ago,  was  distinguished  for  his  solid  learning,  and  had  two  sons  who  also  acquired  celebrity  for  learn- 
ing and  piety*  Thomaa,  the  eldest,  was  bom  in  1715*  and  took  the  degrees  of  B.  A.  17^^^  and  M.  A.  1744. 
In  1744,  he  accepted  a  professorship  in  Sir  William  Codrington's  collie,  in  Barbadoes,  and  remained  there 
till  ill  health  compelled  him  to  quit  the  island  in  1753.  On  his  ^um  to  England,  he  accepted  the  curacy 
of  Great  Stainton,  county  of  Durham ;  and,  in  I76S,  was  collated  to  the  vicarage  of  Haltwhistle,  not  far  from 
the  place  of  his  birth.  The  venerable  simplicity  of  his  character  and  manners,  which  residence  in  a  foreign 
climate  had  neither  altered  nor  corrupted,  rendered  him  an  object  of  universal  esteem  and  respect.  To  his 
younger  brother  he  stood,  from  the  difference  of  years,  in  the  place  of  a  parent:  he  supported  him  liberally 
at  college,  out  of  the  income  of  his  professorship,  and  watched  his  future  progress  with  the  n^ost  anxious 
kindness. 

John,  the  second  son,  was  bora  in  1735,  and  became  a  member  of  Queen's  College,  in  Oxford,  in  1745, 
where  he  was  distinguished  for  his  acquirements  in  maftheraatios.  In  1749>  he  took  die  degree  of  B.  A.  and 
entered  into  holy  orders ;  after  which  he  became  tutor  to  the  two  sons  of  the  Hon.  Mr.  Frere,  on  the  island 
of  Barbadoes :  but  he  afterwards  accepted  the  office  of  an  assistant  in  Codrington  College.  Puring  his  stay 
on  this  island,  he  wrote  "  The  Force  of  the  Argument  for  the  Troth  of  Christianity  drawn  from  a  collective 
View  of  the  Prophecy,"  and  his  "  Sketch  of  the  one  great  Argument,"  which  last  production  procured  for 
in  his  abseiioe,  the  d^rae  of  A.  M.  from  the  university  of  OxfiNrd,  in  1752.    In  1757,  he  quitted  Barr 


264  TINDALE  WARD.— N.  W.  D. 

Haydon  was  anciently  the  manor  and  estate  of  Anthony  Lord  Lucy,  of  Cocker- 
mouth,  so  called  to  distinguish  him  from  the  £Eunily  of  Lucys  in  Norfolk.  He,  in 
17  Edward  III.  obtained^  charter  from  that  king  of  a  weekly  market  in  his  manor 
upon  Tuesday,  and  a  fair  yearly  upon  St.  Mary  Magdalene's  day  and  three  days  fol< 
lowing ;  as  also  a  charter  of  ft^e-warren  in  this  and  some  other  hamlets  and  towns, 
members  of  his  manor  of  Langley. 

Thbeepwood,*  the  property  of  the  Rey.  Robert  Tweddell,  is  delightfully  situated 
a  short  distance  south  from  Haydon  Bridge.    The  mansion-house  is  yery  neat,  and 

badoes ;  and^  on  hit  arrival  in  England^  accepted  the  curacy  of  Tottenham^  in  Middlesex.  In  1759»  he  pub« 
liahed  ^' An  Apology  for  the  Athanasian  Creed;"  and,  in  1760«  preached  a  sermon  before  the  university  of 
Oxford^  of  which  he  was  presented  with  a  fellowship.  In  1766  appeared  his  most  admired  w(Nrk,  ''An 
Essay  on  Faith ;"  soon  after  which^  Trevor^  bishop  of  Durham,  appointed  him  one  of  his  domestic  chaplains, 
and  collated  him  to  the  living  of  Ryton.  In  about  three  years  after,  he  was  removed  to  the  valuable  rectoiy 
of  Hougbton-k-Spring,  where  his  kindness,  hospitalities,  and  charities,  did  honour  to  his  profession.  His 
other  published  works  arei^  "  An  Essay  on  the  Distinction  between  the  Soul  and  Body  of  Man ;"  a  sermon  on 
the  death  of  his  patron,  the  bishop  of  Durham ;  a  sermon  on  the  Wisdom  of  Divine  Providence ;  another 
preached  for  the  benefit  of  the  Newcastle  Infirmary';  and  one  on  the  Influence  of  Religion  on  Human  Laws, 
an  assixe  sermon,  for  which  he  received  the  thanks  of  Lord  Mansfield.  While  on  a  visit  at  Bambrough  Cas- 
tle, being  a  trustee  of  Lord  Crewels  charity,  he  was  struck  with  the  dead  palsy,  and  died  July  1 6,  1789,  aged 
64.  His  remains  were  conveyed  to  Houghton.  His  compositions  are  distinguished  by  ekganee  and  simpli- 
city of  language,  close  and  acute  reasoning,  and  dear  and  methodical  arrangement. 

Elisabeth,  a  daughter,  married  the  Rev.  Richard  Wallis,  vicar  of  Carham.  The  Rev.  Richard  Wallis, 
rector  of  Seaham,  and  perpetual  vicar  of  South  Shields,  was  her  son. — Sttrtee/  Hist,  of  Durham^ 

**  This  is  the  native  place  of  one  of  the  most  entorprizing  and  accomplished  scholars  of  the  age.  John 
.  Tweddell  was  bom  here  June  1,  1769*  He  was  the  son  of  the  late  proprietor,  Francis  Tweddell,  Esq.  an 
able  and  intelligent  magistrate;  and  his  mother  was  a  most  elegant  and  sensible  woman,  singularly 
well  qualified  to  *'  teach  the  young  idea  how  to  shoot"  At  the  age  of  nine  years,  he  was  sent  to  school 
at  Hartforth,  near  Richmond,  under  the  superintendence  of  the  Rev.  Matthew  Raine  (father  of  the  late 
learned  Dr.  Raine,  of  the  Chartes-house),  who  soon  discovered,  and  carefully  cherished,  the  rare  endowments 
possessed  by  his  pupil.  He  afterwards  spent  some  time  under  the  immediate  tuition  of  the  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel 
Parr,  whose  store  of  pre-eminent  learning  was  not  opened  in  vain  to  an  ardent  and  capadous  mind.  He  was 
matriculated  of  Trinity  College,  Cambridge,  where,  in  17B8,  he  gained  all  the  three  medals  at  Sir  William 
Brown;  and,  the  following  year,  he  gained  two  of  the  three.  In  1790,  he  took  his  bachdor*s  d^ree,  and 
gained  one  of  the  chancellor's  prize  medals.  The  next  year  he  obtained  one  of  the  members'  prixes,  as  a 
middle  bachelor.  In  1792,  he  was  chosen  a  fellow  of  his  college,  and  obtained  one  of  the  members'  primes  as 
senior  bachelor.  Such  uncommon  proficiency  in  his  aoademical  course  procured  him  unprecedented  honours. 
The  '' Prolusiones  Juveniles,"  which  were  published  in  1793,  furnish  an  ample  and  unequivocal  testimony 
to  the  extent  and  versatility  of  his  talents,  and  drew  forth  the  warmest  expressions  of  admiration  f)rom  Pro- 
fessor Heyne,  of  Goettingen,  in  a  letter  addressed  to  Dr.  Burgess,  the  learned  bishop  of  St  David's. 

In  179S>  Mr.  Tweddell  entered  hirpself  a'  student  of  the  Middle  Temple;  but  the  study  of  the  law  could 
not  be  congenial  to  a  mind  of  such  vivacity  and  playfulness,  and  so  exquisitely  alive  to  the  beauties  of  poetic 
fiction,  and  the  graces  of  classical  composition :  yet,  fbem  deference  to  the  wishes  of  his  fkther,  he  paid  con* 
siderable  attention  to  his  professional  studies.  It  appears,  however,  from  the  records  of  his  private  senti- 
mentSi  bis  constant  intercourse  with  English  history,  and  his  decided  predilection  for  political  economy,  that 


■ 

^ihe  pl^'uf ejgrbun^  aj^  It&SUifuSty  laid  tivct.  It  is  at  fyreasnt  the  residence  of,  €r^<frTO 
llee,  Es^.  a^rdprietor  of  lead-ltmies ;  and  was  before  occupied  by  the.  late  Mr.  H^- 
doh.  Whose  benevdlence  will  long  be  remembered  in  the  neighbourhood..  In  the  42d 
'teawaMin.  I«68,  the  prior  (rf  the  Hospital'of  St.  John  of  Jerusalem  held  Threep- 
wood  6{  the  manor  Of  Langley,  by  homage,  fealty,  and  sirit;of  court. 

he  would  have  wished  to  employ  his  talents  and  cultivated  address  in  diplomacy  at  the  courts  of  fbreign 
powers. 

With  a  view  to  this  object^.  Mr.  Tweddell  determined  to  travel,  aiid  employ  a  feVr- years  in  acquiring  a 
knowledgie  of  t6e  manners,  policy,  and  characters,  of  the  prii^cipal  Codrts  and 'most  interesting  countries  of 
£ur6p^,  which  the  war  had  not  yet.reiu^ered  inaccessible  to  an  Englishman.    Accompanied  by  Mr.  Webb,  a 
gentleman  of  fortune^he  epibarked  for  Ifamburgh,  Septanber  24,  1795.    Afler  being  actively  employed  for 
three  months^  in  ^studying  the  ^French  and  Germap  .languages  in  that  city,  he  proceeded  to^rlin,  where  lie 
wi^  distinguished  by  the^ British  aipbassador.  Lord  £lgin,  caressed  by  the  cour^  and  admired  by  the  Accom- 
plished and  interesting  Marquise  de  Naduilla(|.    At  Vienna,  too,  his  literary  leisute  Was ^s^nt  in  enjoying 
the  amenities  of  female  converse,  which  for  him  haA  the  highest  charms  ;'a]!id  h!s  moM  intimate  accpiaintanpe 
was  thf  elegant  Duchess  de  &uise.     tie  traversed  t!he  whole  of  SfwitzeilLttid,  lilfe  a  phUbtopher,  a  ptainter^ 
and  a  poet,  on  foot,  and  alone,  for  his  plan  had  fngl&tened  his  comftenion.     In  this  |^i6tureSlque  and  inter^k- 
ing  country,  his  friends  were  the  distinguished  Lavater,  tlie  venerable;  ^^ecker,  and'his'fa^hly-gifted  d^ugh* 
ter,  the  celebrated  Madame  de  Stael,'ahd  of  Whom  Tweddell  said,  "  sW  had  more  wit  than  any  man  or' woman 
he  ever  saw."    After  spending  some  time' with  Cdunt  Bumford,  he  passed  into  die  Ukraine.     Here  he  be* 
pme  an  inmate  of  the  Comtesse  Potaska,  met  the  Duke  de  Folighac  and  ftmity,  itndwaa  fntrodoced  to 
Marshal  l^uwarrow  and  the  Count  de  ChbiseuL    From  Ta]e23m  he  proceedcfd'in  1797' to  Motooow,  where' Iw 
witnessed  the  coronation  of  ihe  emperor,  experienced  the  friijncbhip  of  SirChaile^(aft6rWards  Lord)  l^^twortfa^ 
and  was  introduced  to  Stanislaus,  the  1^  king  bf  JPdlatid.   'Ftdfn  Jtfdstdwtie^procfeeded  to  Petersfoargh^ 
^sed  into  Swedien  by  Finland,  and  licrbs^  the  gulf  of  Bodliiia.    He  next  returned  to  Petiersburgh,  again 
traversed  Russia,  travelled  through  the  CiKttiea,*  and  then  went  ko  Constantinople,  Where  he  Vemaiaed  some 
iiin'e,  a^quirinff  the  language  of  modem  Ore^ce;  and  observing  the  chiiracter  'tfnd  manners  of  the  varioua 
races  o^  men  that  inhabit  this  singular  ahd  celebrated  city.  ^This  indefatigable  traveller  afterwards  proceeded  to 
Greecte,  where  he  obtained  thd  liberation  of  the  French  traveller  Fauvel,  in*a  manner  highly  honourable  tt 
his  character.    After  visiting  Platsea,  Thebes,  Livadea,  Charonea,  Thermopylss,  and  Larissa,  and  taking  an 
excursion  to  Mount  Athos,  he 'returned  to  Athens,  where,  fjtcm  excessive  fatigue,  he  was  attacked  by  spasma 
in  the  chest  and  a  fever,  which  terminated  his  invaluable  life.     He  died  July  25,  1799«  in  the  arms  of  M^ 
Fauvel ;  and  his  remains  were  dbposited  in  the  Theseum,  with  a  beautiful  Greek  inscription  by  the  Rev.  Ro* 
bert  W^pole,  A.  M.  of  Carrbw  Abb^y,  near  Norwich. 

The  learned  have  looked  *  with  wearied  expectation,  and  the  filiends  of  Mr.  Tweddell  with  disappotnted 
anxiety,  to  receive  f\cam  the  prestf  sdme  portion  at  least  of  the  very  large  and  choice  materials  which  h^  had 
piteparied  for  publitAtion,  b<ith  flvmliis  own  pen,  ahd  from  the  petidl  of  an  eminent  artist,  M.  Pteaux,  acting 
under  his  immediate  direetion ;  these,  it  tumy  be  presumed,  contitig  from  a  traveller  so  accomplished  and  so 
indefatigable,  tlitjst  have  shed  new  and  extraordinary  Hght  on  the  antiquities  of  Qiceoe,  and  more  particularly 
on  those  of  Athens;  whilst'thei  jouhials  of  his  traVels  in  some  of  the  mountainous  districts  of  Switiserland^ 
,  rarely,  if  eve«  before,  vUited,  and  in  the  Crimea,  on  the  borders  of  the  Euxine,  could  not  have  failed  to  im^ 
part  mueh  novel  ihfbrmatron.  But  notwithstanding  the  most  urgent  and  diligent  endeavours  made  by  Mr^ 
Tweddell'sfr^ettds— -notwithstanding  the  arrival  at  Constantinople  of  his  papers  and  effects  from  Athens,  and 
the  actual  delivery  of  his  Swiss  journals,  with  sundry  other  manuAadpts,  and  above  300  highly-finiflhed 
drawings,  into  the  official  custody' of  the  British  ambassador  at  the  Ottoman  court,'  it  remains  at  this  time  a^ 
myst^,  ^haX  is  actually  become' of  all  thes^  vidoable  manuscripts  and  drawings.  Neither  have  all  the  in« 
vestigatioQs  set  on  foot  by  bis  fiieods,  nor  the  moire  recent  nefte^sentatiopsiiddfeflsed  to  ^^^mfawasador^  olh 


I 


866  TINDALE  WAHD.— N.  W.  D 

Langlby  Castle  stands  on  »,  fine  eminenoe  near  Tlureepwoo4.  It  is  a  noUe  and 
tolerably  perfect  remmn  of  feudal  grandeur.  Its  form  resembles  the  letter  H.  The 
north-east  angular  turret  is  66  feet  high,  and  the  walls  7  feet  thick.  The  ground* 
floor  rooms  are  vaulted  with  stone,  and  the  windows  are  larger  than  are  usual  in  such 
ancient  structures.  The  whole  of  the  inside  is  red  with  the  marks  of  fire ;  but  the 
stone  of  which  the  castle  is  built  is  stiU  remarkably  fresh.  It  has  been  defended  to- 
wards the  west  by  a  deep  fosse. 

This  castle  was  the  seat  of  the  Barons  of  Tindale,  and,  in  the  days  of  king  Henry  I. 
was  held  of  that  king  by  Adam  de  Tindale,  by  the  seiarice  ^  one  knighf  s  fee.  His 
son,  Adam,  who,  6  Richard  II.  paying  a  hundred  pounds  for  a  relief  had  livery  of 
this  manor  and  baronv,  left  only  two  daughters  and  neirs,  one  of  which,  named  !rhi« 
lippa,  became  the  wife  of  Adam  de  Boltebv,  who,  upon  the  division  of  her  father's 
estate,  obtained  this  barony  and  manor,  which  continued  some  successions  in  his  fa^ 
mily ;  but  male  issue  failing,  Isabel,  the  daughter  and  one  of  the  coheirs  o^  the  last 
Adam  de  Bolteby,  marrying  Thomas,  the  son  of  Adam  de  Multon,  who  had  assumed 
the  name  of  Lucy,  from  his  mother,  one  of  the  coheirs  of  Richard  Lucy,  of  Ene- 
mont,  brought  this  lordship  with  her  into  his  family.  His  heir,  Thomas,  enjoy^  it 
after  his  mother's  death,  and  died  seized  of  it,  Christian  his  wife  surviving  him,  who 
held  for  her  dower  the  third  part  of  this  manor  of  Langley,  with  the  villages  of 
Fourstones  and  Allerwash,  in  this  county,  besides  what  she  had  in  others.  After  her 
death,  Anthony  .Ix)rd  Lucy,  her  son  and  heir,  c?une  into  possession  of  the  whole  ba- 
rony and  lordship.  In  16  king  Edward  II.  1823,  by  order  of  his  majesty,  he  seized 
Andrew  de  Herkley,  earl  and  governor  of  Carlisle,  for  treason,  in  the  castle  of  that 
dty,  assisted  by  Sir  Richard  Denton,  Sir  Hugh  Lowther,  and  Sir  Hugh  Moriceby, 
knights,  and  four  esquires ;  Sir  Richard  Denton  killing  the  porter  of  the  inner  gate, 
for  attempting  to  shut  it  against  them :  one  servant  of  the  earl's  escaped  to  the  Ped, 
a  castle  at  Heihead,  the  seat  of  his  lordship's  brother,  Michael  Herkley,  who  by  that 
means  was  informed  of  his  disaster,  and  fl^ed  into  Scotlaiid,  with  Sir  William  Blunt, 
a  Scotch  knight,  and  others  of  their  party.    In  reward  for  this  service  he  was  made 

tained  any  explicit  or  satisfactory  elucidation  of  the  strange  and  suspicious  obscurity  which  hangs  over  all 
the  circumstances  of  this  questionable  business. 

In  person,  Mr.  Tweddell  was  of  the  middle  stature,  of  a  handsome  and  well-pr(^rtioned  figure.  His 
countenance  was  animated  and  interesting,  and  his  eye  remarkably  soft  and  intelligent  His  address  was 
polished,  aflTable,  and  prepossessing  in  a  high  degree ;  and  there  was  in  his  whole  appeanmoe  an  air  of  digni- 
fied benevolence,  which  pourtrayed  at  once  the  suavity  of  his  nature  and  the  independence  of  his  mind.  la 
conversation,  he  had  a  talent  so  peculiarly  his  own,  as  to  form  a  very  distinguishing  feature  of  his  diaracter. 
A  chastised  and  ingenious  wit,  which  could  seise  on  an  incident  in  the  happiest  manner— a  lively  fancy, 
which  could  clothe  the  choicest  ideas  in  the  best  language— these,  supported  by  large  acquaintance  with  men 
and  books,  together  with  the  further  advantages  of  a  melodious  voice,  and  a  playfulness  of  manner  singularly 
tweet  and  engaging,  rendered  him  the  delight  of  every  company :  his  power  of  attracting  friendships  was, 
indeed,  remarkable ;  and  in  securing  them  he  was  equally  happy.  Another  distinguished  Northumberland 
scholar  assured  the  compiler  of  this  memoir,  that  he  *'  never  knew  a  more  pure,  exalted,  and  independent 
mind,  than  that  possessed  by  his  friend,  Mr.  Tweddell.". 

The  Rev.  Robert  Tweddell  has  published  a  very  interesting  volume,  entitled,  *'  Remains  of  the  late  John 
Tweddell,"  &c.  with  a  republication  of  his  Prolusiones  Juveniles,  1815,  4to. — See  Memoirs  prefixed  to  Re* 
fnains.^Brii,  Crii.  voL  v.  N»  S^^^New  Mon.  Mag.  ISlS.^-^Biog,  Diet  voL  xsu,  4^. 


HEXHAM  PAKISH.  267 

governor  of  the  castles  of  Carlisle,  Appleby,  and  Egremont ;  and,  in  the  following 
year,  obtained  a  grant  in  fee  of  the  castle  and  honour  of  Cockermouth,  for  which,  as 
also  for  this  manor,  he  procured  the  privilege  of  free  warren.  He  died  possessed  of 
this  manor  and  castle,  and  left  it  to  his  son  Thomas,  as  he  also  did  to  nis  son  An* 
thony,  who  having  no  issue  male,  it  descended  to  his  only  daughter,  Joan,  then  about 
two  years  and  a  half  old,  and  she  dying  soon  after,  this  lordship  and  castle,  with  many 
other  estates,  passed  to  Maud  her  aunt,  then  the  wife  of  Gilbert  de  UmfranviHe,  Earl 
of  Angus,  ana  she  surviving  him,  afterwards  married  Henry  Percy,  Earl  of  North- 
umberuind.  She  settled  her  Whole  fortune  upon  his  lordship  and  his  heirs  male, 
under  the  easy  condition,  that  as  their  hearts  were,  the  arms  of  the  two  noble  families 
might  be,  umted,  for  a  memorial  of  her  affection.  It  continued  in  the  Percrp^  family 
until  the  attainder  of  Henry,  Earl  of  Northumberland,  by  king  Edward  IV.  when  it 
came  into  the  possession  of  John  Nevil,  Marquis  of  Montacute,  who  held  it  sisc  years, 
and  then  resigned  it  to  Sir  Henry  Percy,  Lord  Poynings.  It  afterwards  beoame  the 
possession  of  the  Ratcliffes  of  Duston,  and  gave  title  of  v  iscount  and  Baron  Langley 
to  Sir  Francis  Ratdiffe,  created  Earl  of  Derwentwater  by  king  James  II.  A.  D.  1668. 
It  was  forfeited  by  James,  the  last  earl,  and  is  now  part  of  the  possessions  of  Green- 
wich Hospital. 

The  extensive  lead-mills  and  refineries  near  Langley,  belonging  to  Greenwich 
Hospital,  give  employment  to  a  great  number  of  work-people,  whose  cottages  are 
spread  over  a  considerable  extent  of  ground.  The  adjoining  hamlet  of  I^an  Row 
partakes  of  the  advantages  derived  from  these  works.  Staward  adjoins  the  Allen 
river,  and  forms  the  southern  boundary  of  the  parish.  Morales  is  a  farmstead  near 
the  confluence  of  this  river  with  the  South  Tyne.  Lipwood  stands  on  the  north 
side  of  the  South  Tyne,  one  mile  west  from  Haydon  Bridge.  Near  this  place,  Mr. 
Coates,  who  has  served  some  time  as  surgeon  in  the  East  Indies,  is  erecting  a  hand- 
some hotise,  and  forming  a  garden,  in  the  picturesque  and  Oriental  style.  Whiketly 
lies  north  of  this  place,  and  belongs  to  many  different  proprietors.  On  the  north  side 
of  the  road,  and  nearly  opposite  to  where  the  Allen  and  the  Tyne  join,  are  the  ruins 
of  an  old  chapel. 


SOUTH   DIVISION. 


HEXHAM  PARISH. 

This  extensive,  populous,  and  interesting  parish,  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  the 
parish  of  St.  John  Lee,  from  which  it  is  separated  by  the  Tyne ;  on  the  north-east, 
east,  and  south-east,  by  the  parishes  of  Corbridge,  Slaley,  and  Shotley ;  on  the  west 
by  those  of  Allendale  and  W  arden ;  and  on  uie  south  by  the  county  of  Durham. 
Its  greatest  length  is  about  11^  miles,  and  its  greatest  breadth  nearly  6  miles.  The 
soil  is  various :  the  valleys,  in  general,  are  rich  and  highly  cultivated ;  while  the 
greater  put  of  the  high  lands  is  quite  unimproveable,  and  produces  only  poor  grasses 
or  heath.    The  vale  of  Hexham  is  peculiarly  striking  ana  beautiful ;  the  climate  is 


268  TINDALE  WARD— S.  D. 

mild^  and  the  nurseries  mA  shrubberies  we  numerous  and  .flourishing.  .  Of  this,  lovel  j 
hasQU  it  is  truly  wd^'  **  The  harvestsi  are  the  .^tarliest»  its  trees  have  tne  richest  foliage, 
and  its  /landscape  is  the  most  rich  and  div^-siiied^  of  any  in  Northumberland/' 
.  fThis  parish  includes  five  divisions  :r-J ,  .HeKham.;  3»  the  v/^est  buarter ;  S,  the  hi^h ; 
4,.  tb^  middle;;  >and,  9,  the  low  quartets  of  ;Hexhamshire.  Each  pf  these  towjisbips 
is  s^divided.  into  .«ight  constableries,  and  Hexham  into  four  wards.  In  1821^  the 
wbple.  parish  contained  T54  dweUingrhouses,  and,  5436  inhabitants^  of  whom  84£1 
weremalesr  and  S955  females.  Of  this  Qumbeii,  Hexham  township  contained  511 
hicu$i^<9iid  41l6.inhabitants»  which  included  1801  males  and  2S1 5  females;  being  an 
increase  of  689  persons •  during  the  ^  preceding  years..  Thq  annual  value  of  pro{^rt^ 
in  the  pari$h>  by  the  returns  in  <1815»  was  £.29,2SS;  Hexham  township  beuig  esti- 
mated at  £116^984.  .The  total  ^edeemediand  unredeemed  land-tax  amounts  to  £259» 
1^.  5^,  In  181%  the  poor-rate  was  £2192,  ^f  which  Hexham  township  paid i£  1501 
— in  1816,  £2142,rQf  which  l^ex^am  tbwn'paid  £1620— in  1817^  £2057^  town  £1644 
^n.l818,£274ft.town.£.195lr^inl819,,£2777.  town.£2080— in  1820,  £2611,  town 
£l829rT^nd  in  18911^. £225$,  town  £1560,  The  poor-rate  has  decreased  during  the 
]a«t  two  yews  )n  Hexham  township. . 

This  parish  can  probably  boast  of  a  greater  number  of  benefactors  to  the  poor,  than 
perhaps.  ai>y  oth^r  m  the  Kingdom.  It  is  of  jgreat  use  to  give  publicity  to  such  chari- 
ties, in  order  that  they  may  be  always  applied  to  the  uses  intended,  and  stimulate 
olhers  to  imitate  such  kuoable  acts.  Tne  l^acies  are  mostly  small ;:  but  they  were 
generally  equal  to  the  at)iUties  of  the  donors,  and  are  honourable  testimoxues  of^  the 
piety  and  benevolence  of  their  disposition. 

A.  D*  163.4,  lifable  Ord,  widp^ir,  left  ^  100  to  the  p«or«  It  is  said  she  aho  gave  £  100  to  the  ftee  grammar* 
tcbpol^  andjS  100  to  bu3d  a  femitain,  which  was  lost— 1$37>  Mrs.  Jane  Lawaon,  spinster,  daughter  of  Edward 
Lawson,  of  Tppdi^Oj  in,  yorkshire*  genU  (but.  then  of  Hexhapi)  desired  her  father  upon  her  death-bed  to  give 
4Q0,  a  year  for  ev^r.v^to  40  poor  widowfi  jn,  Hexham,  which  hatljk  been  ever  since  distributed  yearly  on  Good 
f  iiday.*!--;|^68,.  Ma^m  ^iiial^eth  RadcVffe,  widow  cf^^  flight  Vi^orshjpful  Sir  £dward  Ratcliffe,  of  Dilston> 
Bart,  and  mother  of  the  Right  Honourable  Francis^  Earl  of  Derwentwater,  gave  £4  a  year  to  the  poor  R<k 
man  Catholics  in  Hexham^  to  be  distributed  on  St.  Lucy's  day^  or  thereabouts.— 1 67s,  John  Tyson^  yeoman^ 
left  £10  to  the  poor  of  Hexham  parish;  thejnterost  to  be  divided  among  them  at  Christmas  and  Easter, 
yearly^  fot  ever;  which  is  lost-~l675/  James  Cresswell^  tanner,  gave  an  acre  of  land,  on  .Hexham  Haugfa^ 
called  Reah's  Acre«  the  yearly  yent  t^ieaeoj^  40#»  to  ^  distributed  to  the  poor  of  Hexham  town  on  the  Sd  of 
October,  being  his  birth-day.— 1677>  Robert  Farbridge,  of  Hackforth,  Hexhamshire,  gave  it  10  to  the  poor 
of  the  high  and  middle  quarters  of  Hexhamshire ;  the  interest- to  be  distributed  yearly  at  Whitley  cfaq>el  on 
All-Saints'  day. — 1679>  Madam  Mary  Fenwick,  daughter  of  Sir  George  Selby,  of  Newcastle,  knt«  widow  of 
Colonel  John  Fenwick,  of  Hexham  Abbey/gave  £  100  to  bind  poor  children  apprentices,  supposed  to  have 
be^n  laid  c^lt  in  ppi^c^ing  land  for  Uie  grammar-pchool. — iQSO,  Mrs.  Ursula  Moyntney^  of  Stonecroft,  ,left 
an  annuity  of  £9  a  year  to  tbf  poor  of  Hexham  parishd — f6Sl,  Thomas  Craig,  skinner  and  g^ver,  gaye 
£20;  thet  interest  to  be  distributed  in  the  phurchj  on  St  '^homas's  day,  to  popr  widows  and  orphans  residing 
in  the  parish  of  Hexham :  lost — l6S4,  Robert  Forster,  of  the  tipper  Eshells,  gave  jS  10  to  the  poor  qf  )lex-^ 
hamshire;  the  interest  tube  distributed  yearly  at  Easter. — Henry  Simpsgn^^  of  the  H0I9  House,  willed  jglQ 
to  the  poor  of  Hexhamshire;  but  dying, befbre  his  will  wa^  executed,  his  heir,'  Thomas  Wadeson,  of  Thim* 
bleby  Hill,  Durham,  gave  £  10  to  the  governors  of  Hexham  freorschool. — 1686,  Thomas  Gibson,  cmlwainer^ 
bequeathed  £20  to  the  poor,  out  pf  a  certain  close  in  Hexham  Fields:  lost-^lfeo,  ^Anthony  Farbridg^,  of 
Newcastle,  bom  at  Hackforth,  lefi  £  1 4  to  th^  poor  of  the  high  imd  middle  quarters  of  llie  sl^ire ;  the  interest 


HEXHAM  PARISH.  269 

to  be  cBstributed  yearly  <m  Good  Friday^  at  Whitley  dMq>el.«-l692,  John  Coalson,  tanner,  Idt  £20  to  the  free 
acfaooly  4ind  £20  to  the  poor  of  Hexham  town.— *-!  693,  Maigaret  Broadly^  widow,  left  £  10  to  the  friends  of 
William  Wflkinaon,  if  they  ahonld  come  for  it  within  seven  yean  (which  they  did  not),  then  to  be  let  out  for 
^  uae  of  the  poor,  and  the  interest  distributed  among  ibem  yearly,  cm  the  11th  of  November:  lost—- 1695> 
fiiohafd  Walton,  of  Peacock  House,  gave  £3  towards  finding  a  minister  at  Whitley  chapel ;  failing  a  minis- 
ter, the  interest  to  be  ^stributed  amongst  the  most  needful  people  in  the  high  quarter. — 1702,  Henry  Dixon, 
fif  the  SUples,  gave  £20  to  the  poor  of  the  high,  low,  and  middle  quarters  of  the  shire ;  the  interest  to  be 
distributed  yearly  at  Christmas. — Madam  Ann  Radcliffe,  of  Dilston,  spinster,  sister  to  the  Right  Hon.  the 
Earl  of  Derwentwater,  bequeathed  £  10  a  year  to  the  poor  of  Hexham  parish ;  to  be  distributed  on  the  13th 
of  June. — 1707,  Mrs.  Margaret  AUgood,  widow  of  Lancelot  Allgood,  of  Newcastle,  attomey^at^law,  be- 
queathed £  1 00  to  the  poor  of  Hexham  township;  the  interest  to  be  distributed  by  the  principal  inhabitants 
with  the  advice  of  the  minister,  af\er  evening  service  on  Christmas-day:  lost. — 1709,  Mrs.  Mary  Allgood, 
spinster,  daughter  of  Thomas  Allgood,  of  Hexham,  gent'  left  £40  to  the  poor  of  Hexham  town ;  the  interest 
to  be  distributed.-i^l710,  Nicholas  Ridley,  of  Newcastle,  Esq,  and  alderman,  gave  £20  to  the  poor  of  Hex- 
ham town ;  the  interest  to  be  distributed  yearly  to  the  most  aged  and  infirm,  eight  days  before  Christmas : 
lost— Mr.  Jcbn  Carr,  bailiff  of  Hexham,  bequeathed  £  100  to  the  alms-house,  and  £  10  to  the  free-school.— 
1712,  Mrs.  Dorothy  Allgood  left  the  interest  of  £40  to  be  distributed  yearly  among  the  poor  of  Hexham 

town Elizabeth  Gibson  gave  the  interest  of  £20  to  be  divided  yearly  among  the  poor  of  Hexham  town.— 

1714,  George  Gibson,  tanner,  gave  £30  to  the  poor  of  the  township;  to  be  distributed  in  portions  of  £3 
half-yearly  for  ^ye  years  after  his  death.-**1715,  Joseph  Bell,  tenner,  gave  £lOO  to  the  poor  of  this  town  ; 
the  interest  to  be  distributed  yearly  on  the  19th  of  March.  AU  his  other  estates  (fidling  kwful  issue  to  his 
grandchildren)  he  bequeathed  to  pious  and  diaritable  uses.  £40  of  this  is  lost— Mr.  David  Jchnaon,  mer* 
cer,  left  half  an  acre  of  hind  in  the  town  fields,  near  Maiden^cross,  to  the  poor  of  Hexham,  m  177!8.  This 
half  acre  was  let  far  Ms,  a  year,  which  sum  wes  given  to  the  poor,  by  the  minister  and  churchwardens  for 
the  time  being. — Thomas  Howdon,  tanner,  bequeathed  20#.  to  be  paid  yearly  out  of  the  rent  of  a  house  in 
Fore-Street,  to  20  poor  widows ;  which  has  been  continued  ever  since  by  John  Aynesley,  of  Hexham,  ^sq* 
and  his  executors. — Edward  Smith,  tanner,  gave  £60;  the  interest  to  be  distributed  yearly  to  the  poor  of 
Hexham  by  the  governors  of  the  free  grammar-school :  lost— John  Forbes,  merchant,  bequeathed  £  100  to 
the  poor  of  Hexham ;  the  interest  to  be  distributed  yearly,  for  ever.  His  executors  purdiased  the  Round 
Close,  1  acre  and  1  rood,  which  now  (1786)  lets  at  £4,  4f.  a  year.  The  money  ii  distributed  by  the  mi- 
nister and  chorchwardeqs  on  St  John's  day.— 'Robert  Andrewes,  Esq.  gave  50s.  a  year  to  the  poor  of  this 
parish ;  and  the  Rev,  Slonghter  Clarke,  and  his  wjfe,  daughter  of  R.  Andrewes,  Esq.  since  his  death  have 
given  a  grant  of  a  rent-charge  of  50s,  out  of  a  close  of  £6  a  year,  near  the  Maiden-cross,  to  Robert  Salmor^ 
gent  and  Edward  Charlton,  mercer,  and  their  heirs,  in  trust,  and  upon  condition  that  they  shall  truly  pay 
the  said  sum  of  50^.  yearly  to  the  minister  of  Hexham,  by  him  to  be  distributed  to  the  poor  of  the  township, 
-^Memorandum,  At  the  division  of  the  common,  there  was  given  by  allotment  for  certain  grounds  belonging 
to  the  poor  of  Hexham,  James  Cresswell's  close,  in  the  Haugh,  and  David  Johnson's  close,  in  the  tow?)  fields, 
in  all  1  acre,  S  roods,  and  8  perches.  This  ground  was  granted  by  lease  to  Henry  Arthur,  far  ft  term  of  I9 
years,  by  the  churchwardens,  at  the  annual  rent  of  one  peppercorn  for  the  first  three  years,  and  £l,  \0s, 
during  the  remainder  of  the  lease.  The  lease  was  entered  to  on  February  2,  1757.  The  governors  of  the 
grammar-school  in  1787  received  14f.  Qd,  the  rent  of  land,  and  the  parish  officers  £],  left  by  persons  un- 
known. Some  unknown  person  also  left  an  alms-house  for  poor  widows,  which  at  that  time  yielded  a  dear 
rentof  £8,  10*. 

Extract  from  the  Rev.  G.  RUsoh^s  WUi,  June  14,  1717.-^Item,  the  sum  of  40».  to  the  mercers'  leciorer  p( 
Hexham,  to  be  by  him  distributed  to  40  poor  widows  of  the  to¥m  of  Hexhi^m,  on  the  feast-day  of  St  Thoi. 
mas.  Item,  the  like  sum  of  40«.  to  the  minister  of  Whitley  chapel,  failing  whom,  to  the  lecturer  aforesaid, 
to  be  by  him  distributed  to  the  poor  of  Hexhamshire  and  Slaley  paFl8h.«<p-See  n  memorial  by  the  Rev.  G, 
Ritschel,  17I8,  republished  in  1780  w|th  iidditions. 

VOL.  II.  8  Y 


370 


TINDALB  WAJEtDw-fl.  D. 


Hexham*  is  distant  282^  miles  nortb^north^west  from  LoBdon^  and  21  miles  w^est 

from  Newcastle.     It  is  delightfully  seated  on  an  eminence^  150  yaiids  scmtli  of  tlie 

Tyne,  and  about  on^  mile  below  where  its  two  ^  grand  brandhes  are  united.     Like 

most  ancient  towns,  it  is  irregularly  built,  and  the  streets  are  narrow.     Priest-nopcle, 

the  Battle  Hill,  and  Heneotes,  form  one  long  street  along  the  Newcastle  and  Uarliiie 

road,  on  the  south  side  of  the  town.    The  Skmner  Burn,  anciently  Bondgate,  extends 

from  the  Battle  Hill  southward  towards  the  FeU.    Some  smaller  lanes  diverge  in  the 

same  direction.     From  the  Battle  Hill  two  narrow  streets  run  nearly  parsdlel,  and 

open  to  the  Market-place:  the  one  called  the  Fore-street,  formerly  Costeley-row ; 

and  the  other  the  Back-street,  or  St.  Mary's  Gate.     The  Market-place  is  of  an  irre- 

gular  figure,  approaching  a  square,  in  len^rth  about  50  yards,  and  breadth  SO.     On 

Uie  south  side  is  a  butter  and  poultry  market,  with  piazzas,  and  covered  with  blue 

slate.     It  was  built  for  the  use  of  the  town,  by  the  late  Sir  W.  C.  Blackett,  Bart. 

The  back  part  is  divided  into  stalls  for  the  butchers.    At  the  upper  end  of  the  butter 

market  stands  the  pant :  the  top  of  the  octagonal  pillar  is  ornamented  with  a  small 

globe.    The  water  is  conveyed  m  leaden  pipes  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the 

southward,  and  issues  from  the  column  through  the  mouths  of  figures  imitating  two 

uncouth  human  visages ;  over  these  is  a  plate  of  o^per,  with  the  following  inscrip- 

tion  : — ''  £X  dono  roberti  allgood  abmig^iri  anno  dm  1703."    The  east  and 

smallest  side  of  the  Market-place  is  a  very  old  stone  building,  anciently  used  as  an 

exploratory  tower,  and  also  for  the  townwhall  of  the  Inshops  and  priors  of  Hexham : 

it  is  still  the  session-house.     The  north  side  consists  of  a  range  of  good  shops ;  and 

the  west  side  is  formed  by  a  screen  of  houses,  which  conceal  the  church. 

The  north-west  angle  of  the  Market-place  opens  irom  GiUigste,  or  St.  Giles's 
street,  which  descends  into  the  suburb  of  Cockshaw.  This  suburb  is  divided  into. se- 
veral narrow  streets,  and  is  intersected  by  a  bum,  adjoining  to  which  are  most  of  the 
tanneries  and  glove-manufactories.  The  north-east  angle  of  the  Marketplace  opens 
into  an  abrupt  street  called  the  Bull  Bank,  and  which  is  connected  with  Gilligate  by 
the  Pudding-chare.  In  these  three  last  mentioned  streets  are  some  of  the  most  an- 
cient houses  in  Hexham.  The  arch-way  of  the  court-house  leads  into  a  small  street, 
called  the  Hall  Garth,  which  terminates  on  a  terrace,  commanding  a  fine  view  of  the 
vale  of  the  Tyne.  Here  are  situated  a  strong  ancient  tower,  and  the  free  grammar- 
school.  On  tne  west  side  of  the  Market-place  is  another  gate-way,  opening  into  the 
church-yard  and  the  Seal.  Between  this  arch-way  and  St.  Mary's  Gate  is  another  old 
aich-way,  leading  into  an  area  called  the  Long  ^ack  Side.  The  pavement  of  all  the 
streets  has  been  formed  without  much  regard  to  the  comfort  or  convenience  of  the 
inhalHtants,  and  lamps  are  scarcely  known.  The  rooms  tenanted  by  the  poor  are  also 
in  general  small,  low,  and  badly  ventilated.  The  town  has,  however,  been  recently 
much  improved  by  the  spirited  and  useful  speculations  of  Messrs.  William  and  Tho- 
mas .Nicholson,  ^builders. 

The  situation  of  Hexham,  if  it  had  the  benefit  of  water  carriage,  is,  in  many  re- 
flpiQdis,  favourable  for  trade.    It  has  long  been  celebrated  for  its  manufacture  of  leather. 

*  The  fluctuating  orthography  of  ancient  times  occasioned  many  variations  in  the  name  of  this  place. 
From  the  Hextol,  a  brook  now  called  Cock^han^hum,  it  seems  to  have  been  called  HexiMetham,  whidi  the 
Normans  contracted  into  Hbzham,  or  Exam,  as  it  was  sometimes  written  after  the  Conquest  It  was  also 
called  HalguUtad,  from  the  Haigui,  another  rivulet^  now  named  the  Cow-garth-hurn, 


HEXaOAM  FABISIL  £71 

There  are  ami«a%  made  and  exported  83,604i  -  dowiifl  of  pairs  of  gloves,  which  (in 
IMS)  gave  eiQ|4oynient  to  71  men  and  iioys  as  leather-dressers  and  glove-cutters»  40 
boys  as  d^isters,  and  1000  women  as  sewers*  Not  less  than  80^000  raw  skins  are  used 
annually,  b^^des  a  yearly  importadon  of  18,000  skins  of  dressed  leather.*  About 
five  toDS  of  Datf^  oker  is  used  annually ;  but  during  the  late  war.  Jell  clay,  from 
High  Slieeb,  near  the  iown,  was  occasionany  used  as  a  substitute.  Ther^  ace  four 
tanneries,  which  give  employment  to  18  mai,  and  in  which  5000  hides  and  lSt,000 
eadf-skins  wene  dressed  in  18^2.  The  making  of  stuff  hats  is  another  considerable 
branch  of  trade  here.  Tbere  ace  16  roaster  hatters,  who  in  summer  employ  about  40 
persons ;  but  l^beir  winter  estahlishnient  does  not  average  above  half  this  number. 

Mr.  Henry  Hant,  an  ingenious  mechanic,  has  a  very  compact  establishment,  at  the 
foot  of  'GiUigate  bank,  for  the  manufacture  of  yam  and  worsted.  A  double  carding 
machine,  and  machinery  for  spinning,  are  worked  by  a  steam-engine  of  three  horse- 

S^wer.  There  is  a  eimMar  manufactary  near  the  Abbey  Gate,  belonging  to  Mr.  John 
art.  In  Henootes,  Mr.  Michael  Elliott,  who  is  distinguished  lor  great  natural 
powers,  carries  on  tb^  mill-wrig^t  business  to  some  extent.  There  are  two  rope  ma- 
nufactories, under  the  management  of  Messrs.  BamJbrougb  and  Busby,  and  a  coxisi- 
derable  brewery  in  Priest^popple,  belonging  to  Mr.  Armstrong.  Thirty-ei^ht  looins 
are  emjdoyed  for  the  manuiaGture  of  Unen,  cotton,  &c. ;  but  this  trade  is  divided 
amongst  a  number  of  persons.  Below  the  bridge  is  a  water  .corn-mill  of  great  power, 
oaUed  Tyne  Mills,f  and  which  is  conducted  by  Mr.  Bixon.  A  little  higher  up  the 
river  stands  a  wind^nudl,  formerly  used  in  grinaing  bark  for  tanners. 

There  are  in  Hexham  82  inns  and  public  houses.  The  ^principal  are,  the  Black 
Bull,  whicdi  contains  the  assembly-room  and  the  exdse-office,  and  where  the  True 

*  These  particulars  are  takoi  from  a  work  entitled^  "  An  Esaay  towards  a  History  of  HeKham,  &G.  by 
Ab  B.  Wright;"  and  which  displays  much  indastry,  knowledge,  and  discriminadon.  In  order  to  avoid  un- 
necessary repetitions,  the  Editor  bene  bqp  to  acksowledge,  generaVy;  the  assistance  he  has  derived  from  this 
respectable  publication,  and  to  express  a  *fa«)peithat  he  will  not,  in  .this  respect,  be  accused  of  ingn^nde. 

t  From  a 'memorial  addressed  to  the  Right  Hon.  Sidney,  Earl  of  Godolphin,  Lord  High  Treasurer  of 
Great  Britain,  >Ienry  Boyle,  Esq.  Chancellor  ^nd  under  Treasurer  of  her  M^esty 's  Court  of  Exchequer,  Sir 
Edward  Ward,  Knt.  Lord  Chief  Baron  of  the  same  Court,  and  the  rest  of  the  Barons.  Orator  Sir  W.  Blackett, 
Bart,  V,  freeholders  of  Hexliam  : — "  Three  ancient  water  Corn  Mills,  situate,  standing,  and  being  upon  the 
river  of  Ti/ne,  within  the  boundary,  precincts,  and  territories  of  the  said  regality  and  manor,  and  part  and 
parcel  thereof.  &c.  and  the  said  three  water  Com  Mills  are,  and,  time  whereof  the  memory  of  man  is  not  to 
the  contrary,  have  been,  ancient  mills;  and  within  the  said  regality  and  manor  of  Hexham  aforesaid  there  is 
a  custom,  time  whereof  the  memory  of  man  is  not  to  the  contrary,  that  all  the  freeholders,  copyholders, 
renters,  fanners,  bakers,  brewers,  residents,  and  other  inhabitants  of  the  said  Bnrrough  of  Hexham  aforesaid, 
and  the  precincts  thereof,  have  used  to  grind  end  ought  to  grind  all  their,  &c.  at  said  mOls,  or  one  of  them, 
and  not  elsewhere,  &c.  and  to  find  and  provide  servants,  horses,  and  sacks,  to  fetdi  and  carry  their  said  com 
to  grind  at  said  mills.  One-sixteenth  part  by  way  of  mulotiire  to  be  taken  and  received  by  tenants  of  said 
mills,  by  means  of  which  soak  and  suchen  aforesaid,  and  by  the  custom  afovesaid,  the  proprietocs  huve  boen 
better  enabled  to  pay  the  fee-farm  rent  to  the  crown,"  &c. 

The  hw  mill,  one  of  the  three  mentioned  above,  is  now  taken  down ;  and  while  the  new  one  was  con> 
structing,  the  inhabitants  of  the  manor  were  obliged  to  carry  their  com  to  be  ground  elsewhere,  from  which 
circumstance  the  citslornary  restriction  has,  it  is  said,  ceased. 


272  TINDALE  WARD.— S.  D. 

Briton  coach  stops ;  and  the  White  Hart,  a  convenient  inn,  where  the 
halts  for  refreshing  the  passengers.  The  Newcastle  stage-coach,  called  the  British 
Queen,  runs  from  the  Grey  Bull  inn.  The  Royal  George,  another  stage-coach,  runs 
to  Newcastle  from  the  Bush  inn.  Messrs.  BarKer  and  iMckinson  haye  each  a  drcu* 
lating  library  and  a  printing-office.  The  shops,  in  general,  are  respectable ;  and  the 
operations  of  trade  are  facilitated  by  Mr.  D.  Bell,  who  is  agent  for  nie  banking-house 
or  Messrs.  Lambton.  and  Co.  Besides  the  carriers  between  this  town  and  Newcastle, 
carriers  from  the  neighbouring  places  pass  and  repass  twice  a  week,  exdusive  of  the 
hundreds  of  carts  that  pass  from  the  lead-mines  towards  Newcastle. 

There  are  two  annual  fairs,  held  on  the  Tyne  Green,  near  the  town :  the  first  for 
cattle,  horses,  swine,  sheep,  and  lambs,  altered  from  the  5th  to  the  6th  of  August ; 
the  other  for  fat  and  lean  cattle,  swine,  and  horses,  altered  from  the  8th  to  the  9th  of 
November.  There  are  also  two  hirings  for  servants,  at  May-day  and  Martinmas;. 
Tuesday  is  the  weekly  market-day,  and  there  is  an  inferior  market  on  Saturday* 
Every  Tuesday  fortnight,  from  the  10th  of  March  to  the  10th  of  December,  is  a 
market  for  homed  csLtue.  In  the  corn-market  there  is  sold  annually  4000  quarters  of 
wheat,  1000  quarters  of  barley,  2000  quarters  of  oats,  and  1500  quarters  of  rye.  The 
markets  are  extremely  well  supplied.  Meat  is  as  good,  as  cheap,  in  as  great  plenty, 
and  at  all  times  as  easily  to  be  procured,  as  in  any  town  of  the  same  size  in  England. 
Poultry,  eggs,  and  butter,  are  cheap  and  in  great  plenty ;  but  fish  is  scaiice.  Vegeta- 
bles do  not  hold  a  high  place  in  the  market,  from  the  number  of  giurdens,  which  en^ 
ables  almost  every  family  to  raise  its  own  stock.  Immense  quantities  of  vegetables 
are  sent  from  Hexham  to  the  Newcastle  markets ;  though  this  trade  has  been  lately 
injured  by  the  competition  experienced  from  the  gardeners  who  reside  near  the  sea. 

The  many  benefit  societies  that  are  supported  in  Hexham  afibrd  an  honourable 
proof  of  the  honest  pride  with  which  the  industrious  poor  foster  the  feelings  of  inde- 
pendence. About  £  15,000  is  also  deposited  in  Tindale  Ward  Savings  Bank,  held  in 
Hexham.  The  poor-house  stands  near  the  head  of  Priest-popple.  The  master  oon^ 
tracts  to  support  each  pauper  at  the  weekly  rate  of  2*.  6a.  per  head.  The  poor  of 
other  parishes  or  townships  are  taken  on  the  same  terms,  paying  an  additional  sum 
Hot  exceeding  £2,  2s.  yearly.  A  dispensary  was  established  here  May  15„  1816,  under 
the  patr(»iage  of  T.  R.  Beaumont,  Esq,  and  which  useful  institution  haa  b^n  actively 
promoted  by  the  Reverends  R.  Clarke  and  J.  Wilson,  Colonel  Carr,  J.  Kirsop,  ana 
W.  Clarke,  Esqrs.  Atx)ut  230  patients  have  been  annually  admitted,  and  the  average 
annual  subscriptions  amount  to  nearly  £130. 

,  Queen  Elizabeth's  Free  Grammar  School  was  established  by  charter,  dated  Jun^ 
29>  1599 ;  but  the  statutes  are  now  modified*  and  made  suitable  to  the  present  state 
pf  society  and  education.  The  governors,  as  a  body  corporate,  still  exist ;  but  the 
school  has  no  property,  and  their  authority  extends  little  farther  than  the  election  of 
the  master,  ana  an  occasional  visitation.  The  master  is  paid  by  the  scholars;  and,  in 
addition  to  the  classics,  the  useful  branches  of  the  mathematics,  are  now  taught.  The 
present  master  is  the  Rev.  T.  Scurr,*  and  the  usual  number  of  pupils  exceeds  70, 

*  A  number  of  gentlemen,  educated  at  this  school^,  dined  together  on  the  llth  of  April,  1822,  at  Mr.  Wil- 
son's, Bird-in-bush  inn,  Hexham.  After  dinner,  the  chairman^  Nfr.  Harbottle,  of  Anick  Grange,  one  of  the 
senior  scholars,  proposed  the  health  of  the  Rev,  Thomas  Scurr,  presenting  him  with  a  handsome  silver  tan<« 


HEXHAM  PARilSH.  278 


The  Subiciiption  School  staBcU  m  an  airy  situation  at  the  head  of  the  Skkin» 
Bum.  It  was  a^ected  in  1818,  and  <^>ened  on  the  5th  of  November  in  the  same  year, 
the  birth-day  of  the  patron,  T.  R.  Beaumont,  Esq.  The  following  iiiscription  is  over 
the  door-way : — 

Train  vp  a  child  in  the  way  he  should  go.-^Prov,  xxii.  6. 

ERECTED  BY  PUBLIC  SUBfiC&IPXION, 

THE  LOBD  AND  LADY  OF  THE  ilEGAHTY  CONTRIBUTING  ONE  HALF.      1818. 

• 

It  is  a  neat  and  simple  builduig,  capable  of  accommodating  800  children.  The  ex- 
pence  of  its  erection,  according  to  the  contract,  amounted  to  £847.  T.  R.  Beaumont, 
Esq.  contributed  £150,  and  T.  W.  Beaumont,  Esq.  £20.  The  current  expences  of 
the  school  are  defrayed  by  an  annual  subscription,  and  one  penny  per  week  from 
each  scholar,  but  which  is  not  paid  by  those  receiving  parodiial  relief.  The  number 
of  sch<dars  is  generally  about  240.  They  are  taught  English  reading,  ^ammar, 
writing,  arithmetic,  and  occasiDnally  the  useful  branches  of  the  mathematics.  The 
system  is  a  mixture  of  those  of  Bell  and  Lancaster.  There  are  twelve  other,  day- 
schools,  in  which  about  400  children  are  imrfarueted.  The  Sunday  Subscription  Sdxool 
is  attended  by  150  diildren.  There  are  also  two  Sunday-schools  belonging  to  the 
Roman  Catholics,  attended  by  85  sdiolars.  Above  80  attend  a  Methodist  Sunday* 
school,  90  a  Presbyterian  one,  and  187  a  school  supported  by  the  Independents.  Of 
these  it  is  calculated  that  210  do  not  attend  d^-sdiools. 

The  ancient  parish  church  was  erected  by  Wilfrid,  about  the  year  678,  and  dedi- 
cated to  St.  Mary.  It  was  built  almost  Uke  a  round  tower,  having  four  porticos 
looking  to  different  quarters.  Fragments  of  this  building  stUl  r^nain  in  the  walls  cf 
houses  in  and  near  St.  Mary's  Chare.  The  devastations  of  the  Danes  having  for  some 
time  rendered  the  monastry  untenable,  Thomas,  the  first  ardibishop  of  York,  at 
length  chafed  Eillan,  a  secular  priest,  with  ike  c^re  of  Hexham.  Soon  after,  ac- 
cording to  Frior  Richard,  the  same  prelate  granted  it  to  Richard  de  Maton,  a  canon 
of  Beverley,  and  approfmated  it,  along  with  Holm,  to  a  prebeftidal  stall  in  llie  cathe- 
dral of  York.  Under  Maton,  Eillan,  son  of  Eillan  before  mentioned,  i^arved  Hie  cure, 
with  a  stipend  out  of  the  revenues  of  the  church. 

About  1118,  the  second  Thomas,  archbishop  of  York,  purchased  the  freedoip  of 
the  diurch  of  Hexham  out  of  the  hands  of  de  Maton.  But  even  after  this,  and  when 
he  had  placed  regular  canons  in  the  abbey,  Eillan  continued  to  serve  the  cure ;  tlie 
canons  allowing  him  one  caracute  of  land  and  a  manse  in  Hexham,  and  six  bovats  of 

kard  and  tea-service  of  £70  value,  in  the  name  cf  the  meeting,  aa  a  testimony  of  their  giatitiide  fbr  his  stN 
vices  as  their  teacher,  and  in  veneration  of  his  talents  and  character  as  a  clergyman' and  a  man. 

The  following  is  the  succession  of  masters  of  this  sdiool : — 1666,  Robert  Leeds. — I67S,  Chri8to|Aer  Smkh. 
^1696,  William  Bewick.— 1698,  Robert  Cocking.— 1 701,  John  Ogle.— 1709,  Thomas  Steckhouse,  aulher  «f 
various  theological  works. — 1705,  William  Haswell.— 1716,  Nicholas  Lowes.~-1717«  *—  Rnihrmiji  ITflft^ 
William  Johnson.— 1724,  Alexander  Stokoe.— 1729,  Thomas  Bohon.— 17S5,  Riehaid  Stokoe.^llSS,  Joseph 
Railston,  afterwards  rector  of  Rnaresdale. — 1741,  Thomas  Hudson,  perpetual  curate  of  Bknchlaod.<-^17i7jt 
Abraham  Brown,  perpetual  curate  of  VIHiiteley. — Peter  Rnmney,  perpetnal  curate  of  Hexham.  He  died  hi 
1771. — George  Busby,  perpetual  curate  of  Hexham. — 1301,  Thomas  Scurr,  present  master^  «iid  perpetual 
curate  of  Allendale  and  Thockripgton^ 

VOL.  n.  8  Z 


274  TINDALE  WARD.— a  D. 

land  in  EilnewTc  (v^ry  probably  Anick).  On  the  dath  of  the  fint  prior,  Asehtilt 
March  17,  1130,  Efllan  restored  into  the  hands  of  the  second  prior,  Ricoard  de  Bisset, 
the  lands  and  revenues  he  enjoyed  of  the  church ;  and  the  cure  of  the  parish  returned 
to  the  abbey,  where  it  continued  to  the  dissolution,  when  the  abbey  was  invested  in 
the  crown.  Queen  Elizabeth  gave  it  to  Sir  Christopher  Hatton,  reserving  a  certain 
salary  out  of  the  fee-farm  rents  for  the  curate ;  a  poorer  provision  than  mat  which 
was  supposed  to  disgrace  the  church  in  the  time  of  Eillan.  Sir  Christopher  sold  it  to 
the  Forsters,  who  gav^  it  t6  the  Fenwicks,  who  afterwards  purchased  the  regality  or 
manor  of  Hexham  from  the  crown,  and  so  became  both  lords  of  the  manor  and  im- 

Sroprialors.  According  to  tradition,  when  the  parish  church  of  St.  Mary's  began  to 
ecay  and  grow  out  of  repair,  the  abbey  church  being  a  noble  and  more  b^iutiful 
structure,  it  was  agreed  upon  between  the  impropriator  and  the  parishioners  to  let  the 
parish  church  go  to  ruin,  and  to  keep  in  repair  the  abbey  church,  which  they  made 
the  parish  church.  **  And  that  the  impropriator  should  repair  the  choir,  and  that  the 
parishioners  should  repair  the  steeple,  the  north  and  south  quarters,  and  all  the  other 
parts  of  the  said  abbey  church,  which  accordingly  thev  have  repaired  time  out  of 
mind."  It  does  not  appear  when  St.  Mar3r's  ceased  to  be  used  as  the  parish  church ; 
probably  about  the  bemming  of  the  seventeenth  century. 

The  choir  of  the  abbey  church  is  now  used  as  the  parish  church.  The  living  is  a 
perpetual  curacy,  of  the  certified  value  (including  the  chapelry  of  Whitley)  of  £lS, 
m.  8d.  and  of  which  Thomas  Richard  Beaumont,  Esq.  and  Diana  his  wife,  are  pa^ 
trons.  In  1759»  Sir  W.  C.  Blackett,  Bart,  gave  £S80  towards  the  augmentation  of 
this  living;  which  donation  was  attended  by  another  of  £  100,  for  the  same  purpose, 
from  Sir  Edward  Blackett,  Bart.  The  lectureship  was  established  in  the  year  1628»* 
and  is  in  the  gift  of  the  Mercers'  company,  London. 

^  This  lectureship  was  founded  out  of  {Mut  of  the  legacy  of  Mr.  Richard  Fishbome^  dtisen  and  meroer,  of 
London,  but  originally  of  Huntingdon.  This  gentleman,  by  hia  last  will  and  testament,  dated  March  30, 162S, 
amongst  a  great  many  legacies  for  pious  and  charitable  purposes,  amounting  to  the  sum  of  iB  1 1,000  and  up* 
wards,  did  give  and  bequeath  to  the  wardens  and  commonalty  of  the  mystery  of  mercers  of  the  dty  of  Lon- 
doii'£2,S00^  to  purchase  two  or  more  panonagea,  rectories,  or  church  livings,  anciently  appropriated  to  some 
abbey,  monastery,  or  religious  house  or  houses,  and  now  commonly  called  impropriations,  in  Lincolnshire, 
Yorkshire,  or  some  northern  county,  where  most  want  should  be  of  the  preaching  the  word  of  God,  for  the 
maintenance  of  |Mreaching  ministers  in  such  places.  And  if  they  or  any  of  them  shall  prove  non-resident,  or 
have  any  other  benefice  or  churdi  living  with  cure  of  souls,  they  may  be  ejected,  and  others  elected  in  their 
stead.  In  IfiSS,  the  mercers'  company  purchased  of  Sir  John  Fenwick,  Bart  a  messuage  and  an  orchard  in 
Hexham,  all  the  great  tithes  arising  in  the  town,  parish,  or  fields  of  Little  Swinbum,  in  Kepwick,  Errington, 
Bingfield,  and  Colwell.  In  16S1,  they  purchased  the  great  tithes  of  Chollerton  and  Barwesford.  They  also 
purchased  a  moiety  of  the  great  tithes  of  Woodhom,  Widdrington,  Two  Steeds,  North  Seaton,  Cresswell, 
Horton,  Horton  demesne,  Hirst,  Hutton,  Ellington,  Linton,  and  Linmouth,  all  in  this  county.  They  after- 
wards took  off  from  the  lectureship  £50  per  annum,  and  applied  it  to  the  support  of  an  alternate  lectureship 
in  the  parish  church  of  Chollerton,  and  the  chapels  of  St  Oswald  and  Bingfield,  belonging  to  the  church  ci 
St  John  Lee.  The  following  list  of  lecturers  was  procured  by  Mr.  Wright,  from  the  company's  books  at 
Mercer's  Hall:-— 16SS,  Dec.  15,  Rev.  Benony  Steere.— 1651,  Feb.  17,  Rev.  Thomas  Tilham.— 1656,  Feb.  IS, 
Rev.  C^eorge  Ritsdid.*-l6S4,  June  IS,  Rev.  George  Ritschel,  son  of  the  above.->1717,  Nov.  I,  Rev.  Thomas 
Andre wes.~l  758,  Mar.  10,  Rev.  William  Totton.---1766,  Feb.  26,  Rev.  Sloughter  Ckrke.— 1801,  March  5« 
^v.  Robert  Clarke. 


HEXHAM  PABISH.    .  875 

The  CathoUe^  haVe  tWo  places  of  worship.  Henootes  chapel  is  a  small,  elegant 
builduig,  tastefully  painted,  dnd  handsomely  ornamented.  Tne  altar  is  chastely  de- 
o(»rated,  and  ornamented  with  an  admirably  executed  small  painting  of  the  Crucifixion. 
Above  the  altar  is  a  sweet-toned  organ,  with  a  fine  swell,  and  seats  for  the  choir. 
This  neat  chapel,  with  its  western  gallery,  can  accommodate  300  persons.  '^The 
chapel,"  says  Mr.  Wright,  "  was  built  about  1796  by  the  p^ent  incumbent,  the  Rev. 
Jasper  Leadbitter,  whose  venerable  appearance  and  primitive  simplicity  of  manners 
demand  the  admiration  of  the  stranger,  as  his  mildness,  benevolence,  and  piety,  have 
secured  him  the  affectionate  and  almost  filial  respect  of  the  littie  flock  of  which  he  is 
the  truly  Christian  pastor.''  We  are  happy  to  subscribe  to  the  justness  of  this  eulo- 
gium.  Cockshaw  chapel  was  built  in  1751,  and  is  fitted  up  with  much  neatness  and 
simplicity,  the  altar  being  ornamented  with  a  good  painting  of  the  Crucifixion.  The 
venerable  and  Rev.  M.  Sharp  is  priest  of  this  chapel,  which  is  capable  of  containing 
S50  persons. 

The  Presbyterian  meeting*house,  which  stands  in  Gilligate,  was  erected  about  the 
year  1716 ;  but  in  1740  the  congregation  divided,  and  a  second  chapel  was  erected  at 
the  HaU  Bank.  About  1806,  the  congregations  were  re«-united^  and  Mr.  Sinclair  was 
chosen  their  minister:  he  was  succeeded  by  Mr.  Laurie,  who,  in  1813,  ^was  followed 
by  the  Rev.  J.  Wilson.  The  present  minister,  the  Rev.  James  Richardson,  was  or- 
dained in  1817.  The  meeting-house  is  dull,  heavy,  and  inconvenient;  but  a  new 
place  of  worship  is  about  being  built,  in  a  pleasant  situation  near  the  river,  and  behind 
the  wesent  one.  The  scite  has  been  hanasomely  granted  by  T.  W.  Beaumont,  Esq. 
M.  Jr.  The  Independent  chapel  terminates  the  lane  called  the  Broad  Gates,  and  is 
a  plain,  neat  erection,  capable  of  containing  400  persons.    The  Methodists  have  a 

food,  commodious  stone  chapel  in  Gilligate,  calculated  to  seat  600  persons.  They 
ave  lately  built  a  house  fronting  the  street  for  their  minister,  and  improved  the 
entrance  to  the  chapel.  There  are  also  a  few  Baptists^  and  Banters,  or  Primitive  Me- 
thodists;  but  thev  nave  no  established  place  of  worship. 

The  Abbey  Church,  or  old  Cathedral,  is  an  admirable  and  justly  celebrated  edi- 
fice, the  ornament  and  boast  of  the  town«  It'  is  in  form  of  a  Greek  cross*  In  the 
centre  is  a  square  tower,  90  feet  high.  The  transept  is  in  length  156  feet,  and  the 
choir  above  70  feet :  there  being  no  nave,  the  appearance  of  the  whole  is  much  in- 
jured. The  general  entrance  is  by  a  modem  door  from  the  north,,  which  opens  at 
once  into  the  transept,  when  "  the  eye  is  astonished  and  delighted  with  the  appear- 
ance that  presents  itself.  One  lofty  aisle,  open  on  all  sides,  grand  in  its  pristine 
nakedness,  pleasing  in  its  simplicity,  and  astonishing  in  the  magnitude  of  its  propor- 
tions, and  the  unity  of  its  parts.  At  equal  distances  from  the  centre,  four  hght  and 
lofty  arches  spring  from  as  many  masses  of  tall  clustered  columns,  supportmg  the 
tower  and  opening  into  each  division  of  the  edifice.  The  west  side  is  one  wall, 
pierced^  however,  mto  galleries,  and  lighted  by  many  lancets.  At  the  north  end  is 
the  wood  work  of  the  lar^e  door,  and  above  that  the  gallery  is  continued  beneath  a 
long  range  of  pointed  windows.  With  this  the  south  end  corresponds,  excepting 
that  the  place  of  the  gallery  is  supplied  by  a  huge  balcony  and  a  heavy  flight  of  steps 
connected  with  the  spiral  stairs  that  lead  to  the  gallery  of  the  choir,  to  the  belfry,  and 
to  the  battlements  of  the  tower.  Beneath  this  balcony  is  the  cemetery  of  the  re^ 
spected  ancestors  of  the  Blackett  family. 


«76  TINDALE  WARD— S,  D. 

<^Qn  the  east  side  of  the  teansept,  a  rang^  of  columns  and  arches  foriM  a  lide  aisle^ 
in  which  are  several  ancient  monuments ;  and  its  wall  is  fretted  into  doister  work  hy 
amdl  pilasters,  altematdy  single  and  douUie,  branching  into  tabemade  w<»*k  s^ve. 
Most  of  these  omamen.ts  are  now  destroyed,  and  on  the  west  side  of  the  tra)lsept 
scarcely  a  vestige  remains.  In  the  side  aide  of  the  north  transept  a  kind  c^  cockJoft 
of  wood,  with,  a  rickety  stair-case,  is  crammed  into  a  comer  of  the  building,  and  used 
as  the  vestry ;  a  wooden  screen  .is  raised  against  the  skie  aisle  of  the  south  transept^ 
which  appears  to  have  b«en  employed  in  a  similar  manner.  In  this  aisle  are  one  <m- 
two  tombs  of  a  modei^  date,  and  its  floor  is  covered  with  rubbish.*  Beside  it  in  the 
transept  stands  a  fire-engine,  presented  to  tihe  inhabitants  of  Hexham  by  T.  W« 
Beaumont,  Esq.  hi  grateful  sense  of  their  exertions  to  save  his  propwty  from  the 
effects  .of  fire.    The  buckets  and  appurtenances  adorn  the  south  wall« 

**  The  remainder  of  the  east  Wall  is  composed  oi  the  screen  which  divides  the  choir 
from  the  transept.  This  is  threefold,  to  correspond  with  the  aisles  whidi  compose 
the  choir.  The  screen  of  the  side  aisles  consists  merely  of  the  large  doors  which  open 
to  them,  and  of  tables  wi^ch  contain  a  list  of  benefactions  to  the  poor.  The  screen  of 
the  centre  aisle  is  ambient,  composed  of  wood,  carved  and  painted.  It  is  in  two  .parts ; 
the  lower  divided  by  the  carved  work  into  five  arches,  the  centre  being  the  entrance 
into  the  choir.  The  other  four  are  elaborately  painted  to  represent  Gothic  lights  of 
intricate  composition.  Beneath  these  supposes  windows  are  numerous  niches,  in 
each  of  which  is  placed  a  figure  in  pontificals,  with  the  ensigns  of  ecclesiastical  sup¥&^ 
macy.  Beneath  the  ardies  are  seats  for  the  accommodation  of  the  attendants  on  fii- 
nenus,  &;c." 

Above  the  screen  there  is  an  Aatigue  painting,  commonly  called  HeatUn  Tkmte^  in 
a  high  state  of  preservation.  The  effigies  of  Wilfrid,  Acca,  Alcmundf  Eata,  St.  John 
of  Beverley,  and  other  saints  of  celebrity,  are  now  ranged  above  liie  screen,  whidi 
-has  been  walled  up  to  the  point  of  the  arch,  leaving  a  window  in  its  centre.  In  one 
part  of  the  screen  is  a  curious  inscription,  cut  on  a  tulet  of  the  tabernacle  work,  which 
antiquarians  read  thus,  and  which  has  been  restored  accordingly  :-^*^  ob ate  i»ro 

ANIMA  DOMINI  THOMAE  ».  l^ATEB  HUJtJS  ECCLESIAE  QUI  FECIT  HOC  OPUS." — ^**Pray 

for  the  soul  of  the  Lord  Thomas  the  Second^  who  (caused  to  be)  made  this  work.**  Or 
the  B.  may  be  the  initial  of  the  prelate's  surname,  or  of  the  place  of  his  birth,  which  i& 
not  certahily  known.  Against  the  west  wall  of  the  transept  is  the  Litany-desk,  now 
used  for  burials,  &c.  In  the  paimels  are  figures,^  similar  in  style,  but  inferior  in  exe-«. 
eutlon,  to  those  on  the  screen.  . 

Within  the  screen  is  the  choir,  which  consists  of  one  aisle  divided  into  three.  The 
centre  aisle  is  27  feet  broad,  and  of  great  height :  the  roof  is  supported  by  lai^e  blocks 
of  oak,  forming  plain,  low,  sharp-pointed  arches.  The  side  aisles  are  nearfy  12  feet 
broad,  the  walls  10  feet  thick,  and  the  roofs  low,  and  formed  of  stone  by  a  series  of 
intersecting  arches  springing  from  the  cdumns  which  divide  the  choir.  The  walls  of 
the  centre  aisle  are  composed  of  a  grand  series  of  intercolumniations,  shaft  over  shaft, 

*  Since  Mr.  Wright  wrote,  we  have  been  asmred  that  it  has  been  resolved  to  remove  the  **  woeden  acreei^** 
and  the  ''rubbish/'  which  disfigure  the  aputh  transept;  and  also  to  pull  down  the  '^  cock-loft  of  wood/'  with 
the  ''  rickety  stairs/'  in  the  north  transept,  and  which  are  so  extremely  unsuitable  to  the  dignity  of  the  edi^ 
fice,  and  the  respectability  of  the  parish. 


©aicoaiE  vw  ifiissiHAHi^ii'B'ifisiE:, 


•  * 


HEXHAM  PARISH.  277 

and  arch  6ver  arch.  The  lowest  series  is  composed  of  six  thickly-clustered  columns, 
forming  an  equal  number  of  fine  pointed  arches,  rather  more  than  one-third  of  the 
whole  height  of  the  choir.  The  second  or  middle  series  consists  of  six  short-,  heavy, 
massy,  clustered  columns,  and  as  many  semicircular  arches,  each  divided  into  two 
pointed  or  lancet  lights,  by  a  single  shaft  or  muUion  in  the  centre.  The  last  and 
highest  series  is  formed  of  pointed  arches  without  columns,  consisting  of  one  large 
between  two  smaller  arches.  In  the  first  series  are  six  arches,  in  the  second  twelve, 
and  in  the  third  eighteen.  In  the  last  series,  light  is  admitted  from  without;  wid 
there  are  six  inferior  lights  in  the  walls  of  the  side  aisles.  The  grand  east  window  is 
spacious  and  well  executed,  and,  before  its  painted  glass  was  destroyed,  must  have 
been  singularly  beautiful.  The  altar,  which  was  formerly  in  keeping  with  the  solemn 
and  magnificent  building  in  which  it  stood,,  was  most  harharously  tmproved  in  1798. 

Above  the  entrance  into  the  choir  is  the  organ,  and  a  large  gallery  appropriated  to 
the  singers,  the  front  of  which  is  divided  into  compartments,  each  containing  a  fuU- 
iength  ngure,  representing  Chrisrt:,  his  apostles,  and  the  Virgin  Mary.  The  organ  is 
too  small  for  the  building,  and  has  no  swell.  Behind  the  organ,  the  wall,  which  now 
blocks  up  the  great  arch  that  opened  from  the  transept  to  the  choir,  is  highly  oma^ 
mented.  ^'  It  represents  one  large  front,  supported  on  a  projecting  bead  with  its  aLt 
ternate  blocks  and  spaces,  and  divided  into  three  arches  by  ornamental  buttresses 
terminating,  in  the  usual  pinnacle,  topped  and  dotted  with  cinquefoils.  The  eentre 
arch  is  painted  to  represent  a  window  of  stained  glass,  and  is  tnuisparent.  The  sub« 
jects  are,  St.  Andrew  in  the  centre,  and,  above,  the  arms  of  the  donor.  This  window 
has  a  beautiful  effect.  On  each  side  is  a  niche ;  from  that  on  the  right  hand  projects 
a  female  figure,  with  a  coronet  and  cross,  designed  for  the  queen  of  NorthumDria^ 
Etheldreda,  the  first  benefactress  to  the  church.  In  the  opposite  niche  stands  her 
husband  Egfrid,  who  certainlv  has  less  right  than  his  royal  spouse  to  such  a  distin- 
guished place."  We  think  the  whole  painting,  though  very  respectably  executed, 
not  in  good  taste,  although  it  certainly  corresponds  with  the  wMte-wMhmg  of  the 
archings  and  pilasters. 

Near  the  south  side  of  the  altar  is  a  beautiful. gallery  of  carved  oak, '  beneath  which 
are  still  three  stalls,  highly  ornamented  with  tabernacle  work,  and  to  which,  it  is  said, 
the  bishop  and  his  attendants  retired  during  the  elevation  of  the  host.  Gaudily 
painted  rods  are  now  set  up,  to  shew  that  it  is  the  church-wardens'  pew.  On  the 
opposite  side  of  the  altar,  and  further  to  the  west,  is  the  beautiful  oratory,  or  shrine, 
so  justly  celebrated.  It  has  been  painted  within  like  the  screen  of  the  choir.  The 
roof  is  divided  into  eight  compartments,  with  fifteen  ornamental  carvings  at  the  in- 
tersections of  the  lines  which  form  them.  The  centre  one  represents  the  figure  of  an 
angel  holding  a  shield,  the  arms  of  which  are  a  crass  salHrey  or.  for  St,  Andrew, 
formed  of  two  Saxon  letters,  R.  I.  supposed  the  initials  of  Prior  Kichard.  The  north 
side  and  west  end  of  the  shrinef  are  destroyed.  The  east  end  is  divided  into  three 
compartments /'in  the  centre  is  the  fi^re  of  St.  Andrew,  with  St.  Peter  on  his  left 
hand,  and  (probablv)  St.  John  on  his  right  hand.  The  sufferings  of  Christ  are  repre- 
sented  beneath,  and  afibrds  a  curious  specimen  of  the  state  of  the  arts  above  700  years 
ago,  Belovv  this  painting  ts  an  dltar,  with  some  rudely  carved  figures.  The  base  of 
the  shrine  is  composed  of  stone  work,  cut  into  various  figures ;  Satum,  St.  George, 
the  fox  preaching  to  the  goose,  the  thumb-scr^w,  the  night-mare,  and  other  subjects, 

VOL.  II. — (38)  4  A 


m  TqipA?^  ^iW^^  D. 

are  aimed  ai.  The  CfiJl^wted  fVfj^f  JSftoof  ^pVih  PW  t^^V»  «Wne-  .?¥  ft^Jftt  P^  % 
oratpry  is  formed  of  exauisite^  9ar\'e!l  worlfy  }^  ol^ck  ojik.  Hvi^c^iiiisftn  po^c^  twp 
effigies  that  seem^  to  qelppg  to  tbi^  fbrine,  ^h  about  eig^ite^i^  inches  ^i|^h,  ^ut  ip 
alto  relievo,  in  niches,  on  a  grit  ^tope.  Th?.  one  he  cpnc^j^ves  tq  |)e  Si^.us,  harg^ 
eared,  sitting,  resting  his  head  qn  |^is  hand,  his  elbqw  supported  ojf^  hi;  l^pe^.  The 
other,  he  apprehends,  is  desired  for  J^p^ter.  Itfear  t^<s  a(tar  stai^d^,  a  ^ig\ije,  about 
S  feet  8  inches  high,  suppprtu\g  ^imself  on  a  staff,  oti  his  head  something  £^e  a  h.^ 
met,  or  cap  and  plume,  and  rpi^4  his  o^^lethiiee  wreath;s  or  fette^..  Tni^  ^^  con- 
jectures, was  intended  to  rep^i^nt  t^4^V  Pennant  ventures  tp  su^es^  ^^jat  this 
'^  ridiculous  %ure"  is  a  pilgiim ;  i&om  which  Hutchinson  dissents,  ^^  *'  he  carries  no 
scrip,  and  wears  a  cap  or  hehnet."  It  i$  reasonably  be.  adds,  %o  conjecture  these  effiU 
gies  have  been  saveci  from  the  ruins,  wheii  the  -Boinan.  remains  upi,  the  yai^lt  were 
obtained.  A  writ&r  in  th^  Gentleman's  lyjaj^mi^.  viewi^  &em  ^»,  ^.  vqj^  mgnk- 
ish^'eu  d' esprit;  but  Mr.  ^nig^tj  (jopgr^tij^l^  %P9j?J^  ^^  '^ayin^  ^cpyerecl  tl^ 
true  interpretation  of  these  ^gopical  %u^es.  "$plP§  of  thj^sg.  pfl^gles."  says  hfy 
^'are  now  removed  or  destcpjred.;  Wt  what  remain^  .ly^id  tjhe  descriptipn/s  of^those 
that  are  lost,  afford  sufficient  grounds  to  af^nn  thai;  yiev  have  all  had  their  uses,  aa4 
^nned  parts  of  a  design  perfectly  adapted,  to  the  ta^te  b(  ibe  times  in  if  hich,  and  the 
persons  by  whom,  they  were  formeiql  The  largest  figur^  (Mr.  Hutchi)a)K>n's  ^an 
and  Mr.  Pennant's  Pu^rim)  is  still  €;;y,tant,  and  appes^  intended  to  ]:epresent.  ai^ 
officer  of  justice,  with  his  staff  and  plume,  nis  fe^t  bared  and  manacled,  to  shew  that 
within  the  bounds  of  sanctuary  he  dared  not  move  towards  h)is,  design,  and  th^t  thei;e 
his  authority  availed  him  not  This  figurie  is^  pla^d^  within  a  sho^  ^i&^c^  of  the 
Sliool  of  Peaqe.  Within  a  niche  is  squatted  a  A^ij  if^k^r.Jbrfn^  which  V,ifl  purely  be 
allowed  to  be  a  most  appropriatE;  em)aem  of  the'secijrit^  of  sanctuary,  and  the  mode 


is  Mr.  Hutchinson's  Silenus.  His  last  figure,  Jwpiier^  seems  intended  to  point  out 
the  guardian  power  of  the  church.  He  is  richly  dressed  and  armed,  in  an  attitude  of 
ease  and  security,  and  was.  probably  placed  at  the  door  of  the  oratory^  or  besjid^  tti^ 
Stool  of  Peace,  as  the;  genius  loci^  or  presiding  power.** 

Under  the  Organ  is  a  circle  of  ancient  seats,  formed  of  curiously  carved  oak.  Eadb 
seat  is  a  chair,  with  elbows  or  arms  quaintly  carved ;  and  the  bottom  made;  to  be  oc- 
casionally turned  up,  when  the  up^er  face  displavs  a  grotesque  mask,  bouquet  of 
flowers,  or  other  ornament*  They  have  been  divided  by  beautiful  mimic  pinnaf^lei^ 
of  superior  execution,  like  those  in  the  front  of  the  shrine ;  but  these  have  been  lop- 
ped away  tp  support  the  galleries !  The  remainder  of  the  choir  is  crowded  with  the 
most  clumsy,  deformed,  and  wretched  pews  and  gialleries  that  ever  disgraced  such  a 
magnificent  pile.  The  extreme  cold  and  bad  accommodation  render  this  church  al- 
most untenanted  in  winter ;  and  ''  the  fajbr  temple,  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  God^ 
appears  doomed  at  once  to  degradation  and  neglect"* 

*  From  a  case  alluded  to,  page  27^  between  the  impropriator  and  the  minister,  November  9,.  l69jB,  it 
appears  that  ihe  mpropriaiar  is  bound  to  repair  the  choir.  "  Of  late  jears  the  parishioners  hi^ye  b^towed 
above  £600  upon  the  repairs  of  the.  north  and  sout^,  quai^ters,  steeple^  &c.  and  on  the  other  hand,  the. said 


HEXWAM  PARISH.  379 

At  tibe  Mit  «jid  of  <te  choir  is  a  tuigidir  binlding,  wUdi'ttandt  traiunr^nely  to  the; 
Iwgier  oiie,  and  is  dft  feet  kmg  and  S5  ifoet  wide.  On  ks  east  side  are  the  remains  of 
%  SQiaQ  altar,  and  sevetal  tomte  aeeutoy  jparfe  cjf  the  floor.  Hodgseik  coiidudes  that 
this  <'  ia  the  plaoe  of  the  shrme  of  tiie  kcd^  relies,''  which  wer^  oeposited  hehmd  the 
i^Hlur;  Iwt  Wright  ocntaikH  ^i^h  hia  wual  oonfideMe,  that  thia  building  is  not  a 
]9art  of  the  chi^^,  hat  waa  ttrobaUy  ft  meilet  *  aaeristy»  or  vealry,  added  aa  aA  after-» 
^ttgfat ;"  fOid  thai  as  tha  hmy  vdica  woie  deposited  miJUnt  the  ehwek^  tUs'COtttd  m>i 
het^]^»a&.  Thift ancient huBding haa a dom commiiaieatMig witfi* the diai»,  amLa 
krfl^qs^^whiehopemtathedh^^  BemgcaHedtheOMiSkAM/,iai»8«jmoa^ 

tpk  have  been,  appropdated,  for  a  tWM^  tar  ti»  pwrposes^af  the  free  g?anunar*s<diooi.    It 
is  at  present  in  contemplation  to  convert  it  into  a  vestry,  whieh  ia  nuieh  wanted; 

The  mtmufmM$f  ia  this  aMant  edifiae  are  mimeaous  and  eariousi  In  tiie  side  aisle 
of  t;h(9  9^h  tfaBSfq)t(  ia  a  tenah^  formed  i&^  aor  aperture  made  through  the  wall  by  an 
elegwt.  pieter  of  wdbed  wock..  Thin  is.  gsmeraSW  suf  posed  to*  be  tiie  tom&of  JOSwdA^ 
J/^^  of  Noathtimharbnd^  who  wmi  Idlkd  at  Cnchester  by  ai  foctioiis  lord.of  his  comi^ 
Sf^rotcopber  99k  788.  Mr.  WrigMt  on*  the oanKrssy,  asserta  thait  **  the  thing  is«impo»- 
si^h^  f  bftsausa  such  monuments  do  not  occur  so  early,  and  because  scarcely  a  trace 
remains  of  tfa^  dimv^h^inwlmhi  Atfwold^was  buried:  and  in  anotiier  place  he  argues, 
t^t  as  tUs  kii^  was.  not  the  fouiid^r  of  the*  ohurah^  there  is  no  reason  to  bdieve  that 
a  nf}W:  tomb  was  made  for  him  ia  the  reiiawedl#  ohaadL*  In-froHt  of  die  shrine,. on 
the  north  side  of  the  centre  aide*of^  the  choir,  is  a  table  mcmiunent*  with  the  reoum- 
hent  figive  of  a  monk  hooded*  his  bands  clasped  in  the  attitude  of  prayer,  and  which 
^  genamlly  oaUlsd)  the;  tombjof  firior 'Btahaȣ  This  oinnioni  is^  however, .  very  doubtL^ 
^41  for  the  tmQtb  isr  nqt  i&i  iliS'  ocigiiud)  sitmatien;  but  ia<  placedi  oven  anettiei^  tonsbif 

i9qerqiiD4lan.lvive  rtpiOrod  tbe  Gbair>  &cu"  Gm^i  tei  '<  The  tAuArf  atjt  Walli%  *'mm  Ba^ikhnei  tbe^altar 
Uf^gfi,  with  Jigoodrligjit.  The  htter  wj»  itpairadLbjOhs  Isle^Sir  William  BbcktU^  as  waa tb^whok  ohuvdi, 
bj  a  brieC  I7fi5^  tovrardi  wbich.£.10M  /waa^jooUectecL  It  still  calls  for  furtfatt'  aanstaace^  and  inpWres  the* 
chatty  of  .sooia  beqevolcpt.and  good  f^itrpii.''  The  exertions  of  .the  present  leotimrj  the^R#v.  EbbfertCkrke^ 
to  preserve  and  beautify  this  noble  edifice,  have  been  most  eminent  and  praiseworthy. 

*  The  mode  of  seppltare  amongst  the  converted  Anglo-Saxons  is  differently  stated.     The  custom  of  bury- 
ing in  cfaurch-yardsjs  said  to  have  been  ori^nally  introduced  by  Cuthberi^  ardibishop  of  Canterbury,  about 
the  yoar  750:  but  the  churches  in  France  lad  cemeteries  about  them  as  early  as  5^5;  and;  in  England,  a 
cemetery  was  annexed  to  the  church  of  Canterbury  where  Augustine  was  buried,  and  which  was  the  first  that 
was  built  by  the  Anglo-Saxons.     In  sixteen  years  only  .after  the  conversion  of  the  Northumbrians,  the  churdi 
of  Lindisfarn  appears  encircled  by  its  cemetery ;  and  the  head  of  king  Oswald,  and  the  body  of  Aidan  the 
bishop,  were  equally  interred  there.    The  practice  of  burying  within  churches  soon  followed,  and  was,  car* 
^ried  to  so  undesireable  an  extent,  that  the  tombs  were  directed  to  be  made  level  with  the  pavement    lliose. 
belonging  to  distinguished  individuals  were  exempted  fi-ten  this  restriction ;  yet,  as  the  Saxons  were  not 
accustomed  to  pla^  figures  imitaUve  of  the  human  form  even  on  the  most  important  tombs,  all  sepulchral 
monuments,  supposed  to  commemorate  pei'sons  who  flourished  before  the  Norman  era,  are  of  very  dubious, 
authority.     The  cenotaphs  of  Saxon  kings,  still  extant,  were  undoubtedly  erected  in  later  ages  by  .the  several 
abbeys  and  convents  of  which  they  were  founders,  in  gratitude  to  benefactors  so  generous.     This  opinion  is 
adopted  and  defended  by  Wiikin,  King,  Goug|i>  Turner,  Brewer,  &c 

;  t,The  helmet.of  Sir  John  Fenwick  being  fastened  on  a  piQar  above  tUa  cCgy»  itiaconjeMored  thotthe- 
tomb  rests  upon  that  of  the.  wair^^  kaigbt* 


380  TINDALE  WAUB.— S.  D. 

m 

To  be  sure,  the  roof  of  the  shrine  is  inscribed  with  the  letters  R.  I: ;  but  the  same 
occurs  on  an  altar  in  the  old  ichool,  and  on  a  shield  in  the  east  aisle  of  the  north  tran- 
sept, any  of  which  would  be  appropriate  places  for  the  piior^s  tomb.  This  difficulty 
will,  perhaps,  never  be  solved.  Mr.  Wright  has  the  merit  of  pointing  out  one  of  the 
oldest  monuments  in  the  church.  It  is  visible  in  the  floor  of  a  pew  at  a  ^ort  dis- 
tance from  the  organ-loft,  and  is  raised  a  little  £rom  the  common  floor.  It  is  divided 
longitudinally  by  a  de^  cut,  on  the  left  side  of  which  is  a  cross  fleury,  without  a 
shidd,  bcnrder,  or  any  ornament.  The  inscription  is  between  two  small  crosses,  in  one 
line  along  the  opposite  side  of  the  division,  and  announces  simply,  th^t,  *' Johannes 
MALERBE  JACET  Hic."  Molerbe  occurs  in  the  list  of  the  Conqueror's  followers,  given 
in  Brampton's  Chronicle. 

In  the  pavement  of  the  cross  aisle  are  several  monuments:  one  inscribed  ''hic 
JACET  THOMAS  DE  DEviLSTON,"  and  omamcntcd  with  a  crosier ;  another  with  a  cro- 
sier and  chalice,  inscribed,  •*  johannes  dew,"  with  the  usual  legendary  prayer  in  the 
margin,  "  orate  pro  anima,"  &c.  About  half  way  up  the  choir,  and  oh  the  south 
side,  in  a  pew,  is  a  monument  of  black  marble,  inlaid  with  brass,  but  which  is  now 

mt  ISDlirrU  ISm^ltt  mam*  HUi  mitit  in  tion,  translated  as  follow*; :— « Here 
liigttto  omiim«  Jl^nr*  9^9tt^  WHttt^ii^  lies  Robert  Ogle,  son  of  Eleainor 
rutu*  ik  9*pt(ift'  »•  IBnw*  Bertram,  daughter  of  Robert  B«-- 

tram,  knight,  wiio  died  on  the  eve 
of  An  Saints,  in  the  year  of  the  Lord  1404,  on  whose  soul  may  the  Lord  God  have 
mercy !"  In  the  chancel  is  a  flat  funeral  stone  of  blue  marble,  to  the  memory  of  the 
Rev,  and  learned  Gecnrge  Ritschel.  The  epitaph,  which  was  in  elegant  Latin,  has 
been  preserved  by  Mr.  Waljis.*  There  are  many  other  monuments ;  but  they  are 
either  obliterated,  or  modem  and  unimportant.  The  families  of  Carr  and  Surtees 
have  burying.places  in  the  Old  School.  Here  lies  Anthony  Surtees,  Esq.  of  New- 
biggin,  wbosfe  firm  and  modest  conduct,  as  major  and  commanding  oificei:  of  the 

*  The  following  is  an  English  translation :— ''  Beneath  this  marble  are  deposked  the  sacred  remains  of 
George  Ritschel,  a  native  of  Bohemia^  and  a  professor  of  the  reformed  religion.  By  the  inveterate  cruelty  of 
Ferdinand  II.  towards  the  Protestants^  he  was  expelled  from  his  country,  his  &iuUy^  and  his  hereditary 
rights.  But  at  Higentpratus,  at  Ley  den,  and  at  other  foreign  academies,  he  was  loaded  with  the  spoils  of 
learnings— of  whatever  was  in  vogue  at  thes^  most  flourishing  iqarts  of  the  Muses.  These  honours  he  brought 
with  him  to  Prford,  A,  D.  1644.  In  that  highly  celebrated  academy  he  began  to  pursue  the  highest  studies 
for  the  benefit  of  others^  and  by  his  Metaphysical  Contemplations,  his  Defence  of  the  Ceremonies  of  the 
Church  of  England,  and  by  v^ious  other  most  erudite  publications,  he  soon  became  famous  throughout  the 
whole  worfcL  Thus  hp  increased  the  feme  of  the  church  of  Hexham,  to  which  he  was  elected,  and  over 
which  he  presided  ^bout  27  years ;  and  at  last  left  this  venerable  cathedral  more  venerable^  and  yet  less  so 
than  It  was  in  former  ages,     He  was  bom  A»  D-  l6l6,  and  died  1683," 

Mr.  Ritschel's  writings  are  a  sufficient  testimony  of  his  learning.  His  Metaphysical  Contemplations,  printed 
at  Oxford,  l648,  were  reprinted  at  Frankfort  by  Magnus  Hesenthaleru.s,  professor  at  Wirtemberg,  agreeably 
to  the  desire  of  many  learned  men.  His  Deseriio  de  Ceretnoniis  Eccfesiae  Angllcanae,  S^c,  procured  him  the 
love  and  esteem  of  bis  diocesan.  Dr.  John  Coun,  and  is  much  commended  by  Dr.  Duiell,  in  hia  S.  EccUm 
AngUcana:  Vindkcg,    Bishop  Kennet  also  notices  it  in  bis  Historical  Register,  && 


HEXHAM  PARISH. 


281 


Northumberland  militia,  during  Lord  George  Gordon's  riots,  did  him  infinite  credit. 
**  The  metropolis  was  in  no  small  degree  indebted  for  its  safety  to  this  gallant  regi- 
ment.   Major  Surtees  refused  the  honour  of  knighthood." 

In  the  south  aisle  of  the  choir  are  two  table  monuments.  Frotn  one  the  effigy  has 
been  removed,  and  on  the  other  is  the  recumbent  figure  of  a  knight  of  the  holy  ban- 
ner. This  is  supposed  to  be  a  member  of  the  baronial  family  of  Umfranville^  The 
arms  are,  gules,  a  cinquefoil  between  8  croslets,  S,  S,  3.  The  person  here  represented 
is  probably  Richard  de  Umfranville,  who  gave  to  the  canons  of  Hexham  on^  toft  and 
eight  acres  of  land  in  Prudhoe,  and  whose  family  were  all  great  bepefaetors  to  the 
church.  He  died  11  Henrv  III.  1227.  Beneath  this  last  erogy  was  buried  the  late 
Captain  Umfranville,  R.  N.  who  was  the  last  male  in  lineal  descent  of  this  ancient 
and  honourable  family.  Near  the  north  door  is  a  similar  effigy,  removed,  however, 
from  its  table.  It  is  habited  like  the  last,  steel  to  the  teeth,  with  cuirass,  shield, 
helm,  and  hauberk.  His  shield  is  or.  on  a  fess  azure,  three  garbs  proper,  the  arms  of 
the  Aydens,  of  which  family  it  is  supposed  this  knight  was  a  member.  The  name 
of  Gaured  de  Ayden  alone  occurs  early  aiough  to  deserve  the  distinction.  His  heir 
is  mentioned  in  the  Testa  de  Nevill. 

There  are  several  elegant  and  appropriate  mural  monuments  in  the  transept, 
amongst  which,  those  erected  to  the  memory  of  the  Revds.  Thomas  Andrewes  and 
Slou^ter  Clarke,  lecturers,  deserve  notice.  In  the  choir  is  a  monument  to  the  me* 
mory  of  the  Rev.  Peter  Rumney,  of  Hexham ;  one  to  Caleb  Rotheram,  D.  D. ;  and 
another,  with  a  Latin  inscription,  inscribed  to  John  Rotheram,  M.  D. 

The  belfhf  is  situated  near  the  top  of  the  square  tower,  and  immediately  below  the 
steeple.  Here  were  hung  a  curious  ring  of  six  bells,  three  of  which  were  dated  1404^ 
but  the  other  three  were  conjectured  to  be  more  ancient.  St*  Mary's  bell,  commmily 
called  the  jPVoy  BeU,  was  the  largest,  and  weighed  70  cwt  It  was  heard  at  an  asto- 
nishing distance,  and  was  broken  by  ringing  at  the  marrii^  of  the  late  Sir  WiUiam 
Blackett.  St  Andrew's  bell,  which  was  the  next  in  size,  was  called  the  Itabf  Bdl^ 
being  used  for  funerals.*    These  bells  were  taken  down  and  recast  in  1742,    The 


^  Four  of  the  bells  were  dedicated,  or  baptised ;  and  the  inscriptions  upon  the  whole  of  diem  have  been 
preserved.  They  are  as  follow,  with  a  fVee  translation  by  Mr.  Wright  The  version  of  the  first  and  second 
inscription,  as  he  observes,  ^*  is  in  a  great  measure  conjectiiral." 


1.   AD  PBX1I08  CANTUS   P.VI8AT   KOS 
BBX   OLORI06U8. 

8.   ET  CANTARB   —  pACI^T 
N08  VOX  — — 

5.  EST   NOBIS   DIOKA, 
KATBRINB    VOX  BBNIGNA  ! 

4.   OMNIBUS   IN   ANNI8 

EST   VOX  DEO  OBATA  JOflANNIS } 

5*  ANDBBA  UI   GABB, 

J09ANNI   CONSOCIABB  ! 

6.  B8T   MBA   VOX   OBATA 
BUM  Sm   MABIA  VOCATA. 

VOL.  II. 


1.  Even  at  our  earliest  sound. 

The  light  of  God  is  spread  around. 

S.  At  the  echo  of  my  voice, 
Oceap,  earth,  and  air,  rejoice. 

9.  Blend  thy  mellow  tones  with  mine. 
Silver  voice  of  Catherine ! 

4.~Till  time  on  ruin's  lap  adtuU  wA» 
John  shall  sound  the  praise  of  God« 

5.  With  John  in  heavily  harmony^ 
Andrew,  poor  thy  melpdy. 

6.  Be  mine  to  diant  Jehovah's  fiune 
While  Maria  is  my  name. 


4  B 


-  I 


sas  TINDALE  WAKD.— 8.  D. ' 

{»*esent  rin^  of  eight  belk  forms  a  very  beautiful  peal,  eaod  tbe  imgers  nxe  peeuliarly 
expert.  The  elockrhouse  is  below  the  belfry.  The  index  of  the  clock,  it  is  ssdd,  is 
observable  with  a  good  glass  from  Walwick,  a  distance  of  nK>re  than  «ix  miles.* 

Beneath  the  church  are  several  crypts- and  vaulted  passages,  which  bad  been  for- 
gotten, till,  on  digging  to  lay  the  foundation  of  a  buttress  to  support  the  west  end  of 
the  church,  the  entrance  was  discovered.  Dr.  Stukeley,  and  Roger  Gale,  Esq.  exa- 
mined  the  curiosities  concealed  in  these  vaults ;  Mr.  Horsley  observed  them  also  with 
particular  care;  and  Mr.  Hutchinson  explored  these  chambers  of  the  dead  with 
"  avaricious  curiosity."  They  abound  with  fragments  of  sculptured  stones,  cornices, 
mouldings,  and  inscriptions ;  which  induced  Mr.  Gale  to  imagine  that  all  the  walls  of 
the  crypts  were  built  of  stones  brought  from  the  Roman  station  at  Corbridge.  Two 
imperfect  inscriptions,  upon  Roman  altars  found  here,  have  given  rise  to  many  inge- 
nious conjectures  amongst  the  learned. 

Tke  Abbey, — ^This  building,  formerly  the  seat  and  stfll  the  property  of  T.  R.  Beau- 
mont, Esq.  occupies  the  scite  of  the  ancient  monastry.  It  is  separated  from  the 
church,  on  the  west  side,  by  a  space  once  occupied  as  the  doisters,  a  few  remains  of 
which  still  adorn  the  wall  opposite  to  the  church.  The  west  front  opiens  on  a  little 
orn»nental  fore-ground,  separated  from  the  Seal  by  an  invisible  fence.  This  build- 
ing, after  being  repaired  and  improved,  was  accidentally  set  on  fire  in  1818,  and 
partly  destroyed. 

The  Seal^  which  is  claimed  as  public  pleasure-ground,  is  frequented  for  exer- 
cise and  amusement  by  all  classes.  Walks  were  laid  and  trees  planted  in  it  by  the 
late  Sir  W.  C.  Blackett,  Bart. ;  and  the  Rev.  Robert  Clark  has  erected  convenient 
seats,  in  the  finest  situations,  for  the  accommodation  of  the  public.  A  proposal 
to  carry  the  new  line  of  road  fr(»n  Hexham  to  Haydon  Bridge  through  the  Seal,  ex- 
cited the  strenuous  opposition  of  the  inhabitants ;  and  the  lady  of  the  manor  obtained 
much  popularity  by  expressing  her  determination  to  support  their  rights.  The  com- 
missioners, ultimately  determined  to  abandon  the  measure. 

The  antique  tower,  built  over  an  archway  on  the  east  side  of  the  Mafrket-place, 
before  noticed,  is  supposed  by  Wright  to  have  been  "  raised  for  the  drfence  of  the 
abbey,  or  its  property,  in  times  of  danger."  About  60  yards  to  the  south-east  of  this 
building  is  another  very  strong  tower,  and  which  is  mentioned  in  the  list  of  castles 
and  towers  made  about  1460,  when  it  was  in  the  possession  of  the  archbishop  of  York. 
"  It  is,"  says  Hutchinson,  "  of  remarkable  architecture ;  being  square,  containing  very 
small  apertures  to  admit  the  light,  and  having  a  course  of  corbels  projecting  a  long 

*  The  Abbey  church,  though  standing  in  a  fine  commanding  situation,  is  shamefully  concealed  and  dis- 
figured by  a  crowd  of  ^wretched  buildings.  Even  pig-sties  and  other  nasty  erections  are  set  up  against  tlie 
walls  of  this  noble  and  ancient  pile.  A  lease  of  the  ground  lying  on  the  south  side  of  the  choir  was  granted 
to  John  Robson,  in  1731,  on  condition  that  it  was  laid  out  in  gardening  and  other  ornamental  purposes; 
yet  this  place,  the  Long  Back  Side,  remains  to  this  day  a  most  disgusting  nuisance !  Not  only  strangers,  but 
all  the  inhabitants  possessed  of  any  taste  or  spirit,  have  long  expressed  their  indignation  at  the  sordid  spirit 
that  can  view  with  indifference  the  degradation  and  defilement  of  such  a  venerable  struetvire.  It  has  been 
proposed  to  erect  the  butchers'  shambles  in  the  Long  Back  Side,  and  to  widen  the  entrance  f^ofn  the  centre 
of  the  town.  This  would  certainly  remove  part  of  the  nuisances  that  disfigure  the  church,  and  prevent  much 
of  the  confusion  and  inoonveiiience  that  arise  from  the  present  Market-place  beingrao  over-crowded. 


HEXHAM  PARISH.  f»S 

Tray  from  ilie  top.  These  seem  to  have  supported  a  hanging  gallery,  and  bespeak 
the  tower  at  present  not  near  its  ori^nal  heignt.  The  founder  is  not  known.  Hav- 
ing  two  dreadful  dungeons  within  it,  doubUess  it  has  been  the  chief  fortress  of  the 
place,  and  was  used  as  a  prison  when  the  bishops  of  Hexham  possessed  their  palatine 
jurisdiction."*  It  is  still  used  as  the  common  prison.  On  the  oaken  mantle-piece  of 
a  chamber  in  this  tower  is  an  inscription,  apparently  cut  with  a  knife.  Hutchinson 
thinks  it  is  the  work  of  some  Scotch  prisoner,  during  the  reign  of  one  of  the  James's ; 
but,  from  the  attempts  to  decypher  it,  the  subject  seems  to  be  of  little  importance. 
The  house  of  correction,  which  has  been  recently  enlarged,  is  situated  on  the  Tyne 
Green  road. 

The  rer^goJKfy  or  liberty  of  Hexham  and  Hexhamshire  comprize  the  parishes  of 
Hexham,  Allendale,  and  St.  John  Lee.  It  was  formerly  held  by  the  bishop  of  Hex- 
ham,  and  afterwards  was  annexed  to  the  archiepiscopal  see  of  York.  In  the  time  of 
king  Henry  VIII.  the  regality  of  Hexham  was  given  to  the  king,  in  exchange  for 
certain  royal  possessions  granted  to  the  archbishop,  who  still  retains  ecclesiastical  ju- 
risdiction. The  regality,  with  all  courts,  &c.  was  afterwards  granted  by  letters  patent 
to  those  from  whom  it  came  into  the  possession  of  Thomas  Richard  Beaumont,  Esq. 
and  Diana  his  wife. 

Robert  Hopper  Williamson,  Esq.  barrister  at  law,  is  the  present  steward  of  the 
court  of  record,  and  holds  the  same  for  trial  of  causes  twice  in  every  year,  within  a 
month  after  Easter  and  Michaelmas.  The  Side  Court,  for  the  recovery  of  small  debts, 
.  is  held  four  times  a  year,  or  oftener,  as  occasion  may  require,  before  Jonn  Bell,  the  pre- 
sent bailiff  of  Hexham.  There  are  also  held  within  the  liberty  of  Hexham  and  Hex- 
hamshire a  Court-Leet  and  view  of  Frankpledge,  and  a  Court-Baron,  for  the  manor 
of  Anick  Grange.  The  tenements  depenmng  on  this  manor  lie  partly  within  Hex- 
ham, and  partly  in  other  parts  of  the  county  of  Northumberland.  At  this  Court- 
Baron  debts  under  forty  shillings  are  recoverable.  The  quarter-sessions  for  the  county 
of  Northumberland  are  held  here  annually  at  Midsummer,  in  their  course  with  Aln- 
wick, Morpeth,  and  Newcastle.  The  acting  inagistrates  hold  a  petty  session  for  the 
Ward  of  Tindale,  at  the  White  Hart  Inn,  on  the  first  Tuesday  of  every  month. 

Anciently,  the  civil  government  of  the  town  was  vested  in  the  archbishop's  seneg- 
ekal;  but  afterwards  in  the  haiUff.  He  is  appointed  by  the  lord  of  the  manor,  whose 
representative  he  is  in  the  court  over  which  he  presides.    The  regality  was  united  to 

*  These  two  towers  were  within  the  walls  of  the  old  monastry.  Hodgson  notices  the  warm  dispute  b^ 
tween  the  Eerl  of  Nnrthmnberland  and  Sir  Ralph  Sadler^  in  1569,  concerning  Lady  Camaby's  house  being 
made  the  residence  of  the  keeper  of  Tindale,  in  which  Sir  Ralph  says^  ^*  Hexham  is  no  apte,  no  mete  place 
for  the  service  of  the  keeper  of  Tyndale.  Nor  in  my  tyme  I  am  sure  there  never  lay  any  such  in  Hexhara> 
saving  only  Sir  Reginald  Camaby,  who  had  lever  lie  in  his  own  house,  tho'  it  were  not  the  metest  pkc6  fbr 
the  service,  tlian  seek  any  other.  Never  the  less,  I  have  learned  since  my  coming  hither  that  Mr.  Slingsbfe 
hath  a  great  desire  to  lie  in  Hexham,  where  indeed  he  hath  lain  for  the  most  part  this  xij  moneth^  ever  since 
he  had  thoffice,  in  a  house,  which,  if  he  wdl  needs  lie  in  Hexham,  may  serve  him  as  well  now  lis  it  hath 
done  before;  and  if  he  be  weary  of  thflt  house,  yet  Is  there  in  Hexham  ij  towers  of  the  queen's  majestie's, 
which,  as  i  am  credibly  informed,  with  thexpence  of  xx/.  to  make  a  little  reparation,  will  serve  as  good  a  roan 
as  Mr.  Siingsbie  is ;  but  for  his  own  ease  and  oommodyte  he  must  needs  have  my  Lady  Camaby's  house, 
(the  Abbey)  because  it  \9  the  fairest  in  the  towne."— <Sto<«  Papers,  voL  u  p.  442. 


S84  TINDALE  WARD— S.  D. 

the  county  of  Northumberland,  in  the  reiffli  of  queen  Elizabeth  ;*  and  the  powers  of 
the  bailiff  are  now  very  Iknited.  Though  Hexham  be  not  a  corporate  town,  yet  it  had 
four  corporate  trades^  who  claimed  and  held  a  right  of  pasture  on  the  east  and  west 
commons,  but  which  ^las  lost  by  the  act  of  division.  These  trades  were,  1,  Weavers ; 
2,  Tanners  and  Shoemakers ;  S,  Skinners  and  Glovers ;  and,  4,  Hatters.  It  is  a  cu- 
rious fact,  that  the  copyholders  of  this  place  have  repeatedly  refused  the  offer  of 
enfranchisement. 

The  moral  and  intellectual  character  of  the  inhabitants  of  Hexham  admits  of  much 
improvement.    Illicit  intercourse  between  the  sexes  is  unhappily  too  conmion ;  and 

*  An  Act  made  Anno  decimo  quarto  EUzabetha,  Cap.  IS,  for  amuMng  Hbxham  and  Hbxhamshxrs  to  the 

County  itf  NoRTBUMBSRiiANo. — WHEREAS  for  the  spsoe  of  divers  years  last  {wst,  the  queen,  her  highness 

and  her  most  dearly  and  beloved  father,  king  Henry  the  Eighth,  king  Edward  the  Sixth,  her  highness's 

brother,  queen  Mary,  her  sister,  as  in  right  of  the  imperial  crown  of  this  realm  of  England,  by  reason  of  an 

exchange  had  and  passed  between  the  said  late  king  Henry  the  Eighth  and  the  late  reverend  father,  Eobert, 

archbishop  of  York,  in  th?  eighth  year  of  the  most  noble  reign  of  the  said  late  king  Henry,  have  been,  and 

her  majesty  yet  is  seized  of  and  in  the  franchise  and  liberty  of  Hexham  and  Hexhamshire,  lying  within  the 

body  and  middle  of  the  county  of  Northumberland ;  which  said  liberty  and  territories,  when  it  was  in  the 

hands  of  the  said  archbishop,  was  commonly  termed  and  called  a  county  palatine,  where  in  right  or  proof 

there  was  none  such ;  yet  by  reason  of  that  error,  ever  since  and  yet  there  hath  been  and  are  divers  opinions^ 

besides  some  question  and  dolibet  wh^her  the  liberty  and  territory  of  Hexham  and  Hexhamshire  should  and 

ought  to  be  part  of  the  sipd  county  of  Northumberland  or  otherwise  exempted,  and  whether  the  dwellers  and 

inhabitants  there  should  and  ought  to  be  justifiable  and  answer  to  justice,  as  others  of  the  said  county  of 

Northumberland  are  and  ought,  or  not ;  and  the  like  question  and  doubt  yet  is  and  remaineth.     By  reason 

whereof,  not  only  pleas  of  the  crown  and  suits  betwixt  party  and  party  suffer  continues,  stays,  letts,  and  also 

have  no  end  of  trial ;  and  besides  the  most  and  greatest  offenders  to  the  crown  and  their  country  have  and 

daily  run  thither,  as  to  a  sanctuary,  upon  Iiope  and  tntst  of  refuge,  thereby  to  the  great  cmnibrt  and  enooii- 

ragement  of  many  the  vilest  and  worst  subjects  and  offenders  in  all  the  north  parts,  and  to  the  great  ofibnce 

of  the  Almighty,  and  most  iftanifest  hindrance  of  good  executiim  of  law  and  justice.     In  and  fer  the  due 

remedy  and  redress  of  such  great  enormities  and  apparent  mischiefs.  Mat  it  plbabb  thb  Qubbk,  her 

majesty,  that  by  her  highness,  the  Lords  spiritual  and  temporal,  and  the  Commons  in  this  hi§^  court  of  par« 

liament  assembled,  it  may  be  enacted,  manifested,  and  dedared,  by  the  authority  of  the  same,  the  said  terri* 

tories,  franchises,  and  liberties  of  Hexham  and  Hexhamshire,  wiUi  the  liber^  of  the  same,  may  be,  is,  and 

shall  be  from  henceforth  taken  to  be  within,  and  part,  parcel,  and  member  of  the  said  county  of  Northumi*^ 

berland.    And  that  as  well  ^all  suits  of  the  crown,  as  also  all  suits  betwixt  party  and  party,  may  proceed  and 

have  their  due  trial  within  the  said  county  of  Northumberland,  by  and  before  the  sheriffs  and  coroners  of  the 

said  shire,  and  also  before  the  justices  of  the  peace,  justices  of  gaol  delivery,  justices  of  assise,  nisi  prios,  oyer 

and  terminer,  and  other  oQkers,  and  each  and  every  of  them  as  the  case  shall  require,  and  take  effect  as  any 

of  the  like  bav^  been  or  ou^ht  to  be,  which  have  happened  or  shall  hereafter  happen  within  the  said  county- 

of  Northumberland.     And  that  henceforth  the  sheriff  and  other  officers  of  the  county  of  Northumberland  for 

the  time  being  may  have  full  power  and  authority  to  execute  hi*  ^^^  ^^^^^  office,  and  all  process  to  him  or 

them  directed,  within  Hexham  and  Hexhamshire  and  the  liberties'  of  the  same,  in  as  large  and  ample,  mann 

ner  as  he  or  they  may,  should,  or  ought  to  do,  within  any  other  part  of  the  said  county  of  Northumberland  ; 

any  grant,  privilege,  custom,  usage,  liberty,  or  any  thing  else  whatsoever  heretofore  made,  claimed,  used,  had* 

put  in  use  or  execution,  or  enjoyed  to  the  contrary,  notwithstanding.*   Saving  to  the  bailiff  of  the  liberty,  or 

other  officer  of  the  said  town  of  Hexham  and  Hexhamshire,  or  the  liberties  thereof,  all  such  liberties  and  pri« 

vileges  for  executing  of  process,  return  of  writs,  and  otherwise,  as  they  or  any  of  them  of  right  ou^t  to  hav« 

before  the  making  of  this  act. 


HEXHAM  PARISH,  285 

institutions  tending  to  disseminate  useftil  knowledge,  and  to  discourage  habits  of 
idleness  and  dissipation  *  are  not  sufficiently  encouraged.  Eveti  the  richer  class,  who 
are  certainly  distinguished  for  their  kindness  and  hospitality,  neglect  the  most  effec- 
tual means  of  generating  a  taste  for  science  and  literature.  Though  seated  in  the 
midst  of  an  opulent  country,  this  town  does  not  possess  either  a  public  library  or  a 
reading-room !     In  winter,  social  parties  and  assemblies  are  frequent ;  and  **  an  ele- 

Snt  and  commodious  little  theatre  is  open  a  few  weeks  in  the  year."  The  manager, 
r.  Wri^t,  has  perha{>s  a  more  select  and  respectable  company  than  what  belongs 
to  any  of  the  other  minor  theatres  in  the  kmgdom.  The  annual  races  are  well 
attended  by  the  people  in  the  neighbourhood. 

HisUsfry. — ^The  opinion  that  Ilexham  was  a  Roman  station  rests  on  very  slender 
grounds.  It  is  not  mentioned  either  in  the  Itineraries  or  the  Notitia ;  it  is  on  the 
south  side  of  the  river ;  no  military  road  appears  to  have  connected  it  with  the  neigh- 
bouring stations ;  and  it  has  produced  no  Roman  remains,  except  the  stones  in  the 
crypts,  which  the  learned  Mr.  Gale  believed  to  have  belonged  originally  to  Corbridge. 
It  was  indeed  customanr  for  the  converted  Saxons,  from  motives  ofconvenience  and  ha- 
tred to  Paganism,  to  bury  Roman  altars  and  inscriptions  in  the  foundations  of  their 
churches.  Nothing  certain  is  known  of  Hexham  until  the  days  of  St.  Wilfrid,  from 
whom  it  derived  its  episcopal  dignity,  its  s{)lendoiu*,  and  its  celebrity.  The  {earned 
Lingard  has  ably  attempted  to  dear  the  history  of  this  celebrated  prelate  from  the 

*  Sir  3<Am  Carr  says,  ''  The  inhabitants  of  Hexham  appeared  to  be  very  idle ;  and  every  other  house  in 
die  town  is  an  ale-house ;"  a  remark  not  founded  in  fiict 

Hexham  can  boast  of  having  produced  some  able  men.  John  c^  Hexham  was  bom  here,  and  rose  from  a 
monk  to  be  prior  of  the  monastry.  Distinguished  for  learning  and  eloquence,  he  taught  divinity  jmd  philo* 
sophy,  was  mild,  aikble,  and  unassuming ;  but  rigid  to  punish  fiiults  in  his  pupils.  His  fiivourite  studies 
were  history  and  antiquities,  which  he  cultivated  with  knowledge  and  research.  He  wrote  a  continuatioii  of 
thQ  History  of  Simeon  of  Durham,  beginning  9th  Henry  II.  and  ending  Ist  Richard  I.  cpmprising  85  yeaiy; 
the  Scotch  wars,  sermons^  kc  particularly  a  treatise  on  signs  and  comets.  Prior  Bkbard  was  the  pupil  and 
successor  of  John.  He  wrote  accurately  of  the  affiurs  of  England  in  the  actjons  of  king  Stephen  and  king 
Henry  II.--*the  War  of  the  Standard— «  short  Chron.  from  Adam  to  Henry  the  Emperor— end  De  Statu  et 
Episcopis  Hagustaldensis  Ecclesifle.     He  died,  and  was  buried  in  his  monastry,  II90. 

Joseph  Richardson  was  bom  at  Hexham  in  1756,  and  was  entered  of  St  John's  College,  Cambridge,  in 
1774.  Dr.  Ferris,  dean  of  Battle,  and  Dr.  Peai'se,  c|ean  of  Ely,  were  his  tutora,  and  under  whom  hf^  acquired 
sound  learning  and  a  correct  taste.  At  college  he  was  distinguished  by  the  eloquence,  beauty,  and  vigour 
of  his  prose  and  poetical  compositfons ;  though  his  love  of  the  Muses  often  interfered  with  the  lab<>riou8 
duties  of  his  studies.  He  entered  as  student  of  the  Middle  Temple  in  1779^  and  was  called  to  the  bar  in 
I7S4;  but  still  his  attention  was  chiefly  engrossed  by  literary  pursuits. ,  His  talaits  are  conspicuous  in  the 
composition  of  those  celebrated  political  satires,  "  The  Rolliad,"  and  the  "  Probationary  Ode.''  He  wrote 
also  the  comedy  of  "  The  Fugitives,"  which  has  been  honoured  with  a  considerable  share  of  applause.  In 
private  life,  the  suavi^  of  his  temper  was  so  happily  blended  with  the  vigour  of  his  understanding,  that  he 
was  not  only  esteemed  by  his  friends,  but  also  by  his  political  adversaries.  He  was  brought  into  parliament 
by  the  late  Duke  of  Northumberland,  in  whose  friendship  he  held  a  distinguished  place.  His  grace  advanced 
him  £2000,  to  purdiase  a  share  in  Drury-lane  Theatre,  which  speculation  proved  very  unsuccessful.  He 
was  suddenly  taken  ill  on  June  8,  1803,  and  died  nest  day,  leaving  a  widow  and  four  daughters  to  lament 
his  loss.    He  was  interred  in  Egham  church-yard, 

VOL.  II.  •  4  C 


286  TINIXALE  WARD.— a  D 

fictions  with  which  nodem  controversy  has  loaded  it»  taking  for  his  vtamehefs  Eddiu^ 
the  individual  ciMnpanian  of  hia  fortunes^  and  Bede»  his  eotempocaiy  aad  aoMaiiDtance. 
Wilfrid  was  a  NorthuiofariiA  hy  birth,  and  educated  at  the  moaastrv  of  Lindisfam. 
He  had  the  honour  to  be  aroointed  to  the  see  of  York,  and  was  himly  este«aed  afc 
the  court  of  Northumbna.  Egfrid,  the  king,  had  married  £dilthry4B«*  daudbter  of 
the  king  of  the  East  Aisles,  who»  as  a  mark  of  h^  piet^  and  favour  for  w  ilfridi 
granted  the  territory  of  ifexhamahire,  whieh  was  her  narni^  doww,  to  Uie  diurch 
and  monastry  c^  St.  Andrew,  which  he  had  founded  about  tt^  year  679.  The  mlfio- 
dour  and  sublimity  of  this  building  was  considered  the  wonder  oi  the  age,  ana  ex-^* 
dted  the  surprise  and  admiration  of  historians.  'Secret  cdls,  and  sitbterranean 
oratories,  were  laid  with  wondrous  industry  beneath ;  walls,  in  three  distinct  stories, 
of  immense  height  and  length,  and  supported  by  wdl-polidbed  columns,  were  erected 
above.  The  capitals  of  the  columns,  the  orei  qf  the  saneiuar^^  ot  the  diaaed,  and 
the  walls  themselves,  were  decorated  with  historical,  fanciful,  and  uoJmown  figurea, 
projecting  from  the  stone,  tfid  with  fktures  fA  vaiioua  coIoubs^  and  of  most  ingemons 
device.  The  body  of  the  church  was  evay  whne  sHnounded  with  aisles  and  poiches, 
wfaidi  by  incommunicable  art  were  distinguished  with  wdlsaqd  spbes  above  and 
bdow.  Various  and  most  curious  galleries  leading  backwards  and  iorwards  tftfully 
communicated  with  every  part  of  tlie  building.  In  these  spbes  and  gatteries  iBBn^ 
merable  multitudes  might  stand  around  the  mdy  of  the  dmrdi,  and  yet  remain  un- 
seen by  those  within.  Oratories,  as  secret  as  they  were  beautiful,  were  with  diligence 
and  caution  erected  in  these  towers  and  porches ;  and  in  them  were  fedr  and  weQ- 
appointed  altars,  dedicated  to  the  Vir^  Mother,  to  St  Michadi  the  Archangel,  and 
to  St.  John  the  Baptist,  to  the  holy  apostles,  martyrs,  confessors,  and  virgins.  Sooae 
of  these  turrets  and  battlements  remain  to  this  day.f  But  to  dedare  how  many  and 
of  whom  wete  the  holy  relics  of  saints^  how  many  and  who  w»e  the  re^^ous  persons, 
and  how  grea.t  the  number  of  the  savants  of  God  who  were  asseuUed  hoe,  how 
magnificent  and  valuable  were  the  precious  treaaurca  of  books,  vestments,  utenals, 
and  ornaments  for  the  use  of  the  dnurch  adlected  in  thia  temple^^to  dedart  dl  these 
things  were  to  exhaust  the  power  of  words,  and  the  pov^ty  of  our  hmguage  would 
be  insufficient  to  effect  it.  The  chinxsh  was  surrounded  with  a  strong  and  high  wall, 
and  aqueducts  of  hollow  stone  passed  through  the  midst  of  the  town  for  the  use  of 
the  omees.  Of  nine  monastries,  over  which  Wilfrid  of  Ripon  presided,  amongst  all 
the  fidr  and  skilful  buildings  of  England,  this  was  the  first  m  excellence  and  beauty ; 
and,  finally,  nothing  equal  to  it  cotdd  be  found  on  this  side  of  the  A]ps.'t 

*  See  vol.  i.  p.  S9. 

t  In  the  lime  of  Richard  of  Hexham,  who  died  2d  Riehttd  I.  11 90. 

%  This  admirable  bnildiiig  has  exerdaed  the  descriptive  powers  of  Eddiua.  It  was  the  f  fth  diiirdi  of 
atone  bailt  in  England,  and  the  first  that  had  a  chancel  and  aisles.  WilfHd  also  repaired  and  beantified  the 
cathedral  of  York,  and  built  an  elegant  diurch  at  Ripon ;  but  that  of  Hexham  was  the  last  and  die  most 
admired  of  bis  works.  He  procured  theonost  skilful  artists  ffom  France  and  Italy^  and  was  the  Srst  to  in- 
troduce into  the  north  the  use  of  gkss  windows.  His  town  of  Hexham  appears  to  have  been  brought  into 
sneh  a  flourishing  state,  that  he  found  it  necessary  to  erect  two  additional  churches.  The  few  vestiges  that 
xiemain  of  St  Mary's^  attest  Ita  ancient  magnificence ;  but  every  traoe  of  the  third  draveh,  dedicaled  to  St 


HEXHAM  PARISH.  S87 


WiUfid,  while  in  tke  possfseioB  of  great  pawer,  immente  wealth,  and  extensiye 
popularity,  waa  dooBoed  to  experienoe  a  sudden  and  humiliating  reverse.  In  678,  a 
aynod  was  assembled,  at  whidi  the  lumg,  the  baorons,  and  the  ecx^siastics  of  Northum- 
bria,  were  preseiit.  The  veAeraUe  Theodore,  a  native  of  Tarsus,  the  apostolic  legate 
in  the  Britidi  isks,  and  the  primate  of  Canterfomry,  presided.  ''  Here  it  was  propped 
to  divide  the  diocese  ef  Novthumbria  ic^to  two,  and  to  appoint  a  bishop  for  eadi  pro- 
vince ;  York  to  be  the  capital  of  Deira,  and  Hexham  of  Bemida.  Wufrid  protested 
i^ainat  the  diviaiott,  rejected  the  perwer  of  the  archbishop,  accused  both  Ej^rid  and 
Theodore  of  fekw*^  and  formally  dedared  his  resolution  to  appeal  to  the  see  of  Rome 
against  thraa.''  "f^his  tbreat  being  (]^sre^ffded,  Wilfrid  hastened  to  lay  his  grievances 
befoie  tike  synod  at  Borne.  But  the  anxiety  of  Theodore  to  pre-occupy  the  ear  of 
the  pontiff,  was  more  expedltioiif  than  the  d^enee  of  the  deposed  bishop,  whp,  by 
the  indeoiency  of  the  season,  was  detained  in  Friesland,  and  spent  the  winter  in 
preaching  to  the  Pagans  the  tratha  of  the  GospeL  With  the  return  of  spring  he 
resumed  iiis  journey ;  and^  at  hia  arrival  in  Rome,  was  informed  that  big  pretensions 
httd  been  already  noticed  and  opposed  by  the  monk  Coenwald,  the  envoy  and  advo- 
cate of  the  archbishop.  During  WiUnd'a  absence,  the  see  of  York  had  been  declared 
vacant,  and  given  to  Bosa,  while  Eata  enjoyed  the  diocese  of  Hexham.  He,  however, 
obtained  a  hearing,  and  finally  a  decree  of  institution.  But  when  he  returned  with 
tile  papal  mandate,  Efffrid  the  king  seized  his  person,  stripped  him  of  all  his  valua- 
bles, and  thrust  1dm  half  naked  into  a  sloomy  dimgeon,  imprisoned  his  attendants, 
^p^rsed  his  servants,  and  strictly  prcmibited  the  presence  of  his  friends.  Nine 
months  afterwards,  he  was  released  from  prison,  but  was  ordered  to  leave  Northum^ 
jbria  immechately.  This  was  the  commencement  of  his  real  expulsion,  and  his  severe 
exile.  E^rid  ferociously  pursued  him  from  kingdom  to  kingdom,  forcing  hhq  to 
wander  a  wretchai  fugitive,  and  at  last  to  shelter  himself  among  the^  Heathens  of 
Sussex,  after  being  expelled  successively  from  Merda  and  Wessex. 

When  Alfrid  assumed  the  Northumwian  sceptre,  Wilfrid,  who  had  been  about  two 
years  in  exiie,  returned  and  obtained  the  bishopric  of  Hexham.  During  five  year^ 
he  again  possessed  this  diocese ;  but  they  were  years  of  anxiety  and  distress.  His 
ene»nie&  formed  a  powerful  parly,  and  eagerly  watehed  the  moment  for  predpkating 

PMtr,  lias  dbappBMed,  and  it  is  now  unwrUin  whsr&it  stood.  Wilfrid,  when  in  the  xenith  of  his  glory,  was 
primaiv  of  NorAonibvia,  the  Ikvourite  of  a  sainted  queen,  the  patron  and  governor  of  nine  monastries.  He 
was  served  o«jt  of  gold,  the  sons  of  the  nobles  of  the  land  were  his  pupils  and  inmates,  his  familiar  friende 
were  princes.  He  was  elegant  in  person,  accomplished  and  affable  in  dememoor,  popular  in  manners,  and, 
though  estiemely  haughty  and  ambitious,  was  eminent  for  the  virtues  of  charity  and  liberality. 

This  munificent  founder  of  Hexham  church  procured  it  the^privilege  of  sanctuary.  The  boundary  of  the 
sanetoovy  was  marked  on  the  toest  by  a  cross,  which  stood  in  the  Mnden  Cross  Fields,  about  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  from  the  town  ;^  the  cross  on  the  east  is  preserved  in  the  White  Cross  Fields;  and  the  mark  of  the 
boundary  on  the  north  stands  on  » knoll  caQed  the  Cross  Bank,  2|  miles  from  Hexham,  and  near  Acomb 
tanipike*gate :  but  every  trace  of  the  south  crt)ss  is  lost  A  capital  oflRender,  flying  to  sanctuary,  obtained  his 
life,  but  was  obliged  to  make  the  stated  satisfaction  to  the  law.  If  the  pursuers  seised  an  offender  within  the 
crosses,  they  were  fined  in  proportion  to  Ae  nearness  of  At  place  to  the  Freed  Stool,  to  drag  an  offender  from 
which  was  a  crime  beyond  the  reach  of  pardon*  This  privilq^,  after  being  gradually  limited,  was  finally 
abolished  by  James  I. 


288  TINDALE  WARD— S.  D. 

his  fall.  The  king,  yielding  ta  the  complaints  against  Wilfrid's  restless  temper  and 
insatiable  ambition,  requested  him  to  surrender  his  flourishing  monastry  of  Bipon,  that 
it  might  be  converted  into  an  episcopal  see,  and  bestowed  upon  another  prelate.  This 
was  refused,  on  which  Alfrid  deprived  him  of  his  monastay,  expelled  him  from  his 
bishopric  ai)d  banished  him  out  of  liie  kingdom.  Wilfrid  continued  a  wanderer  and 
exile  for  tw  years,  during  which  period  he  visited  Rome,  and  returned  with  a  con- 
firmation from  the  Pope  of  the  former  mandate.  A  national  council  was  assembled 
to  consider  his  claims,  which  were  rejected.  Wilfrid  refused  his  assent  to  the  decree 
of  his  degradation,  when  his  contumacy  was  loudly  condemned  ;^but,  as  a  last  and 
unmerited  favour,  he  was  offered  the  monastarv  of  Ripon,  a  remission  of  his  deserved 
punishment,  and  oblivion  of  his  offences.  This  offer  was  indignantly  rejected  by  the. 
miured  prelate,  who  again  proceeded  to  Rome  to  plead  his  cause  before  the  synod. 
The  pontiff,  after  hearing  seventy  pleadings  on  the  case,  confirmed  the  decrees  of  his 
predecessors.  Wilfrid,  who  had  now  reacned  his  seventieth  year,  hastened  back  with 
the  Pope's  mandate;  but  the  king  despised  the  threatened  anathema^  and  continued 
inflexible.  The  ^ed  prelate  was  once  more  driven  into  exile ;  but  Alfrid  dying  in 
the  same  year,  Berectirid,  the  regent  during  the  minority  of  Osised,  invited,  him  to 
return.  A  compromise  was  now  agreed  upon,  and  Wilfrid  was  pennitted  to  receive 
his  favo\irite  monastries  of  Ripon  and  Hexham,  in  the  enjoyment  of  which  he  passed 
four  years  in  tranquillity,  at  the  end  of  which  he  died  at  his  monastry  of  Oundl^,  near 
Stamford,  A,  D.  709,  in  the  45th  year  of  his  episcopacy,  and  the  75tn  of  his  age.  He 
was  honourably  buried  at  Ripon ;  but,  in  the  year  948,  his  relics  were  removed  to 
the  cathedral  of  Canterbury. 

When  Hexham  was  erected  into  in  episcopal  see;  in  678,  Eata*  was  instituted  the 
first  bishop.  Four  years  afterwards,  he  was  translated  to  Lindisfam ;  and  Tumbert 
assumed  the  episcopal  dignity  at  Hexham.  Within  four  years  Tumbert  was  removed, 
and  St.  Cuthbert,  with  great  reluctancy,  received  the  episcopacy ;  but  being  much 
attached  to  Lindisfarn,  he  was  put  in  possession  of  that  see,  and  Eata  returned  to 
Hexham.  John  de  Beverley  was  the  next  bishop,  and  succeeded  to  the  see  A.  D. 
685.  This  famed  saint  was  a  Saxon  of  quality,  bom  at  Harpham,  in  Yorkshire,  or 
Beverley,  for  authors  disagree  in  that  point.  He  was  a  scholar  of  St.  Hilda,  abbess 
of  Whitby,  and  a  student  at  Oxford.  The  abbess  Elfrida  was  his  friend  and  patron. 
His  humility,  piety,  and  learning  were  remarkable.  When  at  Hexham,  it  was  his 
custom  to  retire  on  every  opportunity  to  his  country -villa,  where  he  had  a  little  cha- 
pel, or  oratory,  dedicated  to  St.  Michael.  Both  Bede  and  Prior  Richard  speak  of 
this  sweet  retirtmeut,  which  was  called  Emeshaw,  or  Mount  Eagle,  (now  St.  John 
Lee,)  and  stood  among  shady  trees,  enclosed  with  a  rampier.  Here  the  pious  bishc^ 
educated  his  soul  for  the  glories  of  another  life,  and  evinced  his  holiness  by  the  mira- 
cles he  performed,  and  which  are  recorded  by  Bede  his  disciple.  At  the  end  of  one 
year,  he  resigned  his  see  to  Wilfrid,  who  was  reinstated  by  Alfrid ;  but,  on  Wflfnd*s 
expulsion,  nve  years  afterwards,  he  resumed  the  bishopric  of  Hexham.  On  the  re- 
turn of  Wilfrid,  John  a  second  time  resigned  this  see,  and  was  soon  after  translated 
to  that  of  York,  In  his  old  age  he  resigned,  the  mitre,  and  retired  to  the  monastry 
of  B^veriey,  of  wliich  he  was  abbot.    He  di^d  there  in  May,  721,  and  was  buried  in 

*  For  farther  particulars  of  Eata^  see  vol.  i.  p.  S06. 


HEXHAM  PAEISH.  289 

tb0  obuiseh-porcb*    F<»r  his  piety  and  good  works  he  was  canonized,  and  many  mira- 
eles  were  wrought  at  his  shrine. 

Wilfrid,  at  bis  death  in  709,  was  succeeded  in  the  see  of  Hexham  hy  Acca,  his 
chapl^n,  friend,  and  companion.  He  employed  all  his  ingenuity  and  resources  in 
improving  and  adorning  the  church  of  St.  Andrew.  The  interior  he  gilded  with 
silver  and  gold,  collected  precious  relics,  ornamented  the  altars  with  rich  coverings,  pre- 
^entai  valuable  communion  plate,  and  candlesticks  to  illuminate  the  ^hole  ^onous 
dome.  He  also  formed  a  no^ile  and  most  ample  library,  consisting  chiefly  of  sacred 
biography  and  church  history.  Bede  loved  him  most  dearly,  dedicated  many  of  his 
compositions  to  him,  and  gave  him  all  the  marks  of  respect  and  esteem  in  his  pow^. 
How  deserving  soever  he  w^  of  it,  his  enemies  succeeded  in  depriving  him  of  his 
bishopric,  after  he  had  held  it  with  much  honour  and  dignity  for  24  years.  He  died 
JTov^mber  30,  740,  and  w^s  interred  in  the  consistory  of  his  own  cathedral,  but  was' 
aft^wgrds  removed  to  Durham. 

The  memcHrs  of  the  succeeding  bishops  of  Hexham  are  meagre-  and  uninteresting, 
JPridbert  was  consecrated  in  734.  After  holding  the  bishopric  for  34  years  from  the 
removal  of  Acc^,  he  died,  and  was  succeeded  by  Alcmund^  who  was  consecrated  in 
767.  He  was  a  person  of  eminent  piety  and  strict  virtue.  To  him  succeeded  Til^ 
bert^  who  w^  invested  with  the  episcopal  dignitv  in  781.  He  died  in  789,  and  was 
buried  in  his  owrt  church,  Ethelbert,  bishop  of  Whitherin,  succeeded,  and,  after  go- 
verning the  see  o(  Hexham  for  eight  years,  died  at  Barton,  and  was  buried  in  uie 
church  at  Hexham.  Modred  was  chosen  his  successor,  and  consecrated  at  Woodford* 
by  l^adbald,  archbishop  of  York,  and  Hiffbald,  bishop  of  Lindisfam,  in  797.  He  had 
enjoyed  the  spe  but  three  yei^%,  when  he  died.  Eadbert,  or  Oshert^  was  ordained  ' 
bishop  of  Hexham,  at  Ethingham,  in  800,  and,  according  to  the  Saxon  annals,  found 
in  the  Cottonian  library,  diw  in  806.  Tydferth^  the  £st  bishop  of  Hexham,  suc- 
ceeded. After  holding  the  see  for  about  J 5  years,  he  died,  while  on  a  journey  to 
Rome.  He  had  been  compelled  to  abandon  his  bishopric  by  the  cruel  ravages  of  the  • 
Danes.  Thus  terminated  the  see  of  Hexham,  after  having  been  ruled  by  twelve 
bishops,  and  e^istji^g  143  years ;  that  is,  from  the  erection  of  Hexham  into  a  distinct 
dioease  in  678,  to  the  de*th  pf  Tydferth  in  821. 

The  monastry  ooatinued  for  some  ye^s  longer ;  but  the  adjoining  district  was  con-  . 
(iniiaUy  agitated  by  the  ambition  and  cruelty  of  contending  chiefs,  and  at  length,  in 
876,  Hexham  was  completely  ruined  by  the  terrific  aea-kings  of  the  Baltic.  Sq  complete 
was  the  destruction  cSf  this  devoted  town,  that  all  the  churches  lay  in  ruins,  the 
houses'  were  roofless,  and  not  a  single  inhabitant  of  either  sex  esc^pibd  the  slaughter. 
During  the  long  period  of  anarchy  and  confusion  that  ensued,  the  monks  of  St.  Cuth* 
bert  contrived  to  seize  the  episcopal  sway,  the  wealth,  the  rights,  and  the  privilege^ 
of  the  see  of  Hexham.  But  the  avarice  and  jmde  of  the  bishops  of  Durham  beffap 
to  exceed  aH  bounds,  and  at  length  broke  out  into  open  rebellian.  On  the  aooe^sian 
of  king  Henry  II.  Ralph  Flamberd,  bishop  of  Durham,  was  seized  by  the  king,  mA 
laid  in  irons ;  and  as  a  farther  punishment,  the  barony  of  Hexham,  and  the  spiritual 
jurisdiction  over  its  territory,  which  had  been  usurped  by  Durham,  were  given  to 
the  archbishop  of  York.  Thus,  surrounded  on  all  si^es  by  the  diocese  of  Duiiiam, 
Hexham  became  and  to  this  day  remains  a  peculiar  of  |;he  archiepiscopal  see, 

VOL.  II.  4  D 


*  290 


TINDALE  WARD.— S.  D. 


In  1112,  Hexham  was  appropriated  with  Holm  to  the  formation  of  a  pKbendal 
stall  in  the  cathedral  church  of  York.  In  1113,  Thomas  the  second,  archbishop  of 
York,  on  visiting  Hexham,  was  so  struck  with  the  recollection  of  its  ancient  grandeur 
and  melancholy  desolation,  that  he  resolved  to  become  its  restorer,  or  rather  its  second 
founder.  Pursuant  to  this  design,  he  constituted  a  prionr,  and  Aschetill  of  Hun- 
tingdon was  appointed  prior.  He  was  succeeded  in  1180  by  Robert  Bisset>  who  la- 
boured with  great  courage  and  constancy  in  recovering  the  property  of  the  priory. 
Eillan,  the  priest,  surrendered  the  church  property  that  he  held ;  and  the  chapter  of 
St  Peter's  purchased  the  manor  from  the  archbishop,  and  gave  it  to  the  priory. 
Thurston,  wno  succeeded  Thomas  the  second  in  1119,  was  also  a  patron  and  benefac- 
tor to  Hexham  monastry,  which  was  finished  at  the  period  of  his  succession.* 

It  is  uncertain  whether  Hexham  suffered  from  the  rage  of  the  Norman  Conqueror, 
while  executing  vengeance  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Northumberland.  In  118S,  the 
Pope's  le^te  remonstrated  with  the  king  of  Scots,  for  permitting  Edgar,  the  Earl  of 
Cospatrick,  to  kill  three  men  belonging  to  Hexham  priory,  and  to  ravage  two  of 
their  villages,  Errington  and  Dissington.  The  king  en^^ed  that  his  armies  should 
never  again  violate  sanctuaries,  nor  murder  women  and  ch^ren.  The  le^te,  on  his 
return,  brought  the  welcome  news  to  Hexham.  The  young  men  of  Hexham,  in 
1138,  attacked  a. party  of  Scots,  who  were  crossing  the  Tyne  at  Warden^  so  courage- 
ously, that  not  one  escaped,  I^ng  David  followed  with  his  army ;  and  he  could  with 
difficulty  restrain  the  fury  of  his  followers,  who  broke  into  the  sanctuary,  and  defiled 
the  sacred  places.     In  1159,  king  David  and  Earl  Henry,  his  son,  met  the  cardinal  le- 

fate  at  Hexham,  where  they  were  honourably  entreated.     During  an  inroad  of  the 
cots,  24  Edward  1, 1296,  the,  invaders  burnt  down  the  nave  of  St.  Andrew's  churdi.f 

*  Some  parts  of  the  ancient  church  and  monastry  survived  the  barbarous  fury  of  (he  Danes,  and  the  cor- 
roding teeth  of  time.  The  old  arch- way  opening  into  Gilligate,  and  near  to  which  the  Rev.  Robert  Clarke  is 
erecting  a  new  house,  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  original  entrance  gate  to  the  abbey.  Grreat  part  of  the 
present  church,  from  the  style 'of  architecture,  is  evidently  of  the  date  of  Henry  I.  ''Three  ornamented 
arches,  on  the  south  side  of  the  present  Abbey,  fix  the  scite  of  the  ckapter'houte.  A  few  years  ago,  the  walks 
of  the  cloisters  might  be  traced ;  and,  within  the  memory  of  man,  an  elegant  oratory  stood  on  the  soath-eaal 
side  of  the  garden.  Its  roof  of  stone  was  richly  ornamented  and  supported  by  four  Ionic  columns.  The 
priory  arose  out  of  the  ruins  of  St  Wilfrid's  abbcfy.  It  was  a  noble  and  spacious  building,  of  a  quadrangular 
figure.  The  cloisters  of  tabemade-work,  the  entrance  to  the  church  richly  wrought.  The  lai^  room  in  the 
present  building  is  supposed  to  have  been  the  refectory*  A  bedstead  of  antique  carved  work  in  oak,  with 
the  words  "  Eboraoensis  Diocesis  medit  hoc  opus  A— <miini  MiUesimo  Quingint— "  was  lately  preserved  in 
the  abbey,  and  a  curious  columnar  gravestone  was  digged  up  in  the  cloisters,  inscribed  "  P.  uer  Jurdani,"  and 
ornamented  with  crosses.  The  abbey  gate,  and  the  low  arch  in  the  Long  Back  Side,  are  of  the  date  675. 
The  church,  cloi^rs,  &c  are  dated  1 1  IS.  The  other  variations  of  style  are  to  be  accounted  for  by  the  deso- 
lation after  the  burning  by  the  Danes,  the  rebuilding  after  the  burning  by  the  Scots,  Sir  Reginald  Camaby's 
alterations  and  rebuilding  after  the  reformation.  See  the  date  and  arms  over  the  coach-house-— 1539*'' — Hist. 
cfHexhamgp.  187* 

t  The  title-deeds  of  the  prior  shared  in  this  conflagration ;  but  an  inquisition  of  theprior's  rights  was  taken 
at  Newcastle  upon  Tyne,  25  Edward  I.  July  7,  1297,  and  which  was  confirmed 'by  royal  charters.  The 
Black  Book,  or  Priory  Register,  is  still  preserved  in  the  Manor-office.    It  was  carefully  gleaned  by  those  ce- 


HEXHAM  PARISH. 


S91 


In  the  foflowing  year,  they  returned,  and  treated  the  religious  with  great  indignity, 
though  they  had  obtained  letters  of  protection  from  the  Earl  of  Murr^  and  Sir  Wfl- 
Uaih  Wallace,  the  Scottish  leaders.    Hexham  was  again  pillaged  by  David,  king  of 

lebrated  antiquaries.  Sir  William  Dugdale  and  Mr.  Dodsworth,  for  the  Moiuuikon,  Brown«  Willia,  Tanner, 
and  Wallis,  have  also  furnished  a  few  particulars. of  the  revenues  of  this  priory,  and  which  are  here  arranged 
in  the  briefest  form.  These  revenues,  at  the  dissolutron,  were  valued  by  Dugdale  at  £l22,  lis.  ItL;  but, 
acofirding  to  Speed,  at  '£  ISQ,  Is.  9d. 

Manors,  Fillages,  and  Demesn€s,-^The  manor  and  village  of  Anick,  the  villages  of  Simdhoe  and  Yamzigg 
(Thomas,  archbishop  of  York).  The  villages  of  Dotland,  KnitOhesell,  and  the  two  Grotingtons  (Thurstan). 
Half  the  village  of  Bingfield  (Germund).  The  manor  and  church  of  Warden  (Adam  de^Tyndale).  Also 
the  manor  of  Little  Heaton  and  Cald-strother  with  their  appurtenances  (Alice  de  Bolam,  James  and  Alice  de 
Caus).  The  manor  of  North  Milbum  (Thomas  de  Devilston).  The  demesne  and  village  of  Whitfield  (Wil- 
liam, king  of  Scots).  The  hamlet  of  Carraw,  with  its  appurtenances  (Richard  Cummin).  Half  the  manor 
of  Echwike  (Robert  de  Delaval  and  Richolda  his  mother).  A  manor  in  Benwell  (Hugh  de  Delaval).  A 
manor  in  East  Matfen  (Thomas  de  Fenwick).  The  manor  of  Cheeseburgh,  or  Cheesebum,  or  Nesbit,  with 
all  their  demesnes,  services,  bondages,  and  other  appurtenances  (John  de  Normanvil).  The  manor  of  SteU 
ling,  with  its  appurtenances  (Bernard  de  Baliol).  A  third  part  of  the  village  of  Dalton  (Ralph  de  Guhnerton). 
A  lease  of  Staward  Le  Peel  (Edward,  Puke  of  York).  Hamlet  of  Benmont,  through  their  right  divisions 
(Gilbert  de  Umfranville). 

Adwmsons  and  Apprapriaiions.'^TYie  prebend  of  Salton,  in  the  cathedral  of  York,  which  was  the  impro- 
priation and  advowson  of  Salton  vicarage,  anciently  rated  at  80  marks,  or  £53,  XSs.  ^.  The  church  of 
Cbollerton,  with  its  chapels,  Birtley,  Chipchase,  Gnnnerton,  and  Swinburne  ;  also  Little  Heton  and  Col  well, 
with  their  appurtenances,  and  8  oxgangs  of  land  in  the  village  of  ChoUerton,  of  the  endowment  of  that 
churchy  and  5  acres  of  land  called  Le  Michael's  Croft,  lying,  on  the  north  side  of  that  church  (Odonel  de 
Umfranville).  The  church  of  Slaley  and  one  plough-land  of  the  endowment  of  that  church  (Gilbert  de  Sl»- 
ley).  A  portion  in  the  church  of  Stamfordham,  wlz,  the  corn-tithes  of  Matfen,  East  Nesbet,  Ulkeston, 
Hawkwell,  and  Bitchfield  (Robert,  bishop  of  Durham).  The  impropriation  of  the  church  of  Aldston,  and  of 
the  churches  of  Renwick  and  Isell,  in  the  county  of  Cumberland,  and  tl^ose  of  Ilkley  and  Edston,  in  the 
county  of  York.    Chajpels  of  Stonecroft,  Haydon,  and  Langley. 

X^andf.— -Twenty-four  acres  in  Hambum  and  Newbiggin,  and  the  sect  of  all  new  lands  brought  into  til- 
lage, by  the  service  of  12«.  per  annum  ;  1  rod  in  Acomb,  1  in  Wall,  1  in  Halyton,  1  in  Kepwick,  1  in  Catton, 

1  in  Nine  Banks,  and  1  in  Rouley,  for  the  building  of  a  grange  or  tithe-bam,  (Walter  Grey,  and  Walter 
Gifford,  archbishop  of  York)  by  the  service  of  2<.  per  annum  each.  All  the  lands  of  Byres,  and  7  acres  in 
Hayden ;  4  acres  of  land  and  6  acres  of  meadow  in  Settling-stones ;  40  acres  in  Whinetley ;  1  plough-gate 
in  Allerwash ;  1  toft  and  7  acres  in  Birtley ;  the  lands  and  pastures  of  Qoleden  through  their  right  divisions  ; 

2  tofts  and  S  oxgangs  of  land  in  the  village  of  Chester-Hope;  2  tofts  and  30  acres  in  Barrasford ;  1  ploughs, 
land  in  Newttm  in  Coquetdale ;  6  acres,  2  tofts,  and  3^  acres  an  Little  Bavington ;  S  tofts,  2  oxgangs,  and  1-2 
acres  in  Gunnerton ;  1  acre  in  Chipchase ;  1  acre  in  the  field  of  West  Swinburne ;  the  land  of  Shilden,  by 
t^e  service  of  25^.  per  annum  (abbot  of  Newminster).  Carraw  Moor  (William,  king  of  Scots).  1  plough- 
land  in  Resheel;  1  toft  and  30  acres  in  Stonecroft;  6  tofts  and  1  plough-land  in  Thirl  wall;  1  plough-land 
in  Aldstone;  17  acres  in  Eachwick;  5  tofts,  JO  acres  of  land,  and  3  acres  of  meadow,  in  Thornton;  3  acres 
in  Benwell;  2  acres  in  Throckley ;  3  plough-lands  in  East  Matfen;  I  toft  and  2  oxgangs  of  land  in  Stan- 
nington;  1  toft  and  croft  and  42^  acres  of  land  in  Whalton ;  1  toft  and  2  plough-gates  in  Stamfordham ;  1 
toft  and  2  acres  of  land  in  Newbiggin ;  '4  oxgangs  of  land  in  Dalton ;  1  toft  and  8  acres  in  Pnidhoe. 

Messuages  and  Renis^^-The  entire  street  of  Cockshaw,  24  messuages  in  Priestpopple,  14  in  the  Market- 
place, and  l6  in  Hencotes,  all  in  the  town  of  Hexham.  A  rent  of  6  marks  in  Bingfield ;  two  messuages  in 
Settling-stones ;  a  rent  of  10^.  in  Whinetley ;  tithe4Ninis  in  Gunnerton  and  East  Swinburne ;  1  messuage  in 


S»f  TINDALE  WARP.-4S.  D. 

Scots,  SO  king  Edward  III.  1S46,  prevjoius  to  tbe  battle  at  ^evil's  Cross.  He,  and 
his  army,  consistuig  of  40,060  jonen^  halted  for  three  ddy«  at  this  town,  which  they: 
ba(}  eonstiituted  a  depot  for  stOfes  and  provisions.  GtMrbridge,  Durham,  and  Darlings 
ton,  were  used  for  the  same  purpose,  which  prevented  their  total  destruction. 

The  battle  of  Hexham  Levds  was  the  next  remarkaUle  event  connected  widi  the 
history  <^  this  place.  Hemy  VI.  his  queen,  Prinoe  Edwmd,  and  their  allies  the 
Frendi  noUes,  with  an  army  composed  of  Frendi,  Scotti^,  and  Northuml»ian  sol* 
diers,  under  the  command  of  the  Earl  of  Somerset,  were  ^icamped  near  the  Linnels, 
on  the  south  bank  of  the  Devil  Water.  The  Yorkists,  under  Lord  Montague,  hav- 
ing gained  the  battle  at  Hedgdey  Moor,  where  Sir  Ralph  Percgr  fell,  hastened  to  aU 
ta3c  the  main  body  of  the  Lancastrians  that  waited  here  to  give  him  battle.  The 
contest  took  place  on  May  14,  when  victoiy  dedared  tor  the  army  of  Edward. 
Henry  fled,  while  the  queen  and  the  young  prince  escaped  into  the  adjoining  forest, 
which  was  the  retreat  of  a  band  of  ruffians.    To  all  the  insults  of  such  men  the  un- 


Chipdiase;  a  rent  of  40tf.  4<i.  out  c^  8  messuages  in  Newcastle;  and  45#.  ^d.  from  15  mMaiia^M  in  €er- 
bridge;  a  rent  of  l6r.  4iL  in  WhkfieUI ;  8  messuages  in  Aidston ;  a  renft  of  ISf.  4tf.  in  die  miM  of  fil^iogton ; 
8«.  in  Tecket ;  Ss.  in  Aldsheeis ;  ISt.  %d.  in  Stockfield  (paying  out  of  the  same  Ibr  the  ward  of  tbe  casde  7l« 
^9er  annum) ;  another  rent  of  S#.  in  the  same  place;  l6f.  in  ThrocUey  ;  6  messuages  in  East  llatftn ;  a  reot 
4)f  is,  Sd,  in  Stannington ;  1  mark  out  of  tlie  •miU  at  Biinkley ;  i)#.  in  Aiplingtop ;  40«.  in  Sottton ;  5«.  6d. 
out  of  the  mill  at  Dalton ;  a  garden  in  East  Swinburne ;  and  ooro-mflls  in  Hambum  and  Newiniggin ;  AI« 
lerwash  and  the  nulls  called  Tyne  MiUs,  with  the  mill  race;  the  right  of  seat  or  i6th  in  all  the^  mills. 

Rigki  of  Ccmmcn.'^Common  of  pasture  for  d60  dbeep  in  Haydan ;  for  100  caftde  going  oult  of  Coleden,  iu 
Ounnerton  Moor,  as  well  when  the  hedges  were  up  as  when  all  was  open ;  for  3^  oausn  and  240  sheep  in 
ColweU ;  f<ff  15  cattle,  60  sheep,  and  S  horses,  in  Little  fiavington;  for  200  sheep  in  Slalegr,  and  for  900  in 
Le  Stele ;  common  of  pasture  in  Hethershalgh ;  common  of  pasture  for  24  oatde,  24  hoists  with  their  young, 
24  swine,  and  20  goats,  in  Thirlwall;  thepastuoeof  Friestdidc;  andaoommon  of  fMflbisefor  40  ewes  and 
their  lambs  in  Whakon. 

Homogef.— The  homage  of  John  de  Swinbum  and  iiis  heirs,  and  a  Dent  of  Is,  per  annum  for  bis  capital 
aneseuage  of  ^winbjiim  (Hugh  Balid).  Of  Nicholas  of  West  Swinbum,  and  the  servioe  of  ^.  per  annum  for 
4iie  idiantry  of  the  chapel  of  West  Swinbum.  Of  /ohn  de  Camhow,  for  die  land  and  toiements  he  h^  in 
liiltle  'Heaton  and  Cald-strother.  Of  Richard  de  ThiiiwaU,  and  a  rent  of  ar.  p0rannum>  for  the  lands  he 
-held  of  them  in  Tfairlwidl.  Of  Adam  de  >Whitlay,  and  4^.  annually  for  the  same.  Of  Thomas,  the  son  of 
•Richard,  the  son  c^  >Bricius  de  Thirlwall,  for  his  lands  there.  Also  of  John  de  NormoDville,  for  the  lands  of 
Stoddidd  and  Apperley,  by  the  service  of  18^.  8iL  per  annum.  Of  Rdbert  de  Riliil,  and  the  service  of  lOs, 
annual  rent,  and  S  writs  ^mnuuUy  at  the  prior's  court  against  suoh  as  reAise  to  do  suit  and  servioe.  .Of  Matthew 
de  Whitfield,  for  the  land  and  tenements  of  Whitfield  (the  gift  of  William,  king  of  Scots).  And>  lastly,  the 
homage  of  Rober  de  Throokley,  -for  the  lands  and  tenemanU  he  held  of  tham.  Two  fisb«ies,  Diiprntde 
and  ^ore,  on  the  river  Tyne. 

AtgAa  and  Primieges.-^The  tithe  of  ail  things,  whether  belonging  to  the  archbishop  or  to  <^er  fmrno^ 
within  the  liberty  of  Hextoldesham;  5o^e  and  Soken;  the  assiae'of  bread  and  beer;  that  their  secvanta 
ahould  bear  a  virge  on  their  making  distrcbses,  summonses,  and  attachments,  and  on  corxectiqg  offenoes  of 
die  tenanto  in  the  prior's  court  ( Iliomas,  archbishop  of  York).  The  tithe  of  all  animak  within  the  libeHy 
4»f  Hexham  (Thurstan).    And,  above  jdl,  die^priTilefe^of  aanotuary. 


HEXHAM  PARISH.  S93 

Spoil  afforded  liie  queen  an  opportanity  to  escape.  Nigbt  and  the  forest  shielded  her 
from  pursuit.  But  a  robber  soon  crossed  her  path,  Mrhen  Margaret,  assuming  an  air 
of  confidence  and  authority,  announced  her  rank,  and  entrusted  him  with  th^  defence 
of  hii^  prince.  The  outlaw  instantly  accepted  the  trupt  reposed  in  him,  and  conducted 
her  to  a  wretched  but  secure  asylum,  which  still  retains  the  name  of  the  ''  Queen's 
Cave,"  Shortly  afterwards,  the  queen  escaped  to  Scotland,  and  thence  to  France. 
The  Duke  of  Somerset  was  taken,  and  behasuled  at  Hexham,  where  he  was  buried.* 
The  French  lords  were  mostly  taken  at  Holy  Inland ;  and  the  fate  of  Sir  Kalph  Grey 
and  others,  who  still  held  out  for  the  house  of  Lancaster,  has  been  before  noticed. 
Those  who  escaped  from  the  battle  endured  the  most  accumulated  evils.  The  Duke 
of  Exeter  became  an  exile  in  Burgundy,  where  he  was  seen  bare*legged,  begging  his 
bread  for  God's  sake.  Three  of  Henry's  attendants  were  made  prisoners  at  the  battle. 
The  ftimiture  of  their  horses  were  of  blue  velvet ;  and  upon  one  of  thetn  was  found 
the  high  cap  of  state  called  Abaeot,  adorned  with  two  nch  crowns,  which  was  pre- 
sented to  the  victorious  Edward  at  York, 

After  the  Reformation,  the  inhabitants  of  Hexham  continued  firmly  attached  to 
the  ancient  fidth ;.  and  the  surrenders  which  were  extorted  from  the  monastries  which 
still  stood  inviolate,  excited  the  popular  indignation.  Those  under  24  years  of  age 
at  Hexham  were  turned  out,  and  the  elder  brethren  were  allowed  40^.  a  year,  and  a 
gown.  At  length,  **in  the  autumn  of  19S6,  a  general  insurrection  broke  out  in  Lan- 
cashire, Cumberland,  Westmoreland,  Durham,  Richmondshire,  and  Craven,  under 
the  conduct  of  Robert  Aske,  a  gentleman  of  ancient  family  and  large  estate  in  York* 
shire.  The  rebels  were  joined  by  Lord  Scroop  of  Bolton,  Lord  Latimer,  Sir  G^rge 
Lumley,  Sir  Thomas  Percy,  and  Sir  John  Bulmer.  After  reinstating  the  monks  of 
Hexham  and  other  dissolved  houses,  the  chief  power  of  the  rebels  marched  southward, 
preceded  by  some  of  the  wandering  priests  with  crosses,  and  displaying  on  their  ban- 
ners the  crucifix,  the  five  wounds  of  the  Saviour,  and  the  dialice.  They  styled  their 
enterprize  The  PUgrimage  cf  Grace^  and  professed  its  object  to  be  the  preservation  of 
the  king's  person,  the  purifying  of  the  nobility,  and  expulsing  aU  villain  blood  and 
evil  counsellors,  tiie  restitution  of  the  diurdi,  and  the  suppression  of  heretics  and 
their  opinions.  After  reducing  York  and  Hull,  and  being  baffled  before  Scarborough 
by  Sir  R^lph  Eure,  who  deluded  the  castle  for  twenty  days  with  only  his  own 
household  servants,  the  main  body  of  the  insurgents  were  dispersed  at  Doncaster,  by 
the  policy  of  the  J>uke  of  Norfolk,  who  offeiid  the  king's  free  pardon  to  all  who 
would  immediately  ^sband  and  return  home.  But  the  flame  was  repressed,  not  ex* 
tinguished ;  *  the  clergy  of  the  north  hi  general  wholly  opposing  the  king^s  reforma- 
tion, kept  the  rebellion  still  on  foot,  though  outwardly  smothered  for  a  while.'  And 
to  this  powerful  influence  was  added  another  very  prevalent  motive,  a  distrust  of  the 
king's  intentions,  and  a  dread  of  severe  punishment  for  the  late  transactions.  In  the 
following  year,  several  of  the  leaders  or  partizans  of  the  former  insurrection  broke  out 
into  partial  and  ill'-combined  acts  of  rebellion,  which  termmated  in  the  severe  punish« 
ment  of  the  principal  offenders,  and  the  complete  establishment  of  the  king's  autho* 

*  A  stone  coffin  was  lately  fbttnd  near  die  ahar  in  libe  OU  Schoei,  vthUk  conHmed  a  compkte  human  ake^ 
leton  except  the  head,  and  also  the  skeletons  of  two  birds,  supposed  to  he  dovvs*  Some  oenjecture  this  to  be 
the  tomb  of  Somerset^  and  others  of  the  last  prior ;  bat  the  prior  wa^  not  decapitated^ 


s. 


294  TINDALE  WARD.— S,  D. 

rity .**♦  A'ske,  the  leader,  was  executed  at  York ;  Sir  George  Lumley  and  Sir  Thomas 
Percy  suffered  at  Tyburn;  Sir  John  Bulmer  soon  after,  and  Lady  Bulmer  was 
burned  for  rebellion  in  Smitfafidd.  Jay,  the  prior  of  Hexham,  was  dialed  from  his 
monastry,  and  hanged  at  its  gate.t 

According  to  Sir  Ralph  Sadler,  the  people  of  the  north  were  "  i^orant,  full  of  su- 
perstition; and  altogether  blinded  with  th'  olde  Popish  doctrine."  From  his  remarks, 
It  is  vefy  probable  that  the  men  of  Hexham  joinra  those  of  Tindale  and  Redesdale 
in  the  rebdlion  of  15699  headed  by  Hie  Earls  of  Northumberland  and  Westmoreland. 
During  the  civil  wars,  they  were  staunch  cavillers ;  and  their  attachment  to  the  house 
of  Stuart  was  conspicuous,  both  in  the  years  1715  and  1745.  At  the  latter  period. 
General  Wade  encamped  at  Kingshaw  Green,  to  repress  the  efforts  of  the  discon* 
tented,  and  to  improve  the  communication  between  Newcastle  and  Carlisle. 

The  dreadful  commotion  called  Hexham  Riot  took  place  here  on  the  9th  of  March, 
1761 9  in  consequence  of  the  newly-established  oMiscription  for  the  militia.  At  this 
time,  the  militia  in  the  northern  counties  had  served  the  term  of  three  years  prescribed 
by  law,  so  that  it  became  necessary  to  ballot  for  a  succession  of  men,  and  the  magis- 
trates met  at  Hexham  for  that  purpose.  The  people,  particularly  a  large  body  of 
miners,  being  determined  to  expose  this  regulation,  as  an  insuperable  grievance,  as- 
sembled, to  the  number  of  5000  of  both  sexes,'  and  of  dU  ages,  some  of  them  armed 
wiUi  clubs,  and  some  with  fire-arms.  The  magistrates,  apprehensive  of  some  such 
disorder,  had  procured  the  North  York  militia  for  their  guard,  and  these  were  drawn 
up  in  the  Market-place.  The  populace,  provoked  at  the  appearance  of  the  soldiery, 
insulted  them  with  reproaches,  missiles,  and  even  with  blows,  which  for  some  time 
they  sustained  with  all  the  temperance  of  perfect  discipline.  The  riot-act  was  read, 
and  the  people  were  exhorted  to  retire  to  their  respective  habitations.  Encouraged 
by  the  forbearance  of  the  militia,  and  possessed  with  a  notion  that  they  would  not 
commit  hostilities,  they  proceeded  from  one  outrage  to  another ;  assaulted  them  as 
they  stood  arranged  \\\  order  of  battle ;  seized  the  weapons  of  the  soldiers ;  and  vdth 
fire-arms  killed  an  officer  (Mr.  Joseph  Hart,  of  Darlington)  atJthe  head  of  his  com-> 
pany,  -while  remonstrating  with  the  most  infuriated.  A  private  was  also  shot  at  the 
same  instant.  The  reluctant  magistrates  now  gave  an  order  to  fire,  when  the  exas- 
perated soldiers  poured  in  upon  the  crowd  a  regular  discharge,  by  which  45  of  the 
populace  were  killed  upon  the  spot,  and  300  desperately  wounded.  The  survivors 
immediately  fled,  but  some  dropped  down  in  the  retreat  Many  women  and  chil- 
dren suffered  in  the  undistinguished  vengeance  of  the  day.  But  this  severe  and  hor- 
rific exertion  of  power  was  deemed  insufficient.  The  country  was  placed  under 
military  law,  and  dragoons  galloped  in  every  direction,  carr3dng  terror  wherever  they 

m 

*  See  the  authorities  for  this  account  in  Surtees'  Durham,  vol.  i.  p.  Ixviii.  et  seq. 

t  Henry  VIII.  in  his  career  of  oppression  and  avarice,  seized  the  chantries,  free  chapels,  hospitals,  and 
guilds,  which  he  settled  on  the  crown.  The  rights  of  the  poor  were  totally  disregarded  in  this  work  of  de- 
struction, for  whose  support  the  granaries  and  kitchens  of  the  monastries  were  open  in  seasons  of  dearth. 
The  auppression  of  1 10  hospitals  for  the  aick  and  poor,  and  which  formed  part  of  this  reformation,  is  much 
to  be  lamented;  and  alsorthe  suppresdon  of  the  chantries,  which  served  as  chapels  of  ease  in  the  extended 
parishes  of  the  north. 


HEXHAM  PARISH.  ^5 

appeared.  Several  of  the  rioters  were  apprehended;  and  one  man,  named  Peter 
Fatterson,  was  hanged  at  Morpeth  after  the  assize  of  1761.  During  the  execution 
the  rope  broke»  when  poor  Peter  exdaimed,  **  Innocent  blood  is  ill  to  shed."  This 
dreadful  tragedy  will  be  long  remembered  by  the  inhabitants  of  Hexham. 

The  manor  of  Hexham  was  transferred  to  the  crown,  86  Henry  VIII.  by  the  arch- 
bishop of  York,  in  exchange  for  other  abbey  lands;  the  prelate  retaining  nothing 
but  episcopal  jurisdiction,  it  was  sold  by  the  crown  (21st  Elizabeth)  to  Sir  John 
Forster,  K.  B.  Lord  Warden  of  the  Middle  Marches.  In  the  43d  year  of  the  same 
reign/  it  devolved  to  his  son.  Sir  John  F^tiwiok,  knight,  who  purchased  from  the 
Camabies  the  impropriation  of  the  abbey.  His  grandson.  Sir  John  Fen  wick,  Bart,  sold 
it  to  Sir  William  Blackett,  of  Newcastle,  in  the  reign  of  William  III.  It  afterwards 
descended  to  Sir  Walter  Calverley  Blackett,  Bart,  and  then  to  Thomas  Richard  Beau- 
mont, Esq.  and  Diana  his  wife,  being  ^itailed  on  her  offspring.*  T.  R.  Beaumont 
was  representative  for  Northumberland  in  four  successive  parliaments.  •  Thomas 
Wentworth  Beaumont,  Esq.  of  Bradley  Hall,  county  of  York,  son  of  the  lady  of  the 
manor,  has  succeeded  to  the  estates ;  but  the  manorial  rights  remain  in  T.  R.  Beau- 
mont, Esq.  and  Diana,  his  wife.  T.  W.  Beaumont,  Esq.  is  one  of  the  representatives 
in  parliament  for  the  county. 

.  Hexham  Bridge. — ^The  want  of  a  bridge  across  the  Ty ne  was  long  and  severely 
felt  by  the  inhabitants  of  Hexham.  On  the  15th  of  October,  1767»  the  foundation 
stone  of  a  bridge  was  laid  by  Sir  W.  C.  Blackett,  Bart.  It  consisted  of  seven  arches, 
and  was  built  nearly  opposite  to  the  gate  of  the  'Spital ;  but,  in  the  great  flood  of 
1771,  it  was  swept  away,  the  arches  bSng  too  low.  Sir  W.  C.  Blackett,  rather  than 
attempt  to  rebuild  the  bridge,  forfeited  his  bond  of  £  3000,  generously  giving  up  the 
penalty  in  which  the  workmen  were  bound  to  him.  In  1774,  a  second  bridge  was 
attempted  50  yards  westward  of  the  first  bridge ;  but  the  project  was  soon  abandoned, 
on  discovering  q^uicksands  beneath  the  gravd  on  both  ^des.  Mr.  Smeaton's  bridge, 
in  1777,  was  Duilt  on  Batters  d'eaux  and  caissons.  The  piers  were  washed  away  by 
a  flood  in  1778 ;  but,  being  rebuilt,  the  structure  was"  finished  in  1781.  It  consisted 
of  nine  arches ;  but,  during  a  flood  and  hurricane,  March  10,  1782,  the  whole  was 
demolished.  Notwithstanding  all  these  misfortunes,  a  fourth  attempt  was  made  to 
build  a  bridge,  under  the  direction  of .  Mr.  Mylne.  It  stands  about  a  quarter  of  a 
mile  distant  from  Hexham,  and  is  a  beautiful  erection,  consisting  of  nine  main  arches, 
and  three  smaller  ones  on  the  south  side,  which  serve  as  relics  in  the  case  of  very 
high  waters. 

The  four  townships  that  form  the  extensive  parish  of  Hexham,  and  the  country 
district  included  in  the  division  in  which  the  town  is  situated,  do  not  offer  much  de- 
serving of  notice.  The  buildings  in  this  parish  consist  generally  of  detached  farm- 
steads and  cottages;  the  surface,  as  before  observed,  presenting  a  great  variety  of 
aspect.  Many  parts,  particularly  towards  the  sources  of  the  Derwent,  are  bleak,  bar- 
ren, and  uncomfortable. 

The  *Spit4df  an  elegant,  handsome  house,  erected  by  James  Gibson  Kirsopp,  Esq. 
stands  upon  an  elevated  ground  about  500  yards  west  from  Hexham,  and  150  yards 

*  See  the  pedigree  of  this  fuoSiy,  page  l67  cf  this  volume. 


296  TINDALE  WABD.— S.  D 

aauth  from  the  Tyne,  It  commands  a  fine  prospect  up  the  vales  of  both  the  Tyi 
and  about  10  miles  below  their  confluence.  The  park  is  broken  by  natm'e  into  a  va- 
riety  of  picturesque  forms,  and  is  happily  ornamented  by  dumps  of  trees*  This  ele- 
gant mansion  is  erected  <m  the  scite  of  St,  Giles'  Hospital.* 

West  from  the  'Spital  the  summits  of  the  south  banks  of  the  Tyne  fonn  a  most 
ddightful  walk,  which  is  much  frequented.  The  view  from-  the  ^priesfs  seat,*'  over 
the  silent  dell  of  Warden,  up  the  spreading  arms  of  the  riVers,  and  down  ^tie  majestic 
fulness  of  their  united  force,  is  extremely  varied  and  beautiful.f 

WkMey  is  situated  about  4  mJles  south  from  Hexham,  near  the  Devil's  Water,  and 
a  short  distance  east  from  the  village  c^  D(dbm.    It  consists  of  one  farmhold,  one 

EuWc  house,  and  two  or  three  cottages.  The  chapel  is  dedicated  to  St.  Helen,  and 
elratgs  to  the  church  of  Hexham.  There  had  been  a  little  chapel  here  in  old  times, 
which  bdng  entirely  ruined,  was  rebuilt  by  subscription  some  time  before  the  restora- 
tion,  to  teach  school,  and  the  neighbourhood  to  meet  in  upon  occasion^  as  is  set  forth 
in  the  preamble  to  the  said  subscriptions,  whidi  having  no  date,  the  precise  time 
cannot  now  be  remembered.  The  nrst  two  who  subscribed  -to  the  same  were,  the 
right  worshipful  Sir  Edward  RatcUff  and  Sir  John  Fenwidk,  Barts.  ''  In  the  year 
1694,  the  Quakers,  from  distant  parts,  meeting  at  the  chapel-hill,  and  great  numbers 
from  curiosity  resorting  to  them,  the  said  diapel  was  made  fit,  and  appropriated  to 
divine  service,  and  the  minister  cf  SMey  officiated  there  every  other  Sunday,  which 
proved  effectual  to  defeat  their  designs.  But  the  said  chapel  being  very  mean,  and 
not  sufficient  to  contain  half  the  people  who  resorted  thither  to  divine  service,  in  the 
year  following  (1695)  there  was  an  augmentation  made  thereunto  by  subscription.'' 
In  the  year  1662,  Sir  William  Fen  wide,  of  WalKngton,  Bart,  did  subscribe  three 
pounds  a  year  (on  the  back  of  the  said  preamble)  out  of  the  intack  rents  or  acre* 
money,  for  the  use  of  the  schoolmaster,  T^he  country  which  lies  on  the  south  and 
west  of  this  place  is  thinly  peopled,  arid  has  a  bleak  and  barren  aspect.  Thene  is  a 
school  in  this  chapfeli^,  attendea  by  about  to  children.  Newhiggin,  near  Grunridge 
Bum,  formerly  the  seat  and  property  of  a  branch  of  the  family  of  Surtees,  is  now  tne 

*  This  hospital  for  leprous  persons  was  fbonded  by  the  archbuliop  of  York.  At  the  dissolation,  its  reve-> 
nues  amounted  to  £4  per  arnium.  A  wooden  imi^  of  St.  Giles  was  found,  it  is  said,  among  the  lumber  of 
the  Old  House  at  the  'Spital,  and  that  the  servants^  not  knowing  its  value^  made  a  Yule  chg  of  it;  but  this 
relie  of  antiquity  was  kaf^ily  preseryed.      r  ' 

f  John  Bate,  who  was  prior  of  the  monastry  of  Carmelites  at  York,  in  the  15th  century,  t^as  bom  some- 
where  in  this  parish.  He  was  sent  to  Oxford  by  the  ftvour.  of  some  persons  who  admired  his  profidoicy  in 
the  liberal  arts,  and  who  warmly  patronized  him.  He  took  the  degree  of  D.  D.  at  Oxford,  and  became  very 
eminent  as  a  philosopher  and  divine.  He  was  remarkably  well  skilled  in  Greek,  and  discharged  the  duties 
of  prior  with  prudence  and  success.  He  died  January  S6,  1429,  and  is  allowed,  even  by  B<de»  who  oor« 
demns  his  writings,  to  have  been  a  learned  man.  His  writings,  as  enumerated  by  Leland,  Baie,  and  PittSj 
consist  of  the  following  treatises: — 1.  On  the  Construction  of  the  Parts  of  Speech^  2.  On  I\)rphyry's  Uni- 
versalia,  S.  On  Aristotle's  Predicaments,  .  4.  On  Poretanus's  Six  Principles.  5.  Questions  conoeming  the 
Soul,  fl.  Of  the  Aasumption  of  the  Virgin,  7.  An  Introduction  to  the  Sentencies.  S.  The  Praise  of  liivi* 
nity,  9,  A  Compendium  of  Logic.  10.  An  Address  to  the  Clergy  of  Oxfbrd.  11.  Synodical  Conferences. 
12.  Determinations  on  several  Questions,  id,  A  Course  of  Sermons  for  the  whole  Year,  14,  A  Pl^face  to 
the  Bible,— ^<;«  Btc^.  J7ri^ 


ST.  JOHN  LEE  PARISH.  297 

property  qf  Mr.  Leonard  Wilson,  of  Newcastle.  iMland,  south-west  t)f  Newbiggin, 
was  formerly  a  town ;  and  Ordley,  on  the  west  bank  of  the  Devil  Water,  is  in  166S 
called  *^  a  large  towne."  This  parish  contains  a  great  number  of  proprietors ;  but  a 
considerable  part  belongs  to  Greenwich  HospitaL 

ST.  JOHN  LEE  PARISH. 

This  parish,  including  the  chai)elries  of  St.  Oswald  and  Bingfield,  is  bounded  on 
the  nortn  by  the  parish  of  Thockrington,  on  the  west  by  those  of  Chollerton,  Simon- 
bum,  and  Warden,  on  the  south  by  Hexham  parish,  and  on  the  east  by  the  parishes 
of  Stamfordham,  Halton,  and  Corbridge*  It  extends  la  length  from  north  to  south 
above  7  miles,  and  in  breadth  from  east  to  west  about  4  miles.  It  is  well  watered  by 
the  T3nfie  and  its  northern  branch,  the  soil  is  generally  rich,  and  the  surface  varied 
and  beautiful.  It  abounds  with  those  invaluame  minerals,  coal  and  lead.  In  1821, 
it  contained  S90  houses  and  1952  inhabitants.  The  poor-rates,  in  the  same  year, 
amounted  to  £797,  12«*  There  are  four  schools  in  this  parish,  in  which  154  children 
are  instructed.  There  is  also  a  Sunday-school  at  Acomb,  attended  by  75  children ; 
and  another  at  Wall,  in  which,  on  an  average,  above  40  receive  instruction.  Thomas 
Errington,  of  Bingfield  Hall,  gent,  bequeatned  £10  a  year  for  and  towards  the  keep- 
ing of  a  free-schom,  to  be  paid  out  of  nis  lands  called  the  East  Quarter;  and  £5  a 
year  to  the  poor  of  the  parish  of  St.  John  Lee,  to  be  paid  out  of  hi§  estate  at  Bing- 
field. Robert  Andrews,  by  will,  dated  1764,  left  a  dear  rent-charge  of  £  1  per  annum 
to  the  poor  of  St  John  I^ee,  and  10*.  yearly  to  the  poor  of  Bingfield, 

St.  John  Lee  churchy  which  is  dedicated  to  St.  John  of  Beverley,  is  picturesquely 
seated  on  a  fine  eminence  on  the  north  side  of  the  T}me,  above  a  mile  distant  from 
Hexham.  This  sacred  place  was  so  highly  venerated,  as  to  be  annually  visited  by 
the  monks  of  Hexham  m  high  procession.  The  church  has  been  lately  repaired  ;* 
but  it  is  still  a  most  wretched  bunding,  and  has  more  the  appearance  of  an  old  barn 
than  of  a  place  of  worship.    The  living  is  of  the  certified  value  of  £6,  IS*.  4^, 

West  Acomb  is  a  long  straggling  village,  seated  a  short  distance  north  from  the 
church  of  St.  John  Lee,  and  is  mostly  mhabited  by  agricultural  labourers.  It  contains 
one  public  house,  and,  with  the  adjoining  land[s,  is  mostly  the  property  of  Simon 
Mewbum,  -Esq.  Mr.  Stokoe  has  also  a  pleasant  residence  here,  which  he  has  much 
enlarged  and  improved.  At  a  little  distance  south,  and  near  the  north  end  of  Hexham 
bridge,  there  is  an  extensive  brewery  and  maltings,  conducted  on  an  extensive  scale 
by  Messrs.  Donkin  and  Co. 

J7te  Hermitage,  where  nature  and  art  have  united  their  efibrts  to  charm,  is  seated 
near  the  Tyne,  at  the  foot  of  the  eminence  upon  which  the  church  is  built.  It  for- 
merly belonged  to  the  priory  of  Hexham,  and  was  called  Hameshalg,  i;  e.  the  hamlet 
in  the  HaJg,  haugh,  or  vale.  It  was  surrounded  with  wood,  and  was  probably  the 
favourite  anchorit^  of  St.  John  pf  Beverley,    On  the  dissolution  of  the  monastry 

*  Amongst  Ae  late  tmpravemenU,  n  itew  fi>nt  has  l^n  substitated  for  the  ancient  finely  ornamented  one, 
which,  it  is  said,  is  now  amverted  into  a  tnMs  trough  at  Hexham. 

VOL.  II.  4  F 


298  TINDALE  WARD.— S.  D. 

of  Hexham,  it  came  to  the  crown,  and  was  not  granted  away  10  queen  Elizabeth. 
It  was  in  the  possession  of  John  Coatsworth,  Esq.  in  1724,  then  high  sheriff  of 
Northumberland,  on  whose  death  it  descended  to  his  eldest  son,  Edward^  who,  dying 
some  years  after,  left  it  by  will  to  his  brother  Midiael  and  his  heirs,  and  failing  them 
to  Dr.  Jufin  and  his  heirs.  Michael  dying  without  heirs  in  1754,  it  came  to  James 
Jurin,  Esq.  son  and  heir  of  Dr.  James  Jurin.*  He  was  educated  at  Trinity  College, 
Cambridge,  and,  in  the  latter  end  of  the  year  1756,  was  chosen  fellow  of  the  Royal 
Society.  In  September,  1757,  he  married  the  daughter  oi  John  Simpson,  Esq.  and 
alderman  of  Newcastle  upon  Tyne,  whose  mother  was  one  of  the  daughters  and  co- 
heirs of  the  ancient  family  of  the  Andersons,  merchants  of,  and  representatives  in 
parliament  for  that  corporation,  from  the  7th  of  king  Edward  VI.  1559^3,  to  the  16th 
of  king  Charles  I.  1640 ;  two  of  whom,  Sir  Henry  and  Sir  Francis,  were  knights : 
theu'  country  seat  was  at  Bradley,  in  the  bishopric  of  Durham.  Mr.  Jurin  died  in 
July,  1762.  The  Hermitage  was  lately  the  seat  of  John  Hunter,  Esq.  who  was  high 
sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  the  year  1806.  He  died  September  21, 1821,  and  left 
two  daughters,  one  of  whom  married  R.  L.  AUgood,  Esq.  of  Nimwick,  and  the  othar 
Colonel  Brooksbank,  who  resides  here. 

The  front  of  the  Hermitage  was  built  by  Mr.  Coatsworth,  of  white  freestone 
and  hewn-work;  the  back-part  and  the  offices  by  Mr.  Jurin,  to  whom  the  place 
is  much  indebted  for  its  present  handsome  appearance.  To  the  east  of  the  bouse 
is  a  small  but  neat  garden,  sheltered  by  a  dump  of  tall  forest  trees.  Before  it  is  a 
grass  lawn,  adorned  with  small  clumps  of  flourishmg  trees,  and  extending  to  a  terraced 
road  by  the  margin  of  the  trout-streams  of  the  river  Tyne.  To  the  north-west  is  a 
small  pendant  copse,  or  natural  grove,  through  which  is  a  terrace-walk,  and  at  the  top 
of  it  a  seat  to  rest  on.  Here  ute  melody  and  harmony  of  the  birds,  the  whistling 
winds  through  the  trees,  the  voice  of  falling  waters,  and  the  sight  of  the  town  of 

» 

*  Dr.  James  Jurin  was  bom  in  1684^  and  educated  in  Trinity  College,  Cambridge^  of  which  he  was  a  feU 
low  in  1711.  He  was  afterwards  well  known  in  London  as  an  eminent  physician;  was  physician  to 'Guy's 
Hospital ;  and  was^  during  several  years,  an  active  member  and  secretary  of  the  Royal  Society,  and,  at  the 
time  of  his  death  in  17^0^  president  of  the  college  of  physicians.  He  distmgutshed  himself  by  a  series  of 
ingenious  essays,  published  in  the  PhOosophicai  Transactions  in  17UB,  1719,  &c.  and  afterwards  printed  col- 
lectively in  17 Sit,  under  the  title  of  '' Physico-MathematicBl  Dissertations,"  in  which. mathematical  science 
was  4ippUed  with  considerable  acuteness  to  physiological  sulijects.  These  papers  involved  him  in  several 
controversies,  first  with  Keill,  and  next  with  Seaaac,  but  which  he  conducted  with  great  temper  and  courtesy. 
To  Smith's  System  of  Optics,  published  in  1738,  Jurin  added  "An  Essay  upon  distinct  and  indistinct  Vision," 
which  was  criticised  by  Robins,  to  whom  he  wrote  a  reply.  He  had  likewise  controversies  with  Michelotd 
respecting  the  force  of  running  water,  and  with  the  philosophers  of  the  school  of  Leibnitz  on  living  forces. 
He  communicated  to  the  Royal  Society  some  experiments  made  with  a  view  to  determine  the  specific  gravity 
of  the  human  blood,  and  he  contributed  much  to  the  improvement  of  their  meteorological  observations.  He 
was  a  warm  partisan  and  an  active  defender  of  the  practice  of  inoculation.  Jurin's  edition  of  Varenius's  Geo- 
graphy, 2  vols.  8vo.  1712,  published  at  the  request  of  Sir  Isaac  Newton  and  Dr.  Bentley,  is  well  known.  In 
*'  The  Works  of  the  Learned,"  for  1787 — 8 — 9,  he  carried  on  a  controversy  with  Dr.  Pemberton,  in  defence  of 
Newton,  and  signed  his  papers  *'  Philalethes  Cantabrigiensis."  He  is  styled  by  Voltaire,  in  the  Journal  de 
Scavans,  the  famous  Jurin.  He  died  22d  March,  1749-50,  in  the  06th  year  of  his  ^e. — Nicholas  Bowifer. 
Ree^  Cyclop. 


ST.  JOHN  LEE  PABISH.  899 

Hexham,  and  of  tihat  v^ieraUe  dome,  the  church  of  St  Andrew,  combine  to  form  a 
most  beautiful  scene. 

Anicx  is  a  feasant  little  village,  one  mile  east  of  the  church,  and  belongs  to  dif- 
ferent  proprietors.  Twelve  pow  boys  are  educated  at  the  school,  at  the  expence  of 
R.  L.  AUgood,  Esq. ;  and  Mrs.  Allgood  pays  for  six  poor  girls.  John  Enington, 
Esq.  is  abo  a  liberal  benefactor  Mrs.  Newton  possesses  and  inhabits  a  handsome 
new  house  here ;  and  Mr.  Chicken  resides  upon  his  own  farm.  The  adjoining  town- 
ship of  Anick  Grange  is  the  property  of  T.  W.  Beaumont,  Esq.  To  this  manor  a 
Court-Baron  is  attached.  It  is  occupied  by  Mr.  John  Harbottle.  Annual  races  are 
run  on  Anick  Grange  Haugh. 

Beanfirmit  stands  m  a  commanding,  yet  sheltered  situation,  the  ground  rising  gen- 
tly from  the  Tyne.  This  elegant  mansion,  viewed  either  from  Hexham  ox  Corbridge, 
has  a  noble  appearance,  from  the  great  length  of  the  fronts  and  the  number  of  win- 
dows. The  gardens  are  extensive ;  and  it  was  stated,  in  the  objections  to  the  New- 
castle Canal  bill,  that  the  present  owner  had  expended  more  than  £20,000  in 
improving  the  gardens,  fruit-walls,  hot-house,  plantations,  and  walks.  The  lawn  in 
front  of  the  house  is  an  exceedingly  fine  plot  of  ground.  In  the  centre  of  an  adjoin- 
ing grove  is  a  seat,  in  front  of  which  are  lOur  small  openings.  Looking  through  one 
of  these  on  the  left,  the  mansion-house  c^pens  on  the  view ;  turning  the  eye  towards 
the  next,  the  diurch  and  bridge  of  Corbridge  are  discovered ;  while  the  front  offers  a 
dear  iminterrupted  view  of  Dilston  Hall ;  and,  from  the  opening  on  the  right,  Hex- 
ham, with  its  antique  church  and  towers,  opens  on  the  view.  At  a  little  distance 
north  from  the  gardens  is  a  Catholic  chapel,  now  disused. 

Beaufront  was  the  seat  of  David  Camaby,  Esq.  10  queen  Elizabeth ;  and  after- 
wards of  the  Ernngtons,  of  the  ancient  house  of  Errington,  by  ErringBum,  on  the 
north  side  of  the  Roman  Wall,  from  which  the  name  is  derived.  Their  ancestor, 
William  de  Errington,  was  high  sherifP  of  Northumberland,  47  king  Edward  III. 
Another  of  the  family.  Sir  Thomas  de  Errington,  was  one  of  the  conservators  of  the 
Borders,  12  king  Henry  VI.  Sir  Gilbert  de  Errington,  knt.  was  of  the  party  of  king 
Edward  IV.  against  the  house  of  Lffiicaster;  by  whom,  and.  Sir  John  Manners,  of 
EtaB,  at  the  head  of  400  men,  queen  Margaret  of  Anjou  was  hindered  from  landing 
with  her  company  at  Bambrough,  and  forced  to  take  shelter  at  Berwick  upon  Tweed! 
Nicholas  de  Errington  died  possessed  of  Errington  in  the  beginning  of  the  reign  of 
queen  Elizabeth.*  It  is  now  the  seat  and  manor  of  John  Errington,  Esq.  called  by 
the  country  people  The  Chief  of  Beaufrcnt  This  gentleman,  having  made  the  grand 
tour,  has  preserved  his  court  dresses,  comprizing  the  costumes  of  all  the  Eurc^ean 
nations,  and  which  are  shewn  to  curious  strangers.  He  is  at  once  remarkable  for  his 
eccentricities,  his  hospitality,  and  his  charity. 

Sandhoe. — ^This  degant  mansion-house  adjoins  the  grounds  of  Beaufront  on  the 
east    It  was  the  seat  and  property  of  the  late  Henry  Errington,  Esq.  a  younger  bro- 

*  lOih  Elkabetfa,  1568,  the  heirs  of  Nicholas  Errington  held  Erringtcm,  Cockley,  Fallow-field,  Kfeepwicfa, 
Whamley,  Whamley  Hall  and  lands  in  Hexham,  StonecKift,  Prior  House,  Hill  House,  Natredale,  Haw- 
plow-field,  et  umbra. 


/ 


300  TINDALE  WARD.— S-  D. 


ther  of  Mr.  Errington,  of  Beaufront,  who  married  the  aooomplished  Lady  Broughton. 
•Dying  without  issue,  he  left  his  valuable  estates,  and,  it  is  said,  £  140,000  in  cash,  to  • 
William  Thomas,  son  of  Sir  Thomas  Stanley,  Bart  of  Hooton,  coimty  of  ChesUre, 
and  of  his  grand*niece,  Mary,  only  daughter  of  Sir  Camaby  Haggerston,  Bart.  Sand- 
hoe  House  is  at  present  oceunied  by  Edward  Charlton,  Esq.  The  garden  and  pleasure^ 
grounds  are  very  neat,  and  Kept  in  excellent  order.  A  very  short  distance  north  of 
this  mansion  stands  a  handsome  house,  belonging  to  Henry  Tulip,  Esq.  and  occupied 
by  William  Donkin,  Esq. 

Stagshaw  Close  House  is  delightfully  seated  on  the  east  of  Sandhoe ;  and,  with  the 
mansions  and  pleasure-OTounds  before  mentioned,  imparts  an  extremely  rich  and  va- 
ried aspect  to  the  north  banks  of  the.  Tyne  in  this  parish.  This  was  the  residence 
and  property  of  Geoi^e  Gibson,  Esq.  but  was  lately  purchased  by  the  Rev.  John 
Thompson,  vicar  of  Warden.  The  house  has  just  undergone  many  taste^l  altera- 
tions and  improvements,  under  the  direction  of  his  son,  the  Rev.  Francis  Thompson, 
who  intends  to  occupy  it.  On  the  adjoining  common,  called  Stagshaw  Bant,  2  miles 
north-west  from  Corbridge,  and  S  miles  north-^ast  from  Hexham,  are  hdid  two  of 
the  largest  fairs  in  England :  one  on  the  4th  of  July,  when  upwards  of  100,000  sheep 
are  usually  shewn,  principally  of  the  black-faced  heath  land,  which  mostly  come  from 
the  south-west  of  Scotlimd.  There  are  also  a  great  number  of  cattle,  horses,  and 
swine ;  and  various  articles  of  merchandize.  The  other  fair  is  held  on  Whitsun-eve, 
for  cattle,  sheep,  horses,  &c, 

PoRTGATE  lies  nearly  2  miles  north  frx>m  Sandhoe,  and  not  far  from  the  17th  mile- 
stone. It  is  so  called  from  its  affording  a  passage  through  the  WalL  Here  the  two 
Roman  roads  into  the  north  separated.  On  the  adjoining  hill  is  a  hamlet  which  takes 
its  name,  and  was  in  the  possession  of  Odonell  de  Camaoy,  10  queen  Elizabeth.  It 
is  now  the  property  of  the  heir  of  Henry  Errington,  Esq.*  into  whose  possession  it 
came  on  the  death  of  his  unde,  William  Errin^on,  Esq.  At  this  place  the  very 
foundations  of  the  Roman  Wall  and  fosse  have  been  digged  up,  ploughed,  and  sowed 
with  com. 

St.  Oswald. — ^This  celebrated  place  lies  north  of  the  military  road,  above  9  miles 
west  from  Portgate,  and  4^  miles  north  from  Hexham.  The  chapel,  which  bears  the 
name  of  the  royal  saint,  stands  In  a  bold  situation,  and  which  is  considered  to  be  the 
very  spot  where  king  Oswald  first  raised  the  standard  of  the  Cross,  and  overcame  the 
warlike  British  chief  Cadwallon.*  In  commemoration  of  this  event,  the  convent  of 
Hexham  erected  the  church  in  honour  of  St.  Cuthbert  and  the  canonized  monarch. 
Bede  informs  us,  that  "  it  was  a  custom  continued  a  good  while  before  his  time^  for 
the  monks  of  Hagulstad,  who  lived  near  that  place,  to  go  thither  every  year  on  the 
day  before  that  of  his  death,  and  there  to  say  vigils  for  the  health  of  his  soul,  and  the 
morning  after  to  offer  the  sacrifice  of  the  holy  oblation  with  lauds  for  him,**  A  large 
silver  coin  of  St.  Oswald  was  found  on  repairing  the  chapel.  His  head  is  represented 
on  one  side,  sceptred,  and  the  cross  on  the  other.  It  was  for  a  long  time  used  by  the 
convent  at  Durham  as  their  common  seal,  in  honour  of  him.    There  is  a  good  print 

*  See  vol.  i.  page  S6.    The  precise  ipot  where  this  decisive  battle  was  fought  has  been  much  disputed  i 
nor  is  it  surprising  that  a  matter  of  such  anti<}uit]r  should  be  involved  in  some  degree  of  ob8Curit7% 


dT.  JOHN  LEE  PARISH.  801 

of  it  in  the  appendix  of  the  learned  Dr.  Smith's  edition  of  Bede's  Church  Historjr. 
There  are  many  ancient  charters  in  the  chuidi  of  Durham,  with  seals,  bearing  hia 
head  and  thi«  inscription,  "  CAPtrt  sakcti  Oswald  rbgis,"  oil  one  aide ;  and  his 
cross,  and  '*  stGiLLtTM  cuDBERfK  pRiBSULia  SCI,"  on  the  other.  A  defaced  Roman 
altar  stands  in  the  churdh-yatd.  In  a  Add  near  it,  dculls  of  men  and  hilts  of  sworda 
have  been  frequently  ploughed  up. 


Wall, — ^This  pleasant  idlla^e  is  built  on  both  ndes  of  the  turnpike  leading  frdm 
Hexham  to  Alnwick,  and  is  above  3  miles  north  from  the  former  mace.  It  contaitas 
two  public  houses,  and  is  inhabited  by  labourers  in  husbandry  ana  a  few  mechanics. 
The  proprietor,  H.  Tulip,  Esq.  has  improved  it  mu6h|  and  eovcn^  the  houses  with 
slate. '  He  has  three  farms  in  this  township.  BruntMf  the  seat  of  Henry  Tulip,  Esq. 
occupies  a  fine  situation  a  short  distance  north  of  Walli  mA  above  Cfaollerford  bridge. 
This  elegant  mansion  commands  an  extensive  prospect,  atid  forms  an  interesting  ob- 
ject in  the  view  from  several  points. 

Fallowfield  stands  on  an  eminenoe  between  Wall  and  Acomb,  and  is  a  small 
square  village,  consisting  mostly  of  low  thatched  cottages.  South  from  the  village  is 
the  house  formeriy  occupied  by  the  Tulip  fbmily,  but  which  is  now  converted  into  a 
farmhold.  The  adjoining  pit  contains  an  excellent  seam  of  coals^  and  has  been 
worked  by  the  lessees  with  great  i^irit,  but  no  praflt«  A  steam-enffine  is  used  to 
keep  the  workings  clear.  There  is  also  a  good  coal-pit  on  Wall  Feu.  There  is  at 
Fallowfield  a  rich  metallic  rein,  from  which  greftt  quantities  of  lead  ore  were  formerly 
extracted ;  and,  it  is  reported,  the  workings  are  to  be  renewed  when  the  heir  of  the 
late  Sir  William  Blackett,  Bi^.  of  Matfen,  is  ci  age.  The  Written  Cragg  is  on  the 
mid(fle  of  the  Fell,  about  three  furiongs  south  of  tiie  Roman  Wall,  where  a  long 
ridge  of  hard  sandstone  rocks  runs  along  the  brow  of  a  slightly  elevated  bill,  in  a 
direction  nearly  north  and  south,  and  fronting  the  east.  On  the  face  of  one  of  these 
rocks  is  inscribed,  in  legible  and  deep  letters,  "  petka  flavi  carantinI' ' — ^tb^  Cuagg 
of  Flavus  Carantimis.  As  no  historical  inference  can  be  drawn  from  this  inscriptieti, 
it  is  not  of  much  imporfcance.  It  can,  however,  boast  having  withstood  the  attacks 
of  time  probably  above  1700  years.  It  was  first  noticed  in  the  Ardbeasologia  JEHansu 
At  some  little  distance  south  from  Fallowfield,  and  Hear  Acomb,  is  Ridings  the  plea« 
sant  residence  of  Thomas  Dodds,  Esq, 

BiNOFiELD  is  situated  about  5  miles  north-north-east  from  St.  John  Lee,  The 
chapel,  which  is  dedicated  to  St.  Mary,  is  of  the  certified  value  of  £8.  This  places 
which  Contains  but  two  or  three  farmholds,  is  the  property  of  Messrs,  Hepple,  Long- 
ridge,  and  the  Rev.  K.  Tweddle,  At  a  little  distance  from  this  place,  alia  withki:  i 
few  yards  of  Erring  Bum,  is  a  miner^  spring.  Fish  or  worms  put  into  it  instaxitly 
expire.  The  late  celebrat^  Dr.  Werge  was  Sf  opinion,  that  the  tirti^es  of  tfeki  water 
were  in  no  respect  inferior  to  Gihland  Spa, 

Hallington,  Halyton,  or,  as  it  is  called  in  old  writings,  H^dedhum^  dr  the 
Holy  Hill,  lies  north  of  Bingfield,  and  is  said  to  be  HefenfeUJi^  or  Heavenfield,  the 
vale  where  Oswatd  eon^paeted^    Some,  hdwever,  afflmor  tmt  Bingfield  was  the  field 

vol,  il— (84)  4  G 


302  TINDALE  WARB^-^S.  D. 

of  batile ; '  whfle  ofliers,  with  equal  ooiificleiic^»  aeeett  liiat  it  was  fpu^t,  in  the 

grounds  of  Codkley,  below  the  church  and  cross  of  St  Oswald,  and  between  Errji^ 
urn  and  the  Wall.  However  this  may  be.  Erring  Bum  is  indisputi^Uy  the  same 
brook  that  Bede  calls  Denisesbum.  Before  the  disscHution,  Hallington  belonged  to 
the  church  at  Hexham.  It  is  now  the  property  of  the. heir  of  the  lat^  Henry  Er<- 
rington,  Esq.  and  of  Christopher  Soulsby,  Esq.  whose  aeat»  called  Hallington  Mmti^^ 
is  a  neat  modem  structure,  of  white  freestone.  Before  the  house  is  a  fine  grass  plot, 
which  extends  to  the  brink  of  a  deep  ^11,  wherein  is  a  small  stream  that  falls  into  the 
Erring  Bum.  Near  Hallington  is  a  hill  called  the  JIfofe  Z^atr,  having  fi  square  en- 
trenchment upon  it,  in  the  middle  of  which  is  a  hearth<-stone,  for  kindling  alarm-fires 
upon.  Cockle Y  is  chiefly  distinguished  by  the  ruins  of  a  strong  old  fortress,  called 
Cockley  Tower,  and  which  was  the  principal  seat  of  the  Erringtons  in  1567.  The 
dungeons  and  turrets  are  stiU  pretty  perfect,  and  traces  of  painting;  axe  ot>servable  on 
the  plaster  of  its  walls.  The  Errington  family  derive  their,  name  ^om  a  small  hamlet 
on  the  Erring  Bum,  where  they  were  seated  in  1372. 

ALLENDALE  PARISH. 

This  extensive  parish  forms  the  southern  division  of  Hexhamshire.  It  is  bounded 
on  the  east  by  Hexham  parish,  on  the  north  by  Haydon  Bridge  chapelry,  on  the  west 
by  Whitfield  and  Kirkhaugh  parishes,  and  on  the  south  bv  tne  coupties  of  Cumber- 
land and  Durham.  Its  greatest  length  from  north  to  south  exceeds  7  miles,  and  the 
distance  between  its  eastern  and  western  limits  is  not  less.  This  district  exhibits,  in 
general,  a  sterile  and  desolate  aspect,  and  abounds  in  rugged  and  frpwnipg  elevations, 
which,  however,  conceal  mineral  treasures  of  the  greatest  value.  It  contains  seven 
lead-mines,  which,  on  an  average  of  20  years,  produced  annually  one  thousand  seven 
hundred  and  seventy-eight  tons  of  lead.  They  are  all  the  property  of  Colonel  and 
Mrs.  Beaumont.  In  1792,  an  act  of  parliament  was  procured,  for  enclosing,  allotting, 
and  stinting  Hexhamshire  and  Allendale  common,  which  contained  40,231  acres,  and 
also  for  laying  out  public  roads  and  quarries  on  this  extensive  tract  of  land.  The 
lord  and  lady  of  the  manor  had  one-sixteenth  part  in  value,  as  a  compensation  and 
satisfaction  for  their  right  to  the  soil,  and  for  their  consent  to  the  division  and  indo- 
sure  of  these  waste  lands :  this  amounted,  in  Hexham  parish,  to  297  acres,  8  roods,  of 
land,  and  58^  stints;  and  in  this  parish  to  1093  acres,  3  roods,  and  113|  stints. 
Above  three  hundred  of  the  estates  m  AUendale  are  copyhold,  being  held  of  the  re- 
gality of  Hexham  by  copy  of  court  roll.  There  are  also  a  great  many  small  freehold 
estates.    The  rental  of  the  whole,  in  1809,  amounted  only  to  £  10,177. 

This  parish,  by  the  returns  in  1821,  contained  790  dwelling  houses  and  4629  inha- 
bitants.  It  is  divided  into  eight  divisions,  to  each  of  which  a  cessor  and  collector  are 
appointed,  but  whose  labours  are  now  lessened  by  haying  a  permanent  collector.  The 
divisions  are  known  by  the  following  names,  viz.  Allendale  town  division,  Catton  and 
Broadside  ditto.  High  Forest  and  Low  Forest  ditto,  Keenly,  Park,  and  West  Allen 
ditto.  The  parish  rates,  in  1821,  amounted  to  £1484,  19^.  In  1818,  the  amount 
was  £2021,  ISs. 

*  Mains,  or  NUsnes,  is  a  Scotch  temi  for  a  maniionJioase.    The  panoaageJuNMe  ia  called  the  Manses. 


ALLENDALE  PARISH.  908 

There  have  been  many  charitable  leffades  bequeathed  to  the  poor  in  this  parish. 
John  Shield,  of  London,  left  £12  annudly  to  the  noor ;  £l  for  tviro  sermons,  and  £l 
to  the  churchwardens  and  overseers  for  their  trouble  in  distributing  the  money.  M« 
cholas  Wilkinson,  of  the  West. Side,  left  £20;  John  Ridley,  of  Hallin  Green,  SO 
marks;  Hugh  Hutchinson,  of  Durham,  SO  marks;  William  Hutchinson,  of  the 
Green  Dike,  £10 ;  and  John  Richardson,  of  the  Park  Side,  £20 ;  Margaret  FairlessI, 
£10;  Hutfh  Roddam,  £20;  Edward  Robson,  £10;  William  Fairless,  £10;  William 
Chester,  £5;  ^Jane  Robson,  £20;  Elizabeth  Roddam,  £10;  William  Hutchinson, 
£30 ;  Robert  Armstrong,  £10 ;  besides  the  several  sums  of  £10,  £28,  £lO,  £8,  £10, 
and  £2,  10s.  left  time  out  of  mind ;  and  the  interest  of  all  which  sums  were  directed 
to  be  paid  to  the  poor  of  the  whole  parish.  Leonard  Shield,  of  Bridge  £al,  be- 
queathed £20 ;  Nicholas  Shield,  of  the  Pyatroon,  £20 ;  and  Cuthbert  Stout,  lof  the 
Old  Town,  £20 ;  the  yearly  use  of  which  sums  were  to  be  paid  to  the  poor  of  Allen- 
ton  and  Catton  grieveships.  Henry  Stephenson,  of  the  Hagg,  left  £20;  William 
Curry,  of  EUersop,  £  20 ;  and  John  Neven,  of  Sipton  Sheel,  £  10 ;  the  ihter^t  to  be 
paid  to  the  poor  of  the  Park  and  Forest  grieveships.  James  Broadwood,  of  Hindley 
Hall,  £10;  Leonard  Wilson,  of  the  Oak  Pool,  £10;  and  Hugh  Wilson,  of  the 
Bourn  Tongues,  £5;  the  annual  interest  thereof  to  the  poor  of  Keenly  grieveship. 
Ann  Wilson,  in  1720,  left  land  for  the  use  of  the  poor,  wnich  produced,  as  far  bade 
as  1786,  a  clear  annual  rent  of  10^.  Most  of  these  sums,  through  the.  culpable  negli* 
gence  and  mismanagement  of  those  concerned,  have  been  lost ;  and  what  is  now  re* 
ceived  from  these  numerous  bequests  is  extremely  trifling. 

At  Bride's  HUl,  near  Allendale  town,  is  a  free-school,  which  was  built  in  1704,  and 
cost  £50.  It  has  several  endowments.  William  Hutchinson,  by  will,  dated  the  25th 
of  January,  1692,  gave  to  a  free-school  in  the  parish  of  Allendale,  a  house  and  garth 
in  Allendale  town  (worth  about  £  24),  called  the  Tinker  House,  after  the  death  of  his 
wife.  Mrs.  Cecilia  Bacon,  of  Cattonlee,  widow,  by  will,  in  1696,  gave  £50  to  a  free- 
school  in  the  town  of  Allendale,  provided  the  inhabitants  of  the  said  parish  would 
purchase  a  freehold  or  copyhold  estate,  of  the  dear  yearly  value  of  £  10,  for  the  use 
of  a  school-master,  within  three  years  after  her  death ;  the  said  £50  to  be  given  to- 
wards the  said  purchase.  The  Rev.  Thomas  Wise,  minister  of  Allendale,  bom  at 
ThomhiU,  in  Yorkshire,  having  by  will,  dated  the  2d  of  December,  1700,  left  £  10  to 
the  poor,  and  being  afterwards  informed  that  the  project  for  founding  a  free-school 
in  Allendale  was  likelv  to  take  effect,  by  a  codicil,  dated  the  7th  of  February,  1709, 
transferred  the  said  £lO  to  the  use  of  a  free-school,  provided  the  same  should  be 
founded  and  settled  within  three  years  after  his  death.  Christopher  Wilkinson,  of 
Chapel  House,  in  this  parish,  having  sold  his  copyhold  estate  for  the  purpose,  by  will, 
dated  the  27th  of  February,  1700,  gave  £250  to  found  a  free  grammar-school  on  the 
west  side  of  the  East  Allen  water.  His  will  contains  a  settlement  and,  regulation  of 
the  said  school,  to  which  all  parties  at  last  agreed ;  so  that  he  may  be  accounted  the 
principal  founder. 

Alj>£Ndalk  stands  9i  miles  south-west  from  Hexham.  It  is  situated  on  an  emi^ 
nence  on  the  east  banks  of  the  Allen,  and  is  overlooked  by  the  heights  on  both  sides 
of  that  rapid  brook.  The  church,  which  was  a  small  structure,  consisting  of  one  aisle^ 
was  entirely  rebuilt  on  a  more  commodious  plan  in  1807»  and  a  new  beU  was  procured 


304  TINDALE  WARD.— 5.  D. 


in  1815.  Kedr  the  pulpit  is  a  large  freestone  monument,  to  the  memory  of  Mrs.  Ann 
Stephenson,  wife  of  Mr.  Pteter  Stephenson,  surgeon,  at  Hexham,  and  daughter  of  the 
late  Rev.  John  Tcnmin,  many  years  perpetual  curate  of  Allendale.  It  is  remarkably 
well  executed  by  Jonn  T^u^h,  an  ingenious  young  man  of  Low  Muggleswiek.  The 
pews  in  this  church  are  all  free  to  the  public.  The  living  is  of  the  certified  value  of 
£  «6,  6*.  8rf.  *  Like  the  other  livings  in  Hexhamshire,  it  is  under  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  see  of  York.  The  lord  and  lady  of  the  manor  are  the  patrons.  Here  is  a  well- 
attended  Methodist  chapel,  calculated  to  contain  about  400  people.  The  society  c^ 
Friends,  or  Quakers,  have  also  a  neat  meeting-house  of  nearly  a  similar  size.  This 
town,  which  is  mostly  inhabited  by  people  enpiged  in  the  lead-works,*  contains 
nearly  200  dweUing-houses  and  above  1000  inhabitants.  The  houses  are  neatly  built ; 
and  there  are  a  number  of  public  houses,  and  well  furnished  shops,  for  the  accommo- 
dation of  the  people  in  the  adjoining  country.  The  maiket-day  is  on  Friday ;  and 
there  are  fairs  on  the  10th  of  May,  the  SSd  of  August,  and  the  14th  of  November, 
The  marketplace  is  a  large  open  square,  which  contains  the  shambles  and  the  ruins 
of  a  cross. 

Old  Town  is  rituated  on  the  north  brink  of  East  Allen,  about  S  miles  north-west 
i^rom  Allendale  town.  It  retains  many  marks  of  antiquity,  and  is  supposed  by  Mr. 
Horslev  to  have  been  a  Roman  station,  A  Roman  way  passed  from  Corbridge, 
through  Dil9t<m  Park,  over  Hexham  Fell,  to  this  place,  and  joined  the  Maiden-way 
at  Whitley  Castle.  In  Warburtorfs  Valium  Romanum,  several  strong  reasons  are 
deduced  from  the  Itineraiy  of  Antoninus,  to  prove,  that  this  is  Alone,  which  has  fre- 

?uentty  been  placed  at  Whitley  Castle.  Nor  does  the  inscription  left  by  the  Cohors 
11.  Nerviorum,  at  Whitley  Castle,  discredit  this  opinion ;  for  dtars  were  often  set 
up  by  one  and  the  same  cohors  in  places  several  miles  distant ;  and  as  Old  Town  is 
but  8  miles  distant  from  Whitley  Castle,  they  may  both  have  been  the  habitation  of 
one  corps.  The  station  here  is  of  a  square  figure,  entrenched  round,  having  a  port- 
way  seven  yards  Inroad,  all  paved  with  stones.  Several  Roman  antiquities  are  said  to 
have  been  discovered  here.  Cotton  Beaton  stands  upon  a  moor,  north-east  from  Old 
Town«  It  is  formed  of  a  hillock  of  stones,  cm  which,  as  late  as  the  middle  of  the  last 
century,  stood  an  upright  pole,  having  a  vessel  with  fire  aflixed  to  alarm  the  country 
Jn  time  of  tbnger.    This  place  connnands  an  extensive  view  of  the  a^oining  country. 


*  AUen  lead-millj  belonging  to  Colonel  and  Mrs.  Beatunont,  h  seated  near  the  river,  about  one  nile  below 
fhe  town.  It  contains  two  roasting  furnaces,  five  ore  hearths,  two  refining  furnaces,  and  one  for  reducing, 
Langley  Mill  is  much  more  extensive,  and  contains  five  roasting  furnaces,  two  blast-hearths  for  smelting 
ores  and  clays,  four  refining  furnaces,  two  for  reducing,  and  a  laboratory ;  besides  a  zinc  furnace  belonging 
to  Messrs.  Whaly,  Multaster,  and  Co.  The  zinc  is  mad^  from  the  black  jack,  which,  when  dressing  and 
washing  the  lead  ore,  was  formerly  thrown  away  as  waste.  The  Burtree-ford  Dyke  is  supposed  to  intersect 
the  Great  J9tnblie  Dyke,  between  Cupola  Bridge  and  Langley  Smelt  Mills.  The  strata  has  a  great  rise  to 
thenor^;  aiid  tke  Great  Whin  Sill  bassets  at  SettHng-atOHef  Lead^Mine,  2^  miles  north-east  of  Haydon 
JMige,  and  alto  at  Sewing  Shields,  north  of  the  Wail.  Whiiele^  Well  Mine,  about  one  mile  and  a  half 
aortb-west  of  H^don  Bridge,  appeals  t«  be  in  the  Chieat  lAtae  Stone,  and  has  been  woilc^  by  Messrs. 
CoNt«i  and  Johostn,  ef  Hnydpn  Siiiigfx*^Sm  Acc9imt  ^t^  Lead  Dutrieis  ih>L  i.  p.  9^ 


ALLENBALE  PARISH.  S05 

At  S^tan,  3  miles  south  from  Allendale  to^vtriv  is  a  lead-mine.    The  road  here,  over 
the  wild  and  dismal  moors»  continues  to  rise  towardis^  the  head  of  the  East  Allen. 


Allenheads,  which  is  distant  7  miles  south  of  Allendale  town,  is  also  inhabited 
by  people  engaged  in  the  lead-mines.  The  surrounding  cotmtry  is  exceedingly  bar- 
ren, mountainous^  and  desolate.  The  stewards  and  workmen  belonging  to  the  ad- 
joining lead-mineS)  for  their  sreatw  ease  and  conveniance,  A.  D.  1709,  by  a  vohratacy 
contribution  (Sir  William  Bhtckett  finding  the  timiber)  boiit  a  new  chapel  here ;  ana, 
the  next  year,  being  encour^ed  by  their  liberal  mast^,  another  chanel  was  built  at 
Colddeu^h,  at  the  head  of  W  est  Allan  water,  near  1|ie  lead-mines  there.  Sir  W£- 
Ham,  at  uie  same  time,  built  a  house  at  Allenheads»  dose  ad|oiniiig  to  that  chapel,  for 
a  minister,  who  was  directed  to  preach  the  first  Sunday  m  eveiy  month  at  Colddeuffk 
chapel,  and  the  remainder  at  Allenheads,  and  administer  the  noly  sacraments.  The 
clergyman  is  {nrindpalhr  supported  by  the  contributions  of  the  workmen.  Wallis 
says,  *^To  this  villa  Mr.  Burnard,  a  Cumberland  clergyman,  retired,  on  his  being 
silenced  for  nonconformity  at  the  restoration,  and  employed  himself  in  a  little  farm, 
till,  by  the  fttrour  of  Sir  William  Blaekett,  Bart,  he  was  appointed  minister  of  the 
chapel  here."  The  lead-mines  here  contain  several  very  productive  veins.  The 
lead  is  found  with  crystallized  cubical  spar,  bhie,  purple,  amber,  &c. ;  and  also  carbo- 
nate of  lead,  witii  blade  jack  and  quartz  in  strata.  jP^awside  horse  level  is  upon  the 
fire-stone,  and  was  begun  in  1776,  by  the  father  of  Mr.  Forster,  who  has  written  a 
Treatise  on  the  Lead  Measure  formation.  There  is  also  a  water-lievel,  known  by  the 
name  of  the  Maugh  Level,  with  four  water-wheel  engines  under  ground,  seven  whim« 
seys,  or  horse-en^nes,  one  of  them  under  ground,  and  a  large  crushing  machine. 

CoALCLEUGH  is  4  miles  west  from  Allenheads,  and  nearly  8  miles  south-south* 
west  of  Allendale  town.  This  valuable  mining  field  has  produced  considerable  quan* 
titles  of  ore  for  several  years  past.  Here  are  two  hOTse4evels,  one  water-level,  one 
water-wheel,  and  one  pressure  engine  under  ground,  five  whimseys,  two  of  them 
under  jzrou^d,  and  one  Wge  crushing  machine.  WeUiope  Head  mine,  1\  mile  norths 
west  of  Coaldeugh,  has  two  horse-levels,  begun  under  tlie  direction  of  the  late  Joseph 
Dickenson.  There  is  another  mine  about  two  mfles  further  in  the  same  direction, 
called  Hearty  Cleugh^  and,  at  a  litde  distance,  Keardey  WeU  mine,  with  one  horse- 
level.  Swinhope  Head  is  1^  mile  east  of  Coaldeugh,  and  has  one  horse-level,  be^n 
under  the  direction  of  the  agent,  Mr,  William  Crawhall,  and  one  crushing  machine, 
population,  in  these  barren  wastes,  is  collected  by  the  mines.  Coaldeugh  chapel  and 
Ninebanks  are  both  seated  near  the  West  Allen,  which,  with  the  East  Allen,  form 
the  two  natural  divisions  of  the  parish.  St.  Peter's  chapd  is  on  the  East  Allen.  A 
great  number  of  the  Allendale  miners  possess  a  house  and  a  small  plot  of  land,  with 
the  right  of  common,  which  contributes  to  sender  their  drcumstanees  more  easy  and 
comfortable  than  th<»e  of  the  miners  in  the  adjoining  parts. 

Shorn  Gate,  where  the  Scots,  under  Lord  Douglas,  made  their  famous  retreat  fiom 
Stanhope  Park,  in  the  reign  <A  king  Edward  III.  A.  D.  1S97,  lies  at  a  short  distance 
south  of  Allenheads.  That  old  milita^  work,  called  the  Sco^  Dyke,  stretches  from 
this  place  northward  by  Catton  !9eaoon,  near  Old  Town,  and  crosaes  the  Roman  WaQ 
gt  Busy  Gap, 

VOL,  II,  4  H 


806  ,   TINDALE  WARD—W.  jf. 


WEST    DIVISION. 


HALTWHISTLE  PARISH. 

/f  his  large  parish  extends  from  east  to  west  IS  miles,  and  from  north  to  south 
ratha*  more.  On  the  north  it  is  bounded  by  the  wastes  of  North  Tindale ;  <m  the  east 
by  Wark,  Simonbum,  Warden,  and  Whitfield  parishes ;  on  the  south  by  Kirkhaugh 
and  Lambley ;  and  on  the  west  by  Cumberland.  It  is  intersected  from  Featherstone 
Castle  to  the  mouth  of  the  Allen  by  the  South  Tyne ;  and  this  winding  vale,  which 
is  above  10  miles  in  length,  presents  some  of  the  most  rich,  beautiful,  and.  picturesque 
scenery  in  the  north  of  England.^  The  vale  of  the  Tippal,  extending  from  Glenwhelt 
to  the  Tyne,  also  s^Sbrds  some  pleasing  views ;  and  the  scenes  on  the  Allen,  though 
contracted,  are  peculiarly  romantic  The  windings  of  this  water  form  many  beauti- 
ful bays  and  peninsulas,  bounded  by  rocks  and  hanging  woods,  that  form  a  multitude 
of  little  solemn  and  secluded  retreats.  The  extensive  moors,  that  constitute  a  great 
portion  of  this  parish,  form  a  striking  contrast  with  its  rich  haughs  and  cultivated 
lands,  being  uncommonly  cold,  naked,  and  cheerless. 

This  parish  is  divided  into  IS  townships,  and,  in  1821,  contained  469  houses  and 
8583  inhabitants.  The  annual  value  of  property  was,  in  1815,  returned  at  £23,709 ; 
and  the  poor-rate,  in  1821,  amounted  to  i&1595.  The  parish  contains  nine  day-schools, 
which  are  attended  by  411  children;  and  210  receive  instruction  at  the  Sunday- 
schools  belonging  to  ThirlwaU,  Henshaw,  and  the  meeting-house.  From  80  to  100 
are  educated  in  the  endowed  school  at  Haltwhistie.  Over  the  door  of  the  school- 
house  is  inscribed,  "  This  Charity-school  was  founded  by  the  Right  Honourable  Do- 
rothy Capel,  Baroness  Dowager  of  Tewksbury,  &c.  This  house  was  granted  by  the 
Rev.  Thomas  Pate,  about  A.  D.  1722."  Lady  Capel's  bequests  was  left  in  1719,  at 
the  request  of  one»of  her  domestics,  named  Featherstonehaugh.  The  vicar  says,  that 
the  funds  of  this  school  '*  consist  of  £35  per  annum,  of  which  the  master  receives 
£25 ;  the  other  £lO  being  appropriated  to  the  expences  of  the  school.  He  also  re- 
ceives £30  a  year  from  some  of  the  scholars,  and  £5  for  attending  the  Sunday-school. 
About  80  years  ago,  the  sum  of  £200,  raised  by  subscription,  was  lost  to  the  school, 
through  its  having  been  placed  in  insecure  hands."  Nicholas  Ridley,  of  Newcastle 
upon  Tyne,  Esq.  and  alderman,  born  at  Hard-riding  in  this  parish,  by  will,  dated  the 
7th  of  December,  1710,  gave  40«.  a  year  to  the  poor  of  this  parish,  out  of  a  little  farm 
or  tenement  called  Wagtoil  Hall. 

*  This  district,  including  Knaresdale,  Lamblej^  Whitfield,  and  Kirkhaugh,  constit;ute8  South  Tindale. 
Like  North  Tindale,  it  was  formerly  inhabited  by  a  wild,  daring,  and  turbulent  people.  Camden  durst  not 
▼idt  Great  Chesters,  for  fear  of  Moss  Troopers.  Nothing  can  be  more  illustrative  of  the  state  of  society  in 
these  Northumbrian  wilds,  than  the  1 1  Henry  VII.  cap.  9,  which  enacted  that  ''  North  and  South  Tynedale 
diall  be  gildable,  and  parcel  of  the  county  of  Northumberland,  and  no  (franchise  shall  be  there,  but  all  the 
king^s  writs  and  officers  shall  be  obeyed.  And  no  man  shall  demise  anif  land  for  years,  life,  or  at  tvill  there, 
but  the  lessee  shdU  before  find  two  sureties,  having  at  the  least  £x  of  freehold  within  the  county  of  Northum- 
berland, to  be  bound  by  recognisance  in  £xx  to  the  king  to  make  answer  within  eight  days  of  warning  to  all 
murders,  treasons,  felonies,  ftc.  and  the  lessor  shall  forfint  £%  for  every  acre  otherwise  let,"  &c.    A.  D.  1494. 


HAI/r  WHISTLE  PARISH.  307 

Halt  WHISTLE. — ^This  town  is  14jr  miles  west  from  Hexham,  aiid  is  situated  on 
an  eminence  on  the  north  side  of  tLe  South  Tyne.  It  is  tolerably,  well  built»  and 
contains,  according  to  the  returns,  185  houses  and  707  inhabitants.  There  are  two 
tolerable  inns,  four  public  houses,  several  shops,  and  artisans  in  the  different  branches 
Itost  useful  in  lifb.  Here  is  also  an  excellent  baize  manufactory,  belonging  to  Messrs. 
T.  and  W.  Bell  and  Sons ;  and  an  extensive  brewerv,  adjoining  Haltwhistle  Bum, 
carried  on  by  Messrs.  French  and  Co.  This  town  has  a  market  on  Thursday,  and 
fairs  on  the  I'^th  of  May  and  22d  of  November;  the  former  for  cattle,  chiefly  tows 
for  grasing ;  and  the  latter  for  a  few  fat  cows  and  lean  cattle  for  wintering.* 

The  church,  which  is  dedicated  to  the  Holy  Cross,  is  delightfully  situated  on  the 
south  side  of  the  town,  the  church-yard  forming  a  fine  terrace,  from  which  is  a  plea- 
sant prospect  over  the  vale,  that  shews  itself  variously  upon  the  landscape.  The  view 
is  bounded  by  Bellister  Castle  on  the  one  hand,  and  extends  to  Haydon  Bridge  on 
the  other,  between  which  the  eye  is  gratified  with  all  the  happy  effects  of  cultivation. 
There  is  a  tradition  current  here,  that  the  church  was  once  situated  on  the  south  side 
of  the  river,  on  a  piece  of  ground  called  the  Church  Close ;  but  that  it  was  washed 
away  by  the  Tyne.  Hodgson,  however,  thinks  that  the  Church  Close  "  was  the  scite 
of  a  chapel  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  like  that  at 
Chapel  Houses,  which,  on  Speed's  map,  is  marked  opposite  Lambley."  The  church, 
which  is  very  ancient,  consists  of  a  nave,  two  side  aisles^  and  a  chancel :  it  is  pewed 
with  oak,  and  is  very  lofty.  The  window  above  the  altar  is  stately,  and  in  the  true 
Grothic  style.  The  whole  underwent  considerable  repairs  a  few  yeai*s  ago.  Over  a 
tomb  of  one  of  the  Blenkinsops  is  inscribed  the  family  arms,  a  large  and  well-executed 
fioweied  crosier,  a  brokai-hilted  sword,  axid  a  staff  and  scrip,  inmcating  that  the  per- 
son, over  whose  remains  this  stone  was  placed,  had  honouraoly  passed  from  a  military 
to  a  relifflotts  life,  and  that  he  had  made  a  pilgrimage.  As  such  inscriptions  were 
used  beiore  the  art  of  reading  became  general,  this  one  proves  the  high  antiquity  of 
the  diuich.  Here  is  also  an  altar  tomb,  commemorative  of  John  Kidney,  Esq.  bro- 
ther to  Dr.  Nicholas  Ridley,  bishop  of  Lcmdon.    The  inscription  is,  "  john  —  redel 

THAT  —  SITM  TIM  DID   BE  THEN  LAIRD  OF  THE  WAXTON  GON   IS   HE   OUT  OF  THIS 

VAL  OF  MiSRE  HIS  BONS  LIES  UNDER  THIS  STONs  1562."  The  living  is  a  vicarage 
in  the  gift  of  the  bishop  of  Durham.  The  possessions  of  the  church  were  granted  by 
royal  charter,  in  1383,  to  the  priory  of  Tynemouth,  and  are  at  present  in  different 
lay  hands.    The  Presbyterian  Dissenters  have  a  meeting-house  here. 

Haltwhistle  was  plundered  by  the  Scotch  outlaws  in  the  reign  of  queen  Elizabeth, 
for  which  they  received  severe  correction  from  the  Lord  Warden  of  the  Middle 
Marches,  Sir  Robert  Carey,  created  Baron  of  Leppington  by  king  James  I.  1621 ; 
and  Earl  of  Monmouth  by  king  Charles  I. ;  youngest  of  ten  sons  of  Henry  Lord 

*  The  people  here  retain  much  of  their  primitive  freedom  and  simplicity  of  manners.  At  the  fairs,  when 
the  youths  have  bought  fairings  for  their  damsels,  they  retire  to  a  public  house,  where  a  stranger  would  be 
surfMrised  to  see  SO  or  SO  couple  sitting  round  a  room,  kissing  each  other  with  the  utmost  ardour.  This  old 
custom^  which  in  more  populous  parts  would  justly  be  considered  as  a  gross  violation  of  common,  decency, 
attracts  no  noticse  here,  being  allowed  even  by  the  gravest  as  a  practice  equally  necessary  and  harmless. 
Some  years  ago,  several  people  returning  from  the  Novembef  fair^  were  lost  in  a  storm  on  the -wild  and 
dreary  wastes  which  adjoin  this  place* 


808  TINDALE  WAHD— W.  D, 


HBiMdon^  Wai^den  of  ilhe  East  Mardbes :  his  krdihro^s  soiMii-laWy  Thomas  Lord 
Sdope,  Knight  of  the  Garter,  being  Wavden  of  the  West  Marches ;  both  likewise 
fiunous  for  their  courage,  conduct,  and  aMlities  in  detoidng  the  Bonfevs. 

In  thi^  town  are  two  old  turreted  buildings,  strikiiig  ]xiem9rialfl  of  the  jealousy  and 
insecurity  of  the  Borderers.  At  the  east  end  of  the  town  is  an  euHnenoe,  called 
CMtle  Banks^  of  an  oval  figure,  in  the  centre  of  which  is  a  fine  spring.  On  the  east 
and  west  end,  four  distinct  tarraces,  bankings,  or  gradations  are  cut,  arising  one  above 
tfiother.  The  crown  of  the  hill  is  defended  by  a  breastwork  of  earth,  towaids  the 
town ;  and  on  the  south  by  an  inaccessible  j^^dpice,  at  whose  foot  ^e  river  rum« 
The  meadows  and  corn-fields  between  this  naount  and  the  river  form  a  qNuaous  area 
or  amphitheatre,  projecting  to  the  streams  like  a  peninsula.  Near  the  river,  and  de- 
fended on  three  sides  by  steep  ru^ed  glens,  is  a  place  called  fTkitehetter,  whoe  the 
Romans  had  a  military  post. 

Thiblwall. — ^The  most  important  object  in  this  township  is  TThtrhtHtU  CoHte^^ 
seated  on  a  rocky  nrecipice  above  the  Tippal,  and  S  miles  north«west  ftom  Halt* 
whistle.  It  is  a  darK  and  melancholy,  fortress^  much  in  ruin.  It  may  be  called,  with 
]»x>priety,  the  stronghcdd,  rather  than  seat,  of  the  fiunily  of  Thmwalls.  It  was 
vaulted  within,  and  defended  by^a  stnxig  wall  without.  The  floor  of  one  of  the 
apartments  was  cleared  in  1759,  and  discovered  to  be  (tf  singular  construction ;  con^ 
sistine  of  three  tiers  of  flags,  laid  upon  strata  of  sand.  Some  of  the  waUs  are  nine 
feet  tmck :  the  casing  in  many  places  has  been  taken  away,  to  ^ect  the  adjoining 
tenements;  The  buuder  has  even  been  afraid  of  the  light,  for  the  apertures  are  no 
larger  than  those  in  the  stair-cases  of  ancient  castles.  The  church  of  Ifexham  held 
lands  and  possessions  here,  the  gift  oi  Brian  de  ThirlwaU  and  Roger  his  son,  prior  to 
the  27th  or  Edward  I.f  The  heiress  of  this  family,  in  1738)  married  Matthew  Swln- 
bum,  of  the  Capheaton  family,  who  sold  the  castle  and  manor  of  Thirlwall  to  the 
Earl  of  Carlisle.  About  1^  mile  west  of  Thirlwall,  the  Wall  crosses  the  Pbltross, 
befc»«  its  iunction  with  the  Irthing  river.f  The  latter  water  divides  this  county 
from  Cumberland,  from  near  the  Wall  northward  to  Bewcasde  wastes.  WiurdreWf  a 
celebrated  spa,  is  at  a  short  distance  north  of  the  Wall. 

*  Thirl,  in  the  north  eountrj^  aigntfles^  tti  q^raing  left  la  moor  ftnees  Ibr  diecp  to  put  thmii|^  The 
Efikon  ot  the  Hiatovy  of  Cumberland  think,  that  thia  atranghold  ia  named  ftom  the  aluice  or  bridge  where 
the  river  poaaed  through  the  Wall,  and  not  ftom  the  Scola  pieroing  it  here. 

t  From  Philip  de  Thirlwall,  a  younger  branch  of  the  Thirlwalla  of  Thirlwall  Caade,  aprang  the  ancient 
and  respectable  fiimily  of  Philipaon,  of  Calgarth,  &c.  county  of  Westmoreland.  Nicholson  Jdin  I4iilip8on«  of 
Newcastle,  a  lineal  descendant  of  this  family,  published^  in  ISI9,  die  Heraldic  Visitations  of  Durham,  by 
Flower,  in  1575,  &c, 

)  The  banks  of  the  Irdiing  are  steep,  and  its  stream  mpid,  OUsland  Spa  ia  on  the  west  bank  of  thia  riTei^ 
above  a  mile  north  of  the  Wall,  and  nearly  opposite  Wardrew.  It  breaks  fbrdi  at  the  fbet  of  a  rock,  in  a 
narrow  vale,  surrounded  by  uncultivated  eminences.  The  scene  is  altogetiher  peculiarly  still  and  aolemn. 
The  Irthing,  in  its  course  westward,  meanders  through  the  valley,  where  stands  the  venerable  remains  of 
iMnenofi  Priory,  and  where  the  landscape  combines  all  the  requisites  of  beauty,  solemnity,  and  taejea^. 


i 


HALTWHISTLE  PAIUSH.  809 

OlenwheU. — ^This  pleasant  village  is  seated  on  the  Tippal,  where  the  military  road 
and  the  Hexham  ana  Carlisle  turnpike  separate.  This  dicumstanoe,  and  its  vieuiity 
to  the  spas,  render  it  a  little  bustling  plate.  It  is  provided  with  a  good  inn  and 
other  houses  for  the  acoommodation  of  travdlers.  There  is  a  Roman  altar  in  the 
gaj!den-wall  of  the  Inn,  where  also  is  a  colossal  head,  which  Hutdbinson  saw  at  Thirl- 
wall  Castle.  Caervaran^  the  Roman  station,  is  situated  on  a  deolivity  that  rises  on 
the  north-east  side  of  the  village,  and  which  has  been  noticed  in  the  Genaral  Descrip- 
tion of  the  Antiquities  of  the  County,  vol.  i,  p.  188. 

Wall  Town,  which  stands  above  3  miles  north*west  from  Haltwhistle,  was  an* 
dently  a  castellated  building,  and  the  seat  of  John  Ridlev,  Esq.  in  the  reign  of  king 
Edward  VI.  A  small  modem  mansion  was  built  out  of  the  ruins  by  George  Marshal^ 
Esq.  and  which  afterwards  became  the  property  of  the  Bacons,  of  Newbrough.  Great 
Chester^,  described  before,  stands  H  mile  north  from  Haltwhistle.  Lame  Cheaters 
lies  upwards  of  a  mOe  south  of  the  Wall  of  Severus,  and  S^  miles  east  by  north  from 
Haltwhistle.  The  ancient  militarv  way,  which  passed  this  station,  is  called  by  the 
country  people  the  Cdu&ewtty.  This  plaice  was  purchased  in  1814,  of  the  heirs  of  Mr. 
William  Lowes,  by  the  Rev.  Anthony  Hedley,  who  relates,  in  the  ArchsBdiogia 
iEllana,  the  following  discovny : — **  In  the  spring  of  1818,  the  tenant  having  occasion 
for  stones  to  build  a  fence,  had  recourse  to  some  rmlera  near  the  ramparts  of  the  sta* 
tion,  which  (horresco  rejhrem)  had,  for  time  immemorial,  been  the  common  quany 
of  the  farm,  and  partly  of  the  neighbourhood,  for  almost  every  purpose  for  whkm 
stone  is  wanted.  On  digging  in  front  of  its  east  entrance,  where  the  ground  slopes 
down  very  swiftly  to  a  rivulet,  called  Bardon .  Bum,  his  labourer  discovered  a  flight 
of  stone  steps,  leading  up  this  dedivity,  to  the  entrance  itself.  On  clearing  away  the 
rubbish  about  the  gateway,  the  wall  on  the  left  was  found  perfectly  entire  to  the 
height  of  six  feet,  and  about  eight  feet  in  width,  the  usual  thickness  of  the  Wall  of 
Severus.  The  entrance  was  about  six  feet  wide,  and  had  the  ordinary  bdit-h<^  and 
cheeks  for  the  door  worked  in  the  masonry .'*  The  wall  on  the  right  hdd  been  thrown 
down  nearly  to  its  foundation ;  and  among  its  ruins  was  found  a  monumental  stone, 
with  a  sepulchral  inscription,  in  excellent  preservation,  now  in  the  collection  at  Wal« 
lington.  ♦  ♦  ♦  «  The  labourer  tore  up,  without  any  compunction,  the  fine  flight 
of  steps,  leading  to  the  gateway,  and  likewise  rased  to  its  very  foundation  the  wall . 
on  the  right.  Had  he  fortunatdy  left  every  thing  as  he  found  it,  the  discovery 
would  have  presented  one  of  the  most  gratifying  idghts  to  the  antiquary  now  to  be 
met  with  on  tne  line  of  the  Wall." — ^*  Vinddana^  observes  Mr.  Hedley,  **  being  a  Bri- 
tish appellation,  and  signifying,  in  that  language,  the  fort  on  the  height^  was  perhaps 
originally  a  British  post.  Situated  on  the  southern  confines  of  the  territory  of  the 
Ottadini,  it  was  probably  one  of  a  chain  of  fortresses  erected  by  them  against  their 
powerful  neighbours,  the  Brigantes.  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  it  was  taken 
possession  of,  and  garrisoned,  with  many  of  the  neighbouring  stations,  by  the  Romans^ 
when  Agricola  brought  this  part  of  the  island  into  subjection*  An  inscription  found 
here,  and  mentioned  bv  Horsley,  seems  to  refer  to  Trajan,  the  predecessor  of  Hadrian^ 
who  died  A.  D.  117.'* 

*  See  vol.  i.  p.  1S7;  also  PhD.  Trans.  No.  d78 ;  Beaut,  of  Eng.  vol.  zii.  p.  122 ;  Afcli.  M\.  vd.  i.  p.  208.* 
VOL.  II.  4  I 


dio 


TINDALE  WARD.— W.  D. 


Jffau^esteads.* — ^This  **  famous  station,*'  which,  Gordon  says,  **  is  unquestionably  the 
most  remarkable  and  magnificent  Roman  station  in  the  whole  island/'  is  seated  oppo- 
site the  SOth  mile-stone  from  Newcastle,  and  about  half  a  mile  west  of  JBusy  Gup. 
Its  vast  masses  of  grass-grown  ruins  are  on  the  ridge  of  the  line  of  basaltic  rocks  on 
which  the  Wall  runs  fix)m  Sewingshields  to  Caervoran.  (See  voL  i.  page  187.)  The 
foundations  of  the  hypocaust  were  broken  up  by  the  ndns  in  June,  1817.  ''  Where  a 
flat  stone  is  set  up  in  a  meadow  called  Grospoolhole,  on  the  north  side  of  the  station^ 
there  is  a  circle  of  nine  yards  in  diameter,  the  verge  of  which  is  hemmed  with  a 
mound,  that  produces  grass  of  richer  green  than  the  ground  about  it.  Has  it  the 
custody  of  the  ashes  of  some  Roman  soldier  ?  The  people  say,  that  a  chorus  of  fairies, 
who  live  in  caves  in  the  neighbouring  rock,  give  it  the  deepness  of  its  verdure  in 
their  moon-light  dances.  A  Utile  farther  to  the  east,  close  under  the  north  side  of 
the  Wall,  there  is  a  basin  30  yards  across,  and  10  feet  deep  next  to  the  Wall,  and  6 
at  its  entrance,  apparently  made  by  human  labour ;  but  whether  it  was  used  by  the 
Tungrian  cavalry  as  an  amphitheatre,  or  is  merely  the  alveus  of  an  ancient  quarry,  it 
is  vain  to  conjecture. 

*^  Knagg  Bum,  which  runs  past  the  bath  out  of  the  mosses  of  the  forest  of  Lowes, 
the  brooK  from  the  neighbourhood  of  Bradley,  and  indeed  all  the  water  which  faUs 
within  the  extensive  basm  which  the  eye  overlooks  towards  Kennel,  runs  into  Grin- 
den  Lough,  from  the  west  end  of  which  it  finds  its  way,  by  subterraneous  passages^ 
a  mile  and  three-quarters  in  length,  through  a  stratum  of  limestone  into  Baraon 
Bum.  In  winter,  when  the  swallow-holes  are  too  small  to  admit  the  water  as  it  falls, 
the  lake  overfiows  its  summer  boundaries,  and  extends  itself  over  the  meadows  and 
pastures  as  far  as  the  military  way  near  KenneL 

^*  The  prospect  from  the  station  from  the  south-east  to  the  south-west  is  very  ex- 
tensive, taking  in,  in  its  range,  the  high  land  about  St  Oswald's  chapel,  the  planta- 
tions of  Minsteracres,  Langfey  Castle,  Gelston  Moor,  and  the  hills  on  each  side  of 
Knaresdale.  Behind  it,  to  the  north,  is  the  vast  and  almost  pathless  solitude  of  the 
forest  of  Lowes,  here  and  there  studded  with  a  few  enclosures,  a  farm-house,  or  a 
shepherd's  shield ;  and,  in  places,  enlivened  with  grassy,  limestone  gairs,  edged  about 
with  beds  of  deep  ling,  or  unpassable  peat-mosses."* 

In  June,  1822,  some  workmen  employed  by  Mr.  Gibson  to  build  a  dry  stone  fence 
at  a  shcH*t  distance  west  of  Ckapel  JELiUy  while  digging  for  loose  st<Hies,  discovered  an 
artificial  cave,  dedicated  to  the  worship  of  Mithras,  the  father  and  creator  of  all  things. 
'  Such  caves  were  adorned  with  flowers,  pervaded  with  running  waters,  and  furnished 
with  symbols  of  the  elements  and  climates  of  the  world,  Tne  zodiac,  and  some  of 
the  altars  and  fragments,  found  in  this  sacred  cavern,  are  remarkably  fresh  and  perfectf 

Melkridge  is  a  hamlet  on  the  turnpike  road,  about  a  mile  and  a  half  west  from 
Haltwhistle.  It  is  the  property  of  Mrs.  Cuthberts,  who  is  also  lady  of  the  manor  of 
Haltwhistle.  Henshaw  is  a  small  village,  north  of  the  road,  and  about  twice  the 
distance  of  Melkridge  from  Hidtwhisde.    There  are  a  number  of  proprietors  in  this 

*  Arcbaeologia  ^liana,  voL  L  page  270. 

f  See  a  long  and  learned  letter  on  Mitfaraic  antiquities,  from  the  Rer.  J.  Hodgson  to  the  Rev.  A,  Hedley, 
in  the  Ardueologia  ^Jiana. 


HALTWHISTLE  PARISH.  Sll 

township.  Thorngbafton  lies  above  a  mile  north  by  west  from  Henshaw.  At 
JSurdan  MiUs^  on  the  road,  above  4  miles  west  from  Haltwhistle,  is  a  flannel  manu-^ 
factory,  belonmig  to  Mr.  Bell.  Within  the  manor  of  Thorngrafton  and  Ripley  lay 
the  Forest  of  JLowes^  usually  called  Ridley  and  Hotbank  Common,  but  which  were 
divided  and  enclosed  by  autnority  of  a  deed,  dated  February  13,  1749.  The  commis- 
sioners' award  made  thereon  is  dated  the  80th  of  Mav,  1751 ;  and  an  act,  confirming 
this  agreement  and  award,  was  passed  in  the  25th  of  king  George  II.  The  Lowes's 
were  principal  claimants  on  these  commons ;  and  Sir  Edward  Blackett,  as  lord  of  the 
manor,  had  a  thirty-second  share  in  lieu  of  such  rights.^  This  tract  of  land  affords 
a  most  interesting  ride,  having  a  great  deal  of  highland  scenery  and  several  lakes ; 
one  of  which,  called  the  Craig  Loch,  is  of  peculiar  beauty :  for  its  whole  length  it  is 
bounded  by  a  very  high  rock,  on  the  top  ot  which  is  the  sdte  of  the  'Roman  WaU. 
On  the  return  from  this  enchanting  excursion,  a  scene  of  rural  beauty  and  interest 
opens  upon  you  that  is  beyond  description :  you  have  in  view,  at  one  time,  nearlv 
the  whole  grounds  of  Ridley  Hall,  the  bridge,  Langley  Castle,  the  tower  of  WiUi^- 
moteswick,  and  the  ruins  of  Staward  Castle ;  the  chapel  and  village  of  Beltingham, 
Haydon  Bridge,  the  progress  of  the  Tyne  for  several  miles,  the  lofty  banks  ^thed 
with  wood,  through  whidi  the  Allen  emerges,  and  its  junction  with  the  former  river. 

Ridley  stands  on  the  south  side  of  the  Tyne,  west  of  the  AUen,  aiid  above  5^ 
miles  east  from  Haltwhistle.  Ridley  HaU  lies  north  of  the  village ;  and  its  happy 
situation  has  been  exactly  described  by  Whateley,  in  his  Essay  on  Ornamental  Gar- 
dening. It  is  on  an  eminence  on  the  south  bank  of  the  Tyne,  with  the  ground  de* 
dining  gently  to  the  river,  from  whence  it  rises  on  the  north  side  with  a  gradual 
ascent.  The  prospect,  though  bounded,  is  not  confined  in  front ;  and  the  ridi  vale, 
both  up  and  down  the  Tyne,  with  a  considerable  reach  of  that  river,  and  of  the  Allen 
where  it  forms  its  junction  with  it,  are  in  view  from  the  north  front  of  the  house,  and 
the  immediate  vicinity  of  it :  when  there  are  added  to  this  a  bridge  of  two  lar^  and 
handsome  arches,  the  east  window  of  a  beautiful  chapel,  shaded  by  some  of  the  hrgest 
yew  trees  in  the  kingdom,  *Willimoteswick  Castle,  and  that  of  Langley,  with  farm- 
houses and  villages,  mtermixed  with  woods,  and  scatt^ed  in  such  a  way  as  to  give 
the  idea  of  popmation,  without  encroaching  on  that  dt  retirement,  the  whole  forms 
such  a  scene  as  is  perhaps  scarcely  to  be  paralleled,  and  would,  without  any  other  ad- 
vantages, make  this  a  aelightful  residence.  From  the  house  you  pass  by  a  terrace 
(commanding  a  part  of  what  has  been  mentioned,  and  the  garden  with  a  vinery  and 

*  Lowes  Forest  had  and^tly  very  great  liberties,  with  two  walks  and  a  bow-bearer^  but  was  harassed  and 
spoiled  by  the  Danes.  In  the  reign  of  Edward  II.  it  was  granted  to  a  fiunily  of  that  name,  from  which  it 
passed  to  the  Fenwicks,  but  was  forfeited  to  the  crown  in  the  reign  of  queen  Mary.  Queen  ElLeabeth 
granted  it  to  the  Swinbums,  since  knighted.  It  was  again  forfeited  to  the  crown  in  the  time  of  Charles  I. 
whose  son,  Charles  II.  gave  part  of  it  to  the  Widdringtons,  of  Horsley,  and  the  remaining  part  td  a  Lowest 
a  descendant  of  its  ancient  lords,  who  has  built  himself  a  seat  called  Ridley,  near  the  influx  of  the  West  Al- 
len. Gules  a  wolf  passant  argent,  was  borne  by  Sir  Edward  Lowes,  of  New  Sarum,  in  Wiltshire,  knt  some 
time  fellow  of  New  College,  afterwards  L.  L.  D. ;  one  of  the  roasters  in  the  Chancery,  son  of-—  Lowes,  of 
Fisherton,  in  Wiltshire,  by  his  wife,  •— ,  sister  of  Edward  Hyde,  who  was  some  time  lord  chancellor  of  Eng- 
land  I  he  was  heir  and  executor  to  George  liowes,  of  Calne,  in  Wilt8bire.«»£d^rao< Jfroi»  ^  if<erdif  «  Qffwe^ 


I 


sit  TINDALE  WARD.^W.  D. 

hot-house)  to  one  of  those  scenes  which  poets  have  delighted  in  descrlbin^-*^  rapid 
river  murmuring  over  pebbles,  or  forcing  its  way  over  rocks,  confined  by  Iwhr  moun- 
tains clothed  with  wood.  This  interesting  walk  continues  for  half  a  mile,  when  you 
reach  a  point  odled  the  Raven's  Craig,  where  an  opening  in  the  vale  of  a  few  fields 
of  haugh-land,  with  a  farm-rhouse,  chsmges  the  scene,  and  recals  the  mind  from  the 
contemplation  of  romantic  beauty,  in  some  degree,  to  r^l  life.  After  passing  the 
course  of  the  Allen  for  about  half  a  mile  farther,  you  ascend  the  high  grounos  of 
Ridley -Hall  by  a  walk  cut  through  the  wood,  which  at  various  points  admits  the 
"  different  and  pleasing  objects.     '^  ^ -^  ^ -^i-  -^ 

interesting :  the  ruins  dr  Stav 
hanging  banks  of  Kingswood^ 
once  beautiful,  grand,  and  romantic.  On  iretuming  north,  the  prospect  is  that  of 
wildness,  grandeur,  and  extent :  the  vales  of  the  Tyne  and  Allen  are  nidden,  and  it 
requires  little  force  of  imagination  to  suppose  yourself  in  one  of  the  wildest  districts 
of  a  neighbouring  country.  Perhaps  the  force  of  contrast  is  no  where  more  strongly 
marked  than  at  the  point  of  quitting  this  scene,  and  embracing  that  of  the  mansion^ 
with  its  beautiAil  and  richly  cultivated  grounds  below  it,  the  two  rivers,  and  a  consi- 
Arable  extent  of  that  almost  matchless  vale  throu^  which  the  Tyne  meanders. 

This  mansion-house  derives  its  name  from  the  Ridlevs  of  Willimoteswick,  to  whom 
it  anciently  belonged.  It  was  afterwards  the  seat  and  lordship  of  the  ancient  family 
of  Lowes,  who  acquired  their  name  from  the  neighbouring  forest  of  Lowes  (Ij&ugks)^ 
which  belonged  to  them  from  a  very  early  period,  down  to  the  reign  of  Chariies  II.  It 
was  in  the  possession  of  Robert  Lowes,  who  had  direction  of  the  watch  at  Thorngrafton, 
6  king  Edward  VI. ;  and  of  WiUiam  Lowes,  who  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumber- 
land in  177S.  John  Lowes,  Esq.  who  had  the  same  high  office  in  1790,  died  in  Ja- 
nuary,  X796.  By  his  will,  dated  the  27th  of  December,  1793,  he  named  William 
Comforth  Lowes,  Esq.  and  John  Davidson,  Esq.  as  guardians  oi  his  then  infant  son^ 
and  deputed  them  to  seU  all  his  estates  in  Cumberland  and  Durham  (except  those  in  the 
parish  of  Chester-le-Street)  to  pay  his  just  debts,  accounting  for  all  balances  to  his  said 
son,  William  Comforth  Lowes,  on  whom  and  his  issue  he  entailed  all  his  estates  what- 
soever (saving  and  excepting  such  estates  named  to  be  sold  or  mortgaged),  and  failing 
him,  on  the  said  John  Ikividsont  Esq.  kA  Newcastle,  and  his  issue.  William  Comforth 
Lowea,  cf  University  College,  Oxford,  died  unmarried  in  November,  1810,  and  John 
'Davidton,  Esq.  became  possessed  of  the  estates :  but  many  of  those  in  this  county 
•  being  of  customary  copyhold  tenure,  they  could  not  be  willed ;  and  Thomas  Lowes, 
brother  of  the  aforesaid  John  Lowes,  claimed  them  as  heir  at  law.  An  amicable  suit 
to  try  this  question  was  entered  at  the  assizes  at  Newcastle  in  181S ;  but  the  claimant 
died  in  September  that  year,  leaving  one  daughter.  Ridley  Hall  is  now  the  property 
and  seat  oi  Thomas  Bates,  Esq. 

Willimoteswick,  the  mote  and  villa  of  William^  is  situated  near  the  Tyne,  a  short 
distance  west  from  Ridley  HalL  This  ruined  fortified  residence  of  the  Ridleys 
stands  on  a  rising  ground,  and  commands  a  view  of  the  adjoining  country.  It  was 
the  seat  oi  Sir  Nicholas  Ridley,*  who  was  high. sheriff  of  Northumberland,  1,  2,  S, 

**  Niokokn  RkUey,  the  oelebraled  prelate  and  niaitfr,  was  bom  here  about  the  commencement  of  the  six-^ 
teenth  eentiury.    Alter  being  seme  time  in  a  grammar-school  at  Newcastle,  he  wa^  about  1518,  entered  of 


1* 


HALTWmSTLE  PARISH.  313 

and  23  king  Henry  VII.  and  1,  S,  and  8  king  Henry  VIII.  It  was  also  the  seat  of 
Sir  Nicholas  Ridley,  knt  18  queen  Elizabeth,  then  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland^ 
and  possessed  of  a  considerable  property;  likewise  of  Richard  Ridley,  Esq.  high 
sheriff  of  Northumberland,  S7th  of  the  same  reign.  Their  lineal  descendants  are  at 
present  seated  at  Blagdon.     This  family  had  also  a  residence  at  Hardridmg^  on  the 

Pembroke  Hall,  Cambridge.  His  diapontion  was  open  and  ingenuous,  and  his  application  to  his  studies  un« 
remitted.  In  1522,  be  took  the  degree  of  B.  A. ;  and  to  his  knowledge  of  the  learned  languages  now  added 
that  of  philosophy  and  theology.  In  1524,  he  reftised  an  exhibitioii  at  University  College,  Oxford,  and  was 
immediately  chosen  fellow  of  hb  own  college  in  Cambridge.  Next  year  he  took  the  degree  of  M.  A. ;  but 
as  his  attendon  was  wholly  directed  to  divinity,  his  uncle.  Dr.  Robert  Ridley,  then  fdlow  of  Queen's  College, 
sent  him  to  the  Sorbonne  at  Paris,  and  from  thence  to  Lou  vain.  Having  returned  to  England,  he  was,  in 
1550,  chosen  junior  treasurer  of  his  college,  and  distinguished  himself  in  the  frivolous  but  subtile  disputations 
of  the  time.  In  1533,  he  signed,  as  senior  proctor,  the  decision  of  the  university  against  die  supremacy  of 
the  Pope.  In  the  following  year,  he  took  the  degree  of  B.  D.  and  was  chosen  chaplain  of  the  university^ 
and  public  reader  or  orator.  In  1537>  he  attracted  the  notice  and  procured  the  esteem  of  Cranmer,  arob* 
bishop  of  Canterbury,  who  made  him  one  of  bis  chaplains,  and  collated  hira  to  the  vicarage  of  Heme,  in 
Kent,  where  his  preaching  was  attended  by  multitudes  of  people.  He  took  hia  degree  of  doctor  of  ciivinity, 
was  made  a  preboid  of  Canterbury,  and  master  di  Pembroke  Hall,  in  1540L  His  sermons  against  auricular 
confession,  and  his  directing  Tb  Dettm  to  be  sung  in  Engliah,  provided  the  clergy  of  the  old  Uarmng;  but 
he  was  effectually  protected  by  Cranmer. 

In  1545,  Dr.  Ridley  was  joined  by  Cranmer  in  rejecting  the  doctrine  of  transubstantiation,  and  the  arch, 
bishop  gave  him  the  eighth  stall  in  St.  Peter's^  Westminster.  His  sermons  before  king  Edward,  in  1547,  in 
favour  of  the  Reformation,  were  uncommonly  strong  and  ingenious.  At  this  time  he  was  presented  by  the 
fellows  of  Pembroke  Hall  to  the  living  of  Soham,  in  the  diocese  of  Norwich ;  but  the  presentation  being 
disputed  by  the  bishop,  he  was  admitted  by  the  king's  mandate,  and  shortly  afler  promoted  to  the  bishopric 
of  Rochester.  In  1548,  bishop 'Ridley  appears  to  have  been  employed  in  compiling  the  Common  Prayer,  in 
conjunction  with  archbishop  Cranmer  and  others ;  and  in  the  following  year,  agreeably  to  the  intolerant  and 
unenlightened  spirit  of  the  age,  he  accepted  a  share  in  the  commission  for  detecting  and  punishing  anabap- 
tists, heretics,  and  contemners  of  the  Common  Prayer  ^  and  under  which  Joan  Bocher^and  another  suffered 
death.  He  was  also  a  commissioner  for  reforming  Cambridge,  where  he  presided  at  a  public  disputation 
relating  to  transubstantiation.  In  1550,  he  wAs  instaHed  Inshop  of  London ;  on  which  occasion  he  conducted 
himself  with  the  greatest  delicacy  and  generosity  towards  Bonner^  who  was  ejected  from  this  bishopric.  In 
this  high  station  he  was  a  pattern  of  zeal,  piety,  and  temperance ;  and  in  1551,  he,  in  oonjunctiaii  with  Cran- 
mer, drew  up  42  articles  of  fkith,  whieh  reoeived  the  sonetion  of  the  king  in  coundL  In  155S«  he  visited 
his  old  college,  and  upon  his  return  called  at  Hunsdon,  to  pay  his  vespects  to  the  princess  Mary.  Their  in- 
terview forms  a  curious  narrative.  She  thanked  him  for  his  civility,  and  Mitering  into  conversation  with  him 
for  about  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  tdd  hhn  that  she  remembered  him  at  court,  and  mentioned  particularly  a 
sermon  of  his  before  her  father;  and  then,  leaving  her  chamber  of  presence,  dismissed  him  to  dine  with  ber 
officers.  After  dinner  she  sent  for  him  again,  when  the  bishop  said  that  he  did  not  only  come  to  pay  his 
duty  to  her  grace,  but  also  to  offer  to  preach  before  her  next  Sunday,  if  she  would  be  pleased  to  permit  him. 
On  this  she  changed  countenance,  imd  after  some  minutes'  silence,  sud, ''  As  for  this  maitter,  I  pray  you,  my 
lord,  make  the  answer  to  it  yourself;"  and,  on  tiie  bishop's  urging  his  offer,  as  a  matter  of  conscnence  and 
duty,  she  repeated  the  same  words,  yet  at  last  told  him,  that  the  doors  of  the  parish  church  should  be  open 
to  him,  where  he  might  preach  if  he  pleased,  but  that  neither  herself  nor  any  of  her  servants  should  ^hear 
him,  <*  Madam,"  said  the  bishop,  "  I  trust  you  will  not  refuse  God's  word:"—"  I  cannot  tell  what  you  call 
God  s  word.  That  is  not  God's  word  now,  which  was  God's  word,  in  my  father's  days."  The  bishop»xOb* 
served,  that  God's  word  is  the  same  at  all  times,  but  has  been  better  understood  and  practised  in  some  ages 

VOL.  II.  4  K 


314  TINDAIiE  WARD.— W.  I>. 

north  side  of  the  river,  which  thSy  sold  to  Mr.  Lowes,  at  thtt  time  residing  at  Crow 
HaU,  on  the  bank  of  the  river,  oppottte  to  Ridley  Hall. 

Wilhinoteswick,  in  the  reign  of  king  Charles  I.  was  in  the  possession  of  Richard 
Musgrave,  Esq. ;  the  manor  of  Henshaw,  and  the  forest  of  Lowes,  and  other  lands, 
being  then  hdd  of  the  crown,  under  the  manor  of  Wark,  in  Tindale,  by  William 

than  in  others.  Mary,  enraged  at  this^  answered,  **  You  durst  not  fiir  jour  ears  have  avoiicdied  that  fiw  God's 
word  in  my  father's  days  that  yon  do  now ;"  and  then,  to  shew  how  well  she  had  prepared  herself  to  argue 
with  the  prelate,  she  added,  "  As  for  your  new  books,  t  thank  God,  I  never  read  any  of  them ;  I  never  did 
and  never  will."  She  then,  after  maldng  use  of  much  harsh  language,  parted  from  him,  with  these  words, 
"My  lord,  for  your  civility  in  coming  to  see  me,  I  thank  you ;  hut  for  your  offering  to  preach  before  me,  I 
diank  you  not  a  whit"  After  this,  the  bishop  was  conducted  to  the  room  where  they  had  dined,  and  where 
Sir  Thomas  Wharton  now  gave  him  a  glass  of  wine.  When  he  had  drank  it^  he  seemed  ooncemed,  and  said, 
*'  Surely  I  have  done  amiss."  Upon  being  asked  why  ?  he  vehemently  reproached  himself  for  having  drank 
in  that  place,  where  Grod's  word  had  been  refused ;  "  whereas,"  said  he,  "  if  I  had  remembered  my  duty,  I 
eoght  to  have  -departed  immediatdy,  and  to  have  shaken  off  the  dust  from  my  feet  for  a  tesfeimooy  against 
this  house."  This  interview  gave  bishop  Ridley  "  a  sorrowful  prospect  of  what  was  to  be  expected;  if  ever 
the  princess  came  to  the  throne." 

When  the  parliament  assembled  in  1553,  the  king,  who  was  languishing  under  the  decline  which  soon  put 
an  end  to  his  life,  ordered  the  two  houses  to  attend  htm  at  Whitehall,  where  bishop  Bidley  preached  before 
him,  reoommending  with  such  energy  the  duties  of  beneficence  and  charity,  that  his  nii^|esty  sent  fat  him,  to 
enquire  how  he  could  best  put  in  practice  the  duties  which  he  had  so  well  and  so  strongly  enforced ;  and  the 
result  of  this  sermon  and  conference  was  a  determination  in  the  king  to  found,  or  incorporate  anew,  and  en* 
dow  with  ample  revenues,  those  noble  institutions,  Christ's,  Bartholomew's,  Bridewell,  and  St  Thomas's  hos- 
pitals. Upon  the  death  pf  Edward  VL  Ridley  was  earnest  in  attempting  to  set  Lady  Jane  Grey  on  the 
throne ;  but  when  the  design  had  miscarried,  he.  went  to  Mary,  to  do  her  homage,  and  submit  himself  to  her 
clemency.  His  reception  was  such  as  he  might  have  expected:,  he  was  immediately  committed  to  the 
Tower,  where,  however,  he  was  treated  with  much  less  rigour  than  Cranmer  and  Latimer,  who  were  like- 
"wise  prisoners  in  the  same  fortress,  ^dley,  it  has  been  thought,  might  have  recovered  the  queen's  £ivour, 
if  he  would  have  brought  the  weight  of  his  leamitig  and  authority  to  countenance  her  proceedings  in  religion. 
He  was,  however,  too  honest  to  act  agmnst  his  conviction ;  and,  after  eight  months'  imprisonment  in  the  Tower, 
was  conveyed  from  thence  to  Oxford,  where  he  was,  on  the  1st  of  October,  1555,  condemned  to  death  lor  he- 
resy. The  15th  of  that  month  being  the  day  appointed  by  the  court  for  hia  exeoution,  he  met  the  trial  with 
calmness  and  fortitude.  He  called  it  his  marriage«day,  and  su|qped  on  the  praoedii^  evening  with  the  utmost 
cheerfulness,  having  invited  some  friends  on  the  ocoasiciL  When  they  rose  to  depart,  one  ^i  them  offered  to  sit 
up  widi  him  through  thenight,  which  he  would  not  permit,  saying,  he  roeapt  to  go  to  bed,  and,  by  God's  will, 
to  sleep  9M  quietly  that  night  as  he  ever  had  done  in  his  Ufeu  On  the  following  morning,  having  dressed  himself 
in  his  episcopal  habit,  he  walked  to  the  place  of  execution,  between  the  mayor  and  one  of  the  aldermen  of  Ox- 
ford ;  and  seeing  Latimer  approach,  from  whom  he  had  been  separated  since  their  condemnation,  he  ran  to  meet 
him,  and  with  a  dieerful  countenance  embraced  him,  and  exclaimed,  '*  Be  of  good  heart,  brother,  for  God  will 
either  assuage  the  fury  of  the  flames,  or  else  give  us  strength  to  endure  them."  -  Then  walking  to  the  stake, 
he  knelt  down,  and  kissing  it,  prayed  earnestly,  as  Latimer  did  also,  and  both  suffered  the  cruellest  death 
with. the  greatest  courage.  Anthony  Wood  says  of  bishop  Ridley,  that  ''he  was  a  person  of  small  stature, 
( but  great  in  learning,  and  profoundly  read  in  divinity."  His  writings  consist  chiefly  of  treatises  and  letters 
■  im^Ab}ects  of  controversial  theology. 

Ltmcdot  Ridiey,  D.  D.  mention«i  above,  was  fellow  of  King's  Hall,  in  Cambridge,  about  the  year  1532, 
-oBe.of  the  six  preachers  of  Canterbury,  and  author  of  a  commentary  on  St  Paul's  Epistles.  The  Ridleys  of 
Willimote^wick,  says  Wallis,  aeem  to  have  be^  a  family  of  literati  and  divines.    Three  of  them  weie  rectors 


HALTWHISTLE  PARISH.  815 

RidKey,  Esq*  hy  the  same  service  as  his  fether,  of  his  own  name,  performed.    Willi- 
moteswick  now  bdoh^s  to  the  Bkok^tts^  of  West  Matf^. 

BelHngham  villa^  is  very  pleasantly  seated  between  Ridley  Hall  and  Willimote&- 
wick.  In  the  yard  g£  its  ancient  chapel  stands  a  remarkably  large  yew  tree»  of  a 
great  age«    About  a  mile  south  of  Ridley  Hall^  and  on  the  west  side  of  the  Allen^ 

<yf  the  pariah  of  SinMnbum,  vie.  Rdliert  Ridley,  D.  D.  nominated  1510;  John  Ridley,  1532;  and  Cuthbert 
Ridley,  l6B5. 

Sir  Thomas  Itidl^t  knt  L-.L.  D.  the  great  civilian,  derived  his  descent  from  this  ancient  stock.  He  was 
bom  at  Ely,  and  educated  at  Eaton  school,  of  which  he  was  afterwards  a  school-master,  and  fellow  of  King's 
College,  in.  Cambridge*  For  bis  juridical  erudition,  and  other  liberal  aocom|rfishment8,  he  w;is  promoted  to 
a  mastership  in  chancery,  to  the  honour  of  knighthood,  to  the  chancellorship  of  Winchester,  and  the  high 
station  of  vicar«general  to  Dr.  George  Abbot,  archbishop  of  Canterbury.  He  was  member  of  parliament  for 
Wycombe,  in  Buckinghamshire,  2S  queen  Elizabeth.  He  was  author  of  a  treatise  on  the  Eucharist,  and  of 
a  book,  intitled,  A  View  of  the  Civil  and  Ecclesiastical  Law,  which  was  much  admired  by  king  James  I. 
He  died  22cl  January,  5  king  Charles  I.  16S9,  and  was  interred  in  St  Bennefs  church,'  near  St.  Paul's 
wharf,  London. 

^Dr,  GloHer  Eidley,  descended  collaterally  fVom  this  f^ily^  was  bom  at  sea,  in  1702,  on  board  the  Glou- 
cester East  Indiaman,  to  which  circumstance  he  was  indebted  for  his  Christian  name.  He  received  his  edu- 
cation at  Winchester  school,  and  thence  was  elected  to  a  fellowship  at  New  College,  Oxford,  where  he 
proceeded  B.  C.  L.  April  29,  1:7^9*  In  those  two  seminaries  he  cultivated  an  early  Acquaintance  with  the 
Moses,  and  laid  the  foundation  of  those  elegant  and  solid  acqun^ements  for  which  he  was  afterwards  ^  emi- 
nently distinguished  as  a  poet,  an  historian,  and  a  divine.  During  a  vaouicy  in  1728,  he  johied  with  four 
Irieiids,  viz.  Mr.  Thomas  Fletcher  (afterwards  bishop  of  Kildare),  Mr.  (afterwards  Dr.)  Eyre,  Mr.  Morrison, 
and  Mr.  Jennens,  in  writing  a  tragedy,  called  "  The  Fruitless  Redresa,"  eadr  ondentaldng  an  itct,  on  a  plan 
previously  concerted.  ¥i^en  they^  delivered  in  their  several  proportions,  at  their  meeting  in  the  winter,  few 
raders^.it  is  said,  would  have  known  that  the  whole  was  not  the  production  of  a  single  hand  This  tragedy, 
which  was  offered  to  Mr.  Wilks,  but  never  acted,  is  still  an  MS.  with  another  called  "  Jugurtha."  Dr.  Rid- 
ley in  his  youth  was  much  addicted  to  theatrical  performances.  Midhurst,  in  Sussex,  was  the  place  where 
they  were  exhibited ;  and  the  company  of  gentlemen  actors  to  which  he  belonged  consisted  chieHy  of  his 
coadjutors  in  the  tragedy  already  mentioned.  For  great  part  of  his  life,  he  had  no  other  preferment  than  the 
small  college  living  of  Weston,  in  Norfolk,  and  the  donative  of  Poplar,  in  Middlesex,  where  he  resided.  To 
these  his  college  added,  some  years  after^  the  donative  of  Romford,  in  Essex.  *'  Between  these  two  places 
the  curricle  of  his  life  had,"  as  he  expressed  it,  "  rolled  for  some  time  almost  perpetually  upon  post-chaise 
wheels,  and  left  him  not  tixnfe  for  even  the  proper  studies  of  economy,  or  the  necessary  ones  of  his  profession.'* 
Yet  in  this  obscure  situation  he  was  honoured  with  the  intimate  friendship  of  some  who  were  not  less  distin- 
guished for  learning  than  for  worth ;  among  these,  it  may  be  sufficient  to  mention  Dr.  Lowth,  Mr.  Christo- 
pher Pitt,  Mr.  Spence,  and  Dr.  Berriman.  To  the  last  of  these  he  was  curate  and  executor,  and  preached 
his  funeral  sermon.  In  1740  and  1741,  he  preached  "Eight  Sermons  at  Lady  Moyer's  Lecture,"  which 
were  published  in  1742,  8vo.  and  at  different  times,  several  occasional  sermons.  In  1756,  he  declined  an 
offer  of  going  to  Ireland  as  first  chaplain  to  the  Duke  of  Bedford.  In  I76I,  he  published,  in  4to.  **  De  Syri- 
acarum  novi  foederis  versionum  indole  atque  msu,  dissertatio ;"  and  in  1763,  the  "  Life  of  Bishop  Ridley,"  in 
4ta  bj  subscription,  and  cleared  by  it  as  much  as  brought  him  £800  in  the  public  funds.  In  1765  appeared 
his  "  Review  cf  Philip's  Life  of  Cardinal  Pole ;"  and  in  1767,  he  was  honoured  with  the  degree  of  D.  D.  by 
the  university  of  Oxford.  In  the  following  year,  in  reward  for  his  controversial  labours,  produced  by."  The 
Confessional,"  he  was  presented  by  archbishop  Seeker  to  a  golden  prebend  in  the  cathedral  church  o£  Salis- 
bury. At  length,  worn  out  with  infirmities^  he  departed  this  life  in  November,  1774,  leaving  a'  widow  and 
four  daughters.    Two  poems  by  Dr.  Ridley,  one  atyled  "  Jovi  Bleutherio,  or  an  Offering  to  Liberty,**  the 


8X6  TINDALE  WARD.— W.  D. 

stands  Kingswood,  the  property  of  George  Waldie,  Esq.  On  the  opposite  side,  where 
the  Harsingdale  Bum  joins  the  Allen,  is  a  small  peninsula,  on  which  stand  the  cram* 
bling  walls  and  broken  gateway  of  Staward  le  Peel.*  The  ap]^roach  to  this  ancient 
fortress  was  elevated  and  narrow,  having  rocky  ste^s  on  each  side,  and  the  gateway 
being  defended  by  a  draw-bridge  ^d  portcullis.  The  outworks  were  a  deep  fosse, 
with  a  vaUum  of  earth  and  stone.  The  surrounding  scenery  is  **  of  the  most  striking 
and  interesting  nature,  consisting  of  woods,  rocks,  ruined  walls,  water,  cottages,  and 
patches  of  rich  tillage  land.*'  The  view  northward  takes  in  the  village  of  Thomgrat 
ton,  surmounted  by  the  cliffs  above  Sewing  Sheels,  which  form  the  mnizon. 

Bellister  lies  on  the  southern  side  of  the  river.  Sellister  Castle  stands  on  on 
artificial  mount,  opposite  to  Haltwhistle,  and  was  surrounded .  by  a  broad  fosse.  It 
has  been  an  irregular  structure,  and  now  consist^  of  a  rude  and  crumbling  mass  of 
ruins,  overshadowed  by  an  enormous  sycamore.  Beipg  the  seat  of  a  younger  branch 
of  the  Blenkinsops,  it  belonged  to.  Thoraasi  Blenkinsop,  6  king  Edward  VI.  and  to 
George,  10  queen  Elizabeth.  At  present,  the  manor  lielongs  to  Cuthbert  Ellison, 
Esq.  of  Hebbum  Hall,  and  the  castle  and  estate  to  the  Bacon  family. 

Peatherstone  Castle  is  about  2^  miles  south-west  from  Haltwhistle.  It  stands  in  a 
little  sequestered  haugh,  on  the  south  side  of  the  Tyne,  that  fronts  the  narrow  vale 
of  Hartley  Burn,  through  which  are  seen  the  hiffh  and  heathy  simimits  c^Tindale 
and  Byres  Fell,  The  meadows  and  lawn  around  it  are  uncommonly  rich,  and  the 
trees  large  and  luxuriant,  and  disposed  in  the  most  picturesque  manner ;  while  the 
adjoining  country  presents  ^  spene  of  waste  and  barrenness^  This  edifice,  tike  most 
Border  castles,  had  a  ditch  around  it,  and  consisted  of  a  strong  square  tower,  with  two 
exploratory  turrets.  It  is  vaulted  underneath,  for  the  purpose  of  securing  flocks  and 
herds  in  the  time  of  assault.  Three  small  towers  have  oeen  lately  added,  and  a  suite 
of  offices,  which,  with  the  garden  wall,  are  executed  in  the  castellated  style,  and  mdke 

other  caUed  "  Psyche,"  are  in  the  third  volume  of  Dodsley's  Collection.  The  sequel  of  the  Utter  poem,  cnti- 
tied  "  Melampus,"  with  "  Psyche,"  its  natural  introduction^  was  printed  in  1782,  by  subscription,  for  the  be* 
nefit  of  his  widow.  Many  others  are  ip  the  Sth  volume  of  Nichols's  Collection. — Gent,  Mag.  vol.  xUv.  Biog. 
jyict.  vol.  xxvi. 

James  Ridleif,  son  to  the  preceding,  was  educated  at  Winchester,  and  New  CbUege,  Oxford ;  and,  after 
taking  orders,  succeeded  his  father  in  the  living  of  Rumford,  in  Essex..  In  176I,.  while  attending  his  duty 
as  chaplain  to  a  marchipg  regiment  at  the  siege  of  Belleisle,  h^e  laid  the  fbundation  of  some  disorders,  which, 
a  few  years  after,  being  then  happily  married  and  preferred  in  the  churdl,  terminated  his  liffe  in  February^ 
1765,  He  wrote  the  "Schemer,"  a  very  humourous  periodical  paper,  originally  written  for  the  London 
Chronicle,  but  afterwards  collected  into  a  volume  and  published.  He  was.  also  the  author  of  the  "  History  of 
James  Lovegrove,  Esq. ;"  but  the  «  Tales  of  the  Genii"  b  the  work  on  which  his  fame  principally  rests,  and 
the  many  editions  through  which  it  has  passed  sufiidently  attest  its  popularity, — Ntchols's  Bowyer^ 

*  This  Peel,  or  Castle,  was  granted  in  138^,  by  Edward,  Duke  of  York,  to  the  Friars  Eremites  of  Hex- 
ham, to  be  held  by  the  annual  payment  of  five  marks,  ft  was  the  re8idenc€^  of  John  Bacon,  Esq.  who  raised 
a  large  fortune  by  mining,  and  who  i3  said  to  have  been  a  descendant  from  the  same  stock  as  Lord  Chancellor 
Bacon,  by  a  monk  of  Wetheral  Abbey,  who  conformed  and  married.  Mr.  Bacon's  son  and  successors  settled 
at  Newton  Cap,  in  the  county  of  Durham,  He  had  seven  daughters,  six  of  whom  married  to  opulent  gen-, 
ilemen  in  Northumberland,  and  one  died  unmarried.— fPb^,  vol^  iu  p.  32,    BeanU  Eng.  wl.  «tt.  pi,  1,  |>,  H7* 


i  PARISH.  317 

a  bdld  akid  intetestiil^  appcarahcfe.    Thi*  castle^  was  the  seat  of  the  ancient  family  ^ 
the  Featherstoliehaughs^*  and  was  in  the  jpossession  of  Thomas  de  Featherstonehaugh, 
1  king  Edwaffd  I.  and  1  kii^  £dw«rd  II. ;  of  Alexander  de  Featherstonehaugh,  39 
king  Edward  IIL ;  and  of  l^omas  de  Featber8tonehaugh»  the  4Sd  year  of  the  same 
reigti.    Sir  Albany  Featherstonehaiigh  had  imulent  manors  and  possessions,  and  was 
hi^  sheiiff  of  Northumberland,  2  queto  Elizabeth.    His  ddest  son,  Alexander 
Featherstonehaugh,  was  also  high  sheriff  of  the  county  in  the  32d  year  of  the  same 
reign*    His  second  son»  Henly,  who,  at  the  beginning  of  the  reign  of  James  I.  was 
appointed  receiver  <xf  all  the  lung's  revenues  in  Cumberland  and  Westmoreland,  had 
issue  a  son,  Timotiiy,  who,  in  the  succeedit^  reign,  espoused  the  royal  cause,  raised  a 
troop  of  horse  at  his  own  expence,  was  knighted  under  the  king's  banner,  and  fought 
bravely  and  successfully  till  the  fatal  battle  ci  Worcester,  September  3,  l651,  when 
he  was  taken  ptisoner  and  beheaded,  at  Bolton,  in  Lancashire.    This  event  injured 
tile  estate  ci  this  particular  branch  of  the  family :  but  not  irretrievably,  for  the  de^ 
scendantB  of  this  gimtleman  are  stiU  very  respecta&le,  both  in  fortune  and  character. 
The  manoir  oi  Feadierstonefaaugh  was  sold  to  the  Earl  of  Carlisle ;  but  the  castle  and 
Mtate  came  afterwards  into  the  possession  of  Matthew  Featherstonehaugh,  Esq..  of 
Newcastle,  lineally  descended  frokn  Sir  Albany  Featherstonehaugh.    His  son,  Sir 
Mattiiew,  upon  the  death  of  the  lat^  Sir  Henry  Featherstonehaugh,  Bart,  of  Up 
Park,  in  Swsesc,  who  dwd  Oetdber,  1746,  without  issue,  obtained  a  patent  of  baj-onet* 
age.     Sir  Matthew  married,  December  24, 1746,  Sarah,  only  daughter  of  Christopher 
LethieuUier,  Esq.  who  died  August  27, 1788,  leaving  one  son,  I^nry.     Sir  Matthew 
was  member  of  paiiiament  for  Morpeth,  and  after  that  for  Portsmouth ;  and  fellow 
of  the  Royal  Society.    He  died  May  24,  1774,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  only  son. 
Sir  Henry  Featherstanehaugh,  the  pres^it  baronet    The  great  grandfather  of  the 
present  iMtfonet  possessed  ati  estate  at  Aldstone  Moor,  in  Cumberknd,  which  was  a 
part  of  the  estate  belongmg  to  Featherstondiaugh,  and  given  to  his  ancestors,  as  a 
younger  brother's  portion.     He  left  issue  a  son,  who  married  to  the  daughter  of  Mat- 
thew VVhitfield,  of  Whitfield,  in  Northumberland,  Esq.  by  whom  he  had  a  son. 

The  late  Sir  Matthew  Featherstonehaugh  sold  tiiis  estate  to  the  father  of  its  present 
possessor,  the  Right  Honourable  Thomas  Wallace.  This  gentleman  has  displayed 
the  most  proftmftid  and  enlightened  views  ota  all  matters  relating  to  the  commerce, 
trade,  and  navigation  of  the  kingdom ;  and  when  he  lately  retired  from  the  vice- 
presidency  of  the  Board  of  Trade,  the  leading  members  on  both  sides  of  the  House  c^ 
Commons  pronounced  the  highest  eulogiums  on  his  transcendant  talents,  and  the  mer- 
chants of  London  presented  him  with  a  ^^ece  of  plate  of  the  value  of  £500.  He  is  one 
of  the  representaliveft  for  Weymduth,  master  of  the  mint,  and«  on  the  resignation  of 

*  William  de  Monte,  so  called  from  his  houie  st  Stidihops,  dtUAted  on  Craiff  Hill,  lired  in  fht  tlttis  of  king 
Stephen;  and  in  4S  Bdward  IIL  this  family  assumed  liie  nsnie  of  FeathCT0l»tiehsu|^h.  Of  die  Stsnhops 
fiunily^  vho  were  disthiguished  bj  the  addition  of  Haige,  were  5iir  Heneage  and  i^ir  F^therstone,  Bbrts.  lint 
so  created  in  l660.  So  was  also  Colonel  Fetherstobhalg^  killed  at  the  tiattle  of  Blenheim,  the  last  possessoir 
of  the  Stanhope  estate;  whidi  was,  after  his  decease,  sold  to  the  B«rl  of  Carlisle,  and  put  a  period  to  the 
name  there :  he  had  twice  represented  the  ooanty  palatine  of  Durham, 

Feaikenitrndkaugh  CasUe  k  descriptive  of  the  castle  in  the  meadow  where  the  stones  aie  stratified  faather^ 
wise,  as  in  the  bed  of  the  Tyne  at  Hartley  Burn  Foot"«-«JKNijg«oi»« 

VOL,  11,  4  Ii 


318  TINDALE  WARD— W.  D. 

T.  W.  Beaumont,  Esq.  was  lately  appointed  colonel  of  the  Northumberland  Southern 
Re^^ment  of  Local  Militia.  He  resides  here  whenever  his  public  duties  permit  him 
to  leave  the  metropolis.     His  possessions  in  this  neighbourhood  are  very  extensive. 

Blenkinsop  CiisUe  is  on  the  south  side  of  the  Tippal,  2^  miles  west  from  Haltwhis- 
tie,  in  the  midst  of  a  cold  naked  country.  It  is  buut  upon  a  little  eminence,  and  has 
been  defended  by  a  deep  ditch  on  the  north  and  west,  on  the  south  by  a  rivulet,  and 
on  the  east  by  a  steep  bank.  It  has  consisted  of  a  strong  square  tower,  built  upon 
vaults,  one  of  which  is  18  feet  wide,  and  surrounded  by  a  high  outward  wall  at  the 
distance  of  four  yards.  The  stones  of  which  the  tower  has  been  built  are  supposed 
to  have  been  removed  from  a  Roman  station.  The  whole  building  is  in  a  very  ruin- 
ous state ;  but  two  poor  families  still  contrive  to  find  shelter  in  a  few  of  the  rooms. 
This  castle  was  the  ancient  seat  of  the  Blenkinsops,  noted  for  their  Border  feuds.  It 
was  held  in  the  time  of  Henry  III.  by  Ralph  Blenkinsop,  of  Nidiolas  de  Boltby, 
baron  of  Tindale,  by  the  annual  payment  of  half  a  mark.     It  has  continued  in  the 

E^ssession  of  his  descendants,*  and  became  by  marriage  the  property  of  the  late  John 
ienkinsop  Coulson,  Esq.  of  Jesmond.  It  is  now  the  estate  of  his  son,  John  Blen- 
kinsop CoulsoA,  Esq.  lieutenant-colonel  of  the  Northumberland  militia.  His  present 
seat  is  a  handsome  modem  mansion,  most  pleasantly  seated  at  Drybumhaugh,  on  the 
north  side  of  the  Tipnal,  and  opposite  to  the  old  family  residence.     The  rising 

grounds  behind  are  well  clothed  with  wood,  and  the  vale  on  each  side  is  uncommonly 
eautiful. 

Plen  Meller  derives  its  name  from  a  heathy  mountain  that  stands  a  short  dis* 
tance  south  ftt)m  Haltwhistle,  and  near  to  whidi,  on  the  south  side  of  the  river,  is 
situated  Untkank  Hall.  It  was  the  seat  of  the  late  Robert  Tweedle,  Esq.  and  by 
him  bequeathed  to  Robert  Pearson,  Esq.  of  Benwell.  Co&nwood  township  forms 
the  southern  district  of  the  parish,  ana  consists  mostly  of  heathy  heights,  used  for 
feeding  sheep. 

LAMBLEY  PARISH 

Is  of  small  eiptent,  and  is  bounded  on  the  north,  east,  and  west  by  Haltwhistle  parish, 
and  on  the  south  by  Knaresdale.  In  1881,  it  contained,  including  the  hamlet  of  Ash-^ 
holm  on  the  east  side  of  the  South  Tyne,  42  houses  and  261  iimabitants :  the  poor- 
rates  were  £87,  15^.  There  are  no  schools  in  this  parish ;  but  a  few  of  the  children 
are  sent  for  instruction  into  a  neighbouring  one. 

Harpertowfiy  a  small  village  on  the  banks  of  the  Tyne,  distant  3^  miles  south-west 
from  Haltwhistle,  and  consisting  of  a  few  poor,  scattered  cottages,,  amongst  whidb 
stands  the  humble  chapel  of  Lambley.  Here  was  anciently  a  small  house  of  Bene- 
dictine nuns.  It  is  uncAtain  who  was  its  founder.  King  John,  in  1200,  confirmed 
a  grant  of  Adam  de  Tindale,  and  Heloise  his  wife,  to  God,  St.  Mary,  St.  Patrick,  and 
the  nuns  of  LiambW,  of  ri^ht  of  pasturage  on  both  sides  the  Tyne,  in  their  manor  of 
Lambley,  and  the  chapel  of  Sandibumesde,  with  four  acres  of  land  in  the  same  place, 

*  Gawen  Blenkinsop,  D.  D.  is  on  record  for  being  a  benefactor  to  that  renowned  seminary  of  learning, 
Pembroke  Hall,  in  Cambridge,  of  which  he  was  lUlow. 


ENARESDALE  PARISH.  819 

and  the  tythes  and  offerings ;  as  als6  the  donations  of  Benering  and  Sandibumesele, 
made  by  Helias»  nephew  of  the  said  Adam.  They  had  a  fifth  part  of  the  village  of 
Widen,  and  a  house  at  Newcastle,  at  the  end  of  Painter  Heugh.  This  place  and  its 
neighbourhood  was  cruelly  burnt  and  wasted  by  the  Scots  in  1396.  The  wretched 
nuns  suffered  the  ccnnmon  fate  of  captives  in  thoae  savage  incursions,  torture  and 
ravishment  At  the  dissolution,  this  house  had  six  nuns,  and  a  yearly  income  of 
£5,  15*.  Sd.  It  was  granted,  7  Edward  VI.  to  Dudley,  Earl  of  Northumberland; 
but  on  his  attainder,  it  reverted  to  the  crown,  and  comprized  part  of  the  Feather- 
stonehaugh  estate  in  1567.  It  afterwards  became  the  seat  of  the  AUgoods  of  Nun- 
wick,  in  whose  possession  it  is  at  present.  The  Tyne  ran  amongst  the  walls  of  the 
nunnery  in  Camden's  time,  and  has  now  swept  away  all  appearance  of  it  The  coun- 
try here  is  remarkably  beautifiil.  Opposite  Harpertown  is  an  old  fortress,  called 
Castie^kill,  defended  oh  three  sides  by  llie  slope  of  the  river  biEUik,  and  oA  the  fourth 
by  a  veiy  deep  trench. 

KNARESDALE  PARISJH.  . 

< 

This  parish  lies  in  the  south-west  comer  of  the  county,  and  consists  of  a  wild 
mountainous  tract  of  uncultivated  country.  The  fertile  meadows  that  skirt  the 
Tyne,  and  the  Uttle  luxuriant  woods  that  hang  upon  the  declivities  of  its  banks,  re- 
lieve the  eye,  and  form  an  interesting  contrast  with  the  rocks  and  heaths  of  the  ad- 
joining mountains.  In  1821,  this  parish  contidned  114  houses  and  564  inhabitants; 
and  the  poor-rates  were  £253.  There  ale  two  schools,  partly  supported  by  a  gift  of 
six  guineas  per  annum  to  the  masters,  from  the  Hon.  Thomas  Wallace,  Esq.  the  lord 
of  the  manor.  John  Stephenson,  in  1769,  bequeathed  a  rent-charge  of  £2  annually 
to  eight  poor  widows ;  James  Wallis  left  the  interest  of  £lO  for  the  same  purpose ; 
and  Kobai;  Armstrong,  in  1771,  left  the  poor  £5. 

Knaresdale  HaU^  ^  miles  south-west  from  Haltwhistle,  is  now  ruinous  and  neg- 
lected. It  was  ancienuy  the  seat  and  manor  of  the  Pratts ;  but  was  taken  from  John 
Pratt  by  the  crown,  8  king  Edward  I.  for  his  disloyalty,  and  given  to  Sir  Robert  de 
Swinbum,  knight.  The  grant  was  sealed  in  council  with  a  large  green  wax  seaL 
The  manor  of  WiUiamston,  held  of  the  manor  of  Knaresdale,  was  also  given  to  Sir 
William  de  Swinbum,  knight,  its  owner,  Bartholiwnew  Pratt,  confirming  the  title  by 
a  release,  in  the  same  reign.  The  heir  to  Sir  Robert  was  Thomas  de  Swmbum,  who, 
besides  the  manor  of  Knaresdale,  held  the  manor  and  hamlet  of  Chirdon  of  the  crown, 
8  king  Edward  III.  under  the  manor  of  Wark,  in  Tindale,  by  the  service  of  one 
knight's  fee.  In  the  reign  of  queen  Elizabeth,  Knaresdale  HaJl,  and  other  estates 
near  it,  were  possessed  bv  William  Wallace,  of  Copeland  Castle,  Esq. '  who  married 
Eleanor,  the  second  daugnter  of  John  Swinbum,  of  Kdlingham,  Esq.  by  Anne,  eldest 
daughter  of  Sir  Cuthbert  Collingwood,  of  Eslington,  knignt.  His  descendant,  Ralph 
W^iace,  sold  it  to  John  Stephenson,  an  alderman  of  Newcastle,  of  whose  son  it  was 
purch^^d  by  the  late  Mr.  Wallace,  of  Featherstone  Castle. 

The  forest  of  Knaresdale  was  anciently  extensive,  and  well  replenished  with  red 
deer,  the  breed  of  which  is  nearly  extinct  in  these  parts.  The  church,  which  has  an 
ancient  appearance,  stands  a  short  distance  south  of  the  old  hall.    The  ground  around 


MO  TINDALE  WARD^W^  D. 

it  seems  fts  if  it  had  been  covered  with  buildings.*  The  living  is  a  disdiaroed  rectory 
in  tiie  ^ft  of  the  crown,  viiiued  in  the  kin^s  books  at  £4,  ISi,  9tL  SSaggvjfhrd, 
south  of  the  Knure  Bum,  ttottt  which  l3ie  psnsh  is  nmned,  is  a  tokrablir  laige  village, 
inhabited  b^  people  employed  in  huabanwy.  It  has  been  in  a^tation  to  establish  a 
market  in  it.  WiHiamstm,  and  some  other  spots  near  the  nver,  are  remarkaUiy 
sweet  and  sequestered.  On  the  side  of  a  mountain,  east  of  Knaresdale  HaU,  called 
Snowh(^,  is  a  strong  medidnal  spring. 

KIRKHAUGH  PARISH. 

This  small  jparish  is  bounded  on  the  north  and  west  b}r  Knaresdale,  on  the  nordi* 
east  by  Haltwhistle,  on  the  east  by  Whitfield,  and  is  divided  from  Cumberland  by 
Giiderdale  Bum^  The  inhalntants  are  mostly  employed  in  husbandry,  and  attending 
to  their  sheep,  having  a  right  of  herbage  on  the  common.  Culthration  is,  however, 
confined  to  the  borders  of  the  river,  from  which  the  mountains  on  each  side  rise  with 
a  rapid  and  irregular  ascent.  The  Tyne  here  is  "  exceedingly  rough  and  stoney."  It 
rises  very  suddenly  during  heavy  rains,  and  dlmost  as  suddenly  nills  in  fah*  weather. 
A  considerable  quantitv  of  lead  was  formerly  raised  at  White  Lea ;  but  a  large  shake 
was  discovered  in  the  limestone,  and  ail  attempts  to  eiqiiiore  it  have  proved  unsuccess- 
ful. By  the  returns,  this  parish  contains  54  houses  and  386  inhabitants :  the  poor-rates, 
in  1831,  were  £S36.  There  are  two  day-schools.  Formerly,  the  interee^  of  £50  was 
divided  between  two  masters ;  one  on  tiie  east,  and  the  other  on  tlie  west  side  of  the 
Tyne :  but  it  is  now  lost,  through  l^e  ins<dvency  of  the  person  who  held  it.  Joseph 
Vipond,  in  1749f  bequeathed  the  interest  of  £  SO  to  tile  poor ;  and  John  Stephenson,  in 
1759>  left  a  rent-charge  of  £3  annually  amongst  eight  poor  widows  or  men.  Robert 
Armstrong,  in  1771,  left  the  poor  £5.  From  the  following  extract  from  the  parish 
register,  in  the  Newcastle  Chrcmide,  it  would  seem  that  the  mhabitants  here  generally 
attain  a  great  age : — ^^  The  united  ages  of  the  kst  four  persons  deceased  amoimt  to  S45 
years,  viz,  June  39, 183S,  Elizabeth  Henderson,  78 ;  August  31,  Richard  WaUis,  95 ; 
December  31,  Ann  Archer,  78 ;  January  31, 1834,  Sarah  Humble,  99.** 

*  The  fbttowhig  grofls  and  unique  instonee  of  monamental  indeoorum,  on  a  grare-stone  in  this  dmivk-yard, 
is  nodeed  by  a  writer  in  te  Netroaatle  Magaaine  for  1818  :-^ 

''  In  Memory  of  Robert  Baxter^  of  Farliooae,  who  died  October  4,  1796,  agied  56w 
*'  AH  you  that  pleaae  tfaeie  lines  to  read>  By  bread  and  butter  which  he'd  laid^ 

It  will  cause  a  tender  heart  to  bleed ;  I,  being  harmless,  was  betray'd, 

I  murdered  was  upon  the  fell,  /  hope  he  fvill  remirded  be, 

And  by  the  man  I  know  fUll  well.  That  laid  that  poison  there  fbr  me." 

**  The  melandioly  story  hinted  at  by  this  ^unlettered  muse/  is  soon  and  easily  told.  Bobert  Baxter,  on 
his  road  to  the  fell  <Hie  raoming,  to  visit  his  flock,  found  a  piece  of  white  bread  and  butter  wnq^ped  up  in  a 
clean  paper.  Having  incautiously  ate  it,  he  felt  exceedingly  ill  very  soon  afterwards,  and  died  in  a  few 
hours,  with  all  the  symptoms  of  having  been  taken  oiT  by  violent  poison.  His  own  dying  belief  was,  that 
poison  had  been  4nixed  with  the  bread  and  butter ;  and  a  report  was  very  generally  spread,  which  is  believed 
by  numbers  to  this  day,  that  it  had  been  laid  designedly  in  Baxter's  way  by  a  malicious  neighbour,  with 
whom  he  had  not  long  before  had  a  violent  quarrel"  Yet  it  seems  no  inquest  was  held  upon  Baxter's  body ; 
and  it  is  equally  strange  that  the  clergyman  should  permit  a  malediction  on  one  of  his  parishioners  to  be  pat 
up  in  the  cburch-yard« 


KIRKHAUGH  PARISH.  821 

Ktrkhaugh.'^ThiB  small  hamlet  lies  on  the  east  side  of  the  Tjme,  6  miles  south  hy 
west  from  Haltwhistle,  and  2^  miles  north  from  Aldstone.*  It  consists  of  a  farm- 
hold^ one  public  house,  and  a  few  cottages.    The  church  is  a  plain  neat  edifice,  placed 

*  Aldstone,  or  AUkm,  b  on  the  eastern  extremfty  of  Cumberland,  and  about  2  miles  south  from  the  Border. 
It  stands  upon  a  declivi^,  in  an  angle  formed  by  the  junction  of  the  South  Tyne  and  Nent,  over  the  former 
of  which  is  a  hi^  stone  bridge  of  one  arch.  The  adjoining  mountains  frown  with  a  roost  melancholy  ste- 
rility and  nakedness^  The  town  consists  of  a  number  tf  small  stone  houses,  partly  covered  with  blue  slates; 
but  lAostly  with  plates  of  stones.  The  church  is  a  neat  modem  building,  dedicated  to  St  Austin,  and^  bei^g 
a  diseharged  living,  pays  no  firstyfruits  or  tenths.  There  are  also  thice  meetiiig-houses  for  Methodists,  Inde- 
pendents, and  Quakers.  The  free-school  is  endowed  at  £80  per  annum;  and  the  Lancasterian  school^  in 
which  above  100  children  are  instructed,  is  supported  by  voluntary  contributions,  the  London  Lead  Company, 
and  the  commissioners  of  Greenwich  Hospital  being  the  principal  benefactors.  The  Methodist  Sunday-school 
is  attended  by  l60  children,  and  that  belonging  to  the  Independents  by  280  children.  Besides  the  mechanics 
necessary  in  all  towns,  there  is  a  manufactory  for  patent  shot,  and  a  large  one  where  carding,  spinning,  dye* 
ing  of  wool,  and  weaving  coarse  woollen  cloths  and  flannels,  are  carried  on,  There  are  also  several  weavers 
of  linen..  The  principal  inns  are,  the  Golden  Anchor,  at  the  Low  Byer>  belonging  to  Greenwich  Hospital; 
and  the  Crown;  both  of  which  houses  keep  post-chaises,  and  have  excellent  accommodations  for  travellers. 
There  are  likewise  19  public  houses,  and  a  public  brewery,  belonging  to  Christopher  Blackett  and  Co.  The 
market-day  is  on  Saturday ;  and  as  the  adjoining  country  is  so  totally  inadequate  to  supply  its  inhabitants 
with  the  necessaries  of  life,  it  is  always  well' attended :  flour,  meal,  b^con,  &c.  are  brought  from  the' distance 
of  10  and  20  miles.  There  are  three  Mm  in  the  year,  held  on  the  last  Tuesday  in  May,  the  Friday- week; 
before  Brough  Hill  fair,  and  the  first  Thursday  in  November. 

The  mountain  of  Cross  Fell,  which  is  2901  feet  above  the  level  of  the  sea,  rises  from  the  west  end  of  the 
town.  The  Cultivated  lands  in  Aldstone  parish  are^  with  few  exceptions,  appropriated  to  the  purposes  of 
meadow  and  pasture,  the  humidity  of  the  climate  being  unfavourable  to  the  growth  of  com.  The  fkrms  are, 
in  general,  small,  and  some  are  occupied  by  operative  miners ;  and  many  of  the  tenements  have  a  right  of 
common.  This  wild  and  bleak  district  abounds  with  peat  mosses,  in  which  great  numbers  of  trees  are  tbunA 
buried,  which  proves  that  io  former  times  it  had  a  very  diffinrent  appearance.  The  neighbourhood  has  for  a- 
number  of  years  been  more  productive  of  lead  ore  than  all  the  other  parts  c£  Great  Britain,  and  excited  the 
admiration  and  surprise  of  Professor  Mobs,  of  Freybnigh,  and  Count  Breumer,  who  were  lately' heite  on 
geological  researches.  The  London  Lead  Company  and  Greenwich  Hospital  employ  the  greatest  number  at 
miners ;  but  many  have  liberal  graate  to  try  veins  on  their  own  aooount  The  country  affords  exeeUent 
grouse-shooting ;  but  the  manors  are  so  strictly  preserved,  that  the  miners  are  deprived  of  their  favourite 
amusements  of  hunting  and  shooting  on  their  dreary  moon.  The  population  of  this  parish,  in  1821,  was 
5699 ;  and  the  poor-rates,  in  1822,  amounted  to  £2446,  4«.  lOd.  at  7«*  id.  in  the  pound. 

An  act  has  just  passed,  by  which  a  communicatixm  will  be  opened  between  the  Greenwich  Hospital  pro- 
perty at  Aldstone  Moor,  and  the  principal  towns  within  a  circle  of  at  least  96  miles.  The  Vicar's  Crof^  in 
Aldstone,  is  intended  to  be  converted  into  a  market-place  (the  vicar  to  be  indemnified),  and  the  two  roads  to 
GarrigiU  and  Penrith  wiU  intersect  it,  and  afford  an  opportunl^  of  effecting  great  improvements. 

The  mining  population  in  this  district  is  estimated  at  6000.  The  miners  are  a  peculiarly  baniy>  active,  and 
intelligent  dass  of  men  (see  voL  i.  p.  106) ;  but  their  old  habits,  customs,  and  manners^  are  gradually  dunig* 
ing.  Running  fbr  a  pair  of  gloves,  leaping  ibr  a  hat,  or  wrestling  for  a  belt,  were  feato  in  which  their  youth 
delighted,  and  gainmg  the  prises  were  honours  very  generally  envied.  The  noble,  Aianly,  and  athletic  exer« 
dse  of  wrestling  has  much  declined;  and  any  attempt  to  revive  it»  like  pugilism*  by  ruffians,  gamUera,  and 
pickpockets,  would  ensure  its  utter  extinction.  Thomas  Lee,  a  Northumbrian,  and  John  Qorsley,  boUi  in^ 
babitanU  of  Aldstone,  were  famed  for  strength  and  dexterity  in  wrestling;  and  the  Golightleys  and  Halls, 
of  the  same  place,  were  unrivalled  in  this  part  of  the  Boideirs* 

VOL.  XL  4  M 


f^  TINDALE  WAIUX-^Wt  P- 

in.a  meadow  at  Unctobai^  on  the  nuargm  <^  the  river*  It  contain  a  marUe  vomVL^ 
ment;  to  the  memory  of  WilHam  Kicketson  RandaU  Feath^»toneh«Aigfa»  who  wa> 
fojninerly  lord  of  the  masi^.  The  Uvi|ig  is  a  diaoharged  rectory,  yahied  w  the  kii^'4 
hooks  at  £4,  7«.  S^.  The  stone  cofi&n,  and  the  altar  dedicated  to  Minerva  and  Her^ 
cules,  mentioned  hy  Horsley,  have  heen  either  reoH>ved  or  de6troyed«  NearW  cmpo- 
fiite  to  the  church,  and  on  the  nerth  side  of  Gilderdale  Bum,^  is  fThiUe^  Came,  a 
Roman  station,  which  Mr.  Henley,  ob  the  authority  of  the  Notitia,  and  the  eanobo« 
rakii^  evid^ice  of  an  inscriptioH,  pMBouBced  to  he  ^Uoma,  ganitoned  hy  tbe  thvd 
cohort  of  the  Nervii ;  but  reomt  enquiries  have  rdfuted  this  opinion.  It  Hea  on  an 
inregubr  descent,  incUntng  to  the  east,  and  its  wafts  endose  an  araa  oi  nearly  nine 
acres.  It  is  overiooked  by  hiHs  on  liie  west ;  and,  in  opder  to  defend  it  on  this  weak 
ode,  it  is  fortified  by  ten  severat  breast-works  and  to:«nches,  resembling  a  right-angled 
triangle,  the  hypothenuse  of  which  faces  inwards.  These  have  also  flanked  llie  horth^ 
west  and  south-west  angles ;  and  two  of  them  extend  around  the  whole  area  of  the 
station.  About  12  years  ago,  the  remains  of  a  very  fine  sudatory  were  discovered  at 
its  north-east  comer,  out  of  which  issues  a  clear  and  plentiful  spring.  Many  of  the 
piUars  of  the  hypocauston  were  stapding^  The  Maiden  fPay\  passes  the  east  waB  of 
the  station  at  the  distance  of  about  SO  yards>  '*  Between  this  way  and  the  north-east 
comer  pf  the  station,  about  five  years  since,  an  altar,  bearing  the  following  inscription^ 
was  found  fixed  in  a  socket  like  the  pedestal  of  a  crpss ;  a^d  near  it,  at  the  same  tii^e, 
were  discovered  the  head,  a  hand,  and  feet,^  of  a  colossal  statue  ;-^*  dec  hebcvli  c. 
viTELLivs  ATTiciANVs  c.  LEG  vl  V.  7^  F.' — Iha  Hercufi  Cjciius  VUeUim  AtH4siamis 
centurio  legionm  sexUs  vktricis  pcnena  JecU ;  or,  seiitm  votum  pei^fictem  JedL  On  the 
right  side  of  this  altar  is  a  rude  figure  of  Hercul^^i^  %hti]iA  with  ai  serpent,  twisted 
roi^nd  a  tree ;  and,  on  the  left,  the  sapae  deity  is  FepteeentM,  strangling  a  sero^t  v^ 
^ac^  hamd.  The  original  is  at  an  ak4K>U8e  Mar  t£&  station :  ^  has  a  square  nok  io 
)tA  top;  and  die  fragmentsr  of  the  statue,  w  all  Ukdiihood,  appertained  to  one  of  Hei^ 
cuks,  which  had  be^i  fixed  upon  this  idtar.":):  A  few  yeai^  a^,  Mr.  Robert  Waltoiv 
of  thi&  pkee,  dasooveied  a  fine  ^guie  of  Hercules,  which  was  purchased  by  a  tiavetlar 
fior  £15,  and  has  since,  ift  is  said,  been  presented  to  tiie  AntiqamoB  Society  ef  Lion- 
don.  The  most  remaikahlfr  inscription  found  here  was  erected  in  the  year  S19 :  it » 
given  by  Camden,  and  records  that  the  thnrd  cohort  of  the  Nemi  effected  heK  a  p»- 


%TJisve  is  a  large  cavern  in  OBderdale  Invest,  cnttid  T^dimcuC^  Mok^  wbkk  has  ntvm  been  eaploied  to^lt# 
utmost  extent  The  roof  oontsins  «ld«etitieal  fbrnrntixma-  m  abuBdeiice,  some  of  wluoh  ne  of  oonsiderehle 
magnitude.  A  Btntikur,  although  nel  so  extaiBslve,  oaveni,  has  been  diseoveied  In  the  workings  at  Hudgill 
Bum  Lead  Mine. 


t  In  the  QeBftbrnan's  Magajoin^  fis  1755,  Ihe  origiii>o6  the  name.  Mnidtm  W^  ia  learnedly  defined  by  a 
gioat  aatiqiiaiy,  Mr.  Ymggy  under  his  fiBigned'8ignatu0e.ofiP*  CSemtege;  paHienlady  he  saya,  *' to  risk  a  con- 
jeeliim  upon  a  point  so  dbetum,  perhaps  it  niay  cone- ftom  the  ilriti^  henee 

peesihly  may  oome  the  Angki-Sexen  word  Mmi  waSiMmim  tirgo,  whidi  in  that  ease  ai^awers  «uic%  to  our 
pBBsentexpees8ioiM>  mfakr  one,  and  in  thephnral,  tkefair:  a  sense  undoubtedly  very  mA  aoeoannodated  to 
aU  AeHneeplaoee,  both  to  Urn  raid  and  the  two  tetifiaHMiB,  Maidsn  Castle,  Maiden  Wa|[>  and  Maiden 
Usldi" 

t  Beant  ofEng^  voLwLpLlij.  108. 


WBltFIBLD  PikBISH.  '      tS8 

)see  to, the  Emperar  Antoimms,  boh  of  Sevenu;  and  Hordejr  ohsertes^  that  **  if  this 
temple  has  been  erected  to  CayacjiHa»  it  ha«  been  dedioated  to  him  as  the  Genius  of 
Rome,  or  of  the  Roman  people;  a  flattoing  oompliment  too  often  paid  to  their  em^ 
perofs."  HoniLej  also  found  here  a  fn^ment  of  an  inscription,  which  likewise  refcor* 
red  to  Caracalk.  And  there  was,  in  his  time,  a  cmturial  stone  here,  inscribed,  '*  vsx^ 
uso.  XX.  Y.  T.  BS!^EC.  f  and  in  the  cfaurcb-yard  of  Kirkhaugh,  an  dtar  dedicated 
^  BEAK  MiNEfiVAi:  £X  HBKC vxi  TicTOot.''  Over  the  staUewdoor  of  tiie  above  puUkv 
house  is  an  akar,  on  wlddi  are  carved  a  patera  and  uroeolus.  The  area  of  the  station 
is  covered  with  inngular  heaps  of  Tuin :  no  stratom  of  ^tone  appears  within  sevwal 
miles  simUar  to  its  remains. 

HutohmsGii  sajs,  '^  This  was  a  wretched  plaoe  for  the  subsistence  of  a  cohort;  eiil« 
tlvation  (even  in  this  we)  has  oniy  crept  down  the  skirts  of  the  valleys,  and  hixng 
upon  the  mar^s  c^  tifie  rivers ;  even  w^heie  her  steps  have  imprinted  the  naivow 
{^Mures,  com  has  not  hitherto  blessed  dse  labour  of  the  bHsbandman.''  Bat  this  c&m 
trict,  now  so  bare  and  mroroductive,  waa  anciently  d^fhed  and  enriched  by  flourish 
ing  woods,  the  remarkable  remains  of  which  are  yet  found  in  the  adjoining  mosses. 
Thamkape,  i.  e.  the  Castle  Brook,  runs  east  of  the  station,  and  derives  its  name 
from  it 

WHITFIEJU)  PARISH. 

This  parish  is  bounded  on  the  north  and  west  by  Haltwhistie  parish ;  on  the  east 
by  Allendale,  from  which  it  is  divided  by  the  West  Allen ;  and  on  the  south  by  the 
latter  parish  and  Cumberland.  It  is  of  an  otal  f(i^m>  and  extends  7^  miles  from 
north  to  south,  comprising  an  area  of  above  12,000  acres.  Near  the  Allen,  the  land, 
Ijmut  adantod  ftv  meadow  and  pastuMs,.  ia.  divided  into  dairy  faaaua ;  and  the  country 
W0^ard,  wUeh  eensists  of  tucultivtited  Bwor^kind,  is  used  fw  sheep-walksv  At 
LimMtame  Om«,  tibere  was  formeily  a  lead-mine ;  and  a  smelting  miB,  now  m  rusns  ait 
CupoBn^,  where  the  AUens  form  a  jnBdam^  These  is  a  ehalybeate  qmne,  called  fied« 
mnres,.  on  Whitfidd  FcH ;  and,  afaoiiiaBBilb  souAfaof  thehall,  awateivfiSfr^ 
predpide,.  which,  aifanr  hclavy  xadns,  hu  a  strSbiBg  effect  Tbe  whole  parisb  belongs 
tft  Winiam  Ckd,  Esq. ;  and  tihe  anmial  vafaie^  in  18A5,  waa  tetmrned  at  £4789.  £i 
1823,  it  cDODdbHiBed  47  houses  anod  289  inhdiitaiits :  the  poor-rates  were  £S14s-  11#» 
These  ia  a  scbaol  in  tiiai  parish,  attanledi  hy  abawt  40  chtloren^  and  to  the  support  ci 
which  the  proprietor  centrifautes  £  20  jmfy.  Nidbdas  WflkinsDn,  of  Faitter  Hostae, 
bequeaitfaed  £80,  tjie  interest  to  be  dstttributed  amoi^st  lihe  poor  of  the  pariah  e^eiy 
Chjdstanas;  and  Thomaa  fif artin  also^  by  wM,  gasvt  £10'  to  tte  poor  of  tbe  pariah. 

Thare  ace  ]io>  villages  in  this  parish.  Wki^lA  Mali  is  finely  seated  em  the  W«ril 
ABexi,  6  miles  in  a  mrect  line  south-west  fiiaaa  Hs^don  Bridjg^.  It  was  rebuilt  afaoixt 
30r  years  a&o^  and  great  iooproYcments  lanade  b^  endainies  and  planting.  The  hq^ 
\6m  rooks  be&ra^  the  east  fironl;  tilie  thick  haagmg  wood%.  aad  Vut  hntucuint  planta- 
l6on%  fbnn  a  fine  eontiaai  with  tiie  neatnesaiof  the.lawm  and  the.pleasnr0*^fmdB« 
It  is  altogether  a  lovely  spot,  and  appears  like  the  garden  of  £den  in  the  midst  of  a 
wUdemess..  The  chapel  stajti^s^  op  thq  CbiMroh  Burn,  some  distance  nortb  of  the  halL 
It  is  a.  small,  neat  structure^,  ao^!  wa&,  built  about  1784»  The  living,  is  a  dischargiod 
rectory,  valued  in  the  king's  books  at  £8,  and  is  in  the  gift  of  the  lord  of  the  manor.. 


824  TINDALE  WARD— E.  D. 

The  manor  of  Wldtfield  was  granted  by  WiHiam,  king  ef  SootiiikL,  to  the  pricNr 
and  convent  of  Hexham,  of  which  it  was  neld  in  1S64  by  Jc^n  de  Whitfield,  at  the 
annual  rent  of  Ifo.  4(f.  It  also  belonged  to  Sir  Matthew  Whitfield,  knt  12  Henry  VL 
then  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland.  After  the  dissolution  of  Hexham  monastry^ 
the  Whitfields  purchased  the  manor.  The  last  of  this  family,  Matthew  Whitfield, 
Esq.*  who  was  high  sheriff  of  the  county  in  1728,  sold  his  ancient  patrimony  of 
Whitfield  to  the  Ords.  John  Qrd  was  an  attorney  at  Newcastle,  and,  having  realized 
a  considerable  fortune,  purchased  the  Penham  estate.  His  son,  William  Ord,  Esq. 
became  proprietor  of  WhittSeld,  and  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  1777. 
He  married  the  eldest  daughter  of  the  late  Charles  Brandling,  Esq.  and  left  issue  two 
sons  and  two  daughters.  William  Oid,  Esq.  the  eldest,  me  present  proprietor,  is 
one  of  the  representatives  in  parliament  for  Morpeth.  He  married  Miss  Scott» 
daughter  of  the  Rev.  H.  Scott,  of  Oxfordshire,  and  sister  to  the  countess  of  Oxford^ 
by  whom  he  has  issue  one  son,  William  Henry,  who  is  nearly  of  age.  His  mother^ 
Mrs.  Ord,  married,  secondly,  Thomas  Creevey,  Esq.  M.  P.  for  Appfeby. 


AST   DZVISIOlf. 


CORBRIDGE  PARISH. 

This  parish,  including  Halton  chapelry,  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Stamfordham^ 
on  the  west  by  St.  John  Lee  and  Hexham,  on  the  south  by  Slaley,  and  on  the  east 
by  Bywell  St.  Peter's^  and  St.  Andrew's.  It  extends  about  8  miles  from  north  to 
south ;  but  the  average  breadth  does  not  exceed  S^  miles.  It  is  well  cultivated,  and 
has  lead,  coals,  and  lime.  The  turnip  ,drill-husbandry  was  introduced  about  the  year 
1784,  and  has  proved  a  great  source  of  wealth.  Aoove  40  years  ago,  nearly  1000 
acred  of  fir-trees  were  planted  upon  Corbridge  south  common,  by  the  then  Diike  of 
Northumberland.  The  governors  of  Greenwich  Hospital  have  also  flourishing  plan^ 
tatiooQs^  of  great  extent  and  value,  and  which  are  carefully  attended  to.  The  entire 
parish  contains  871  houses  and  S037  inhabitants.  The  annual  value  of  property,  in 
1815,  was  £19454;  and  the- pow^rates,  in  1821,  £886,  9^.  There  are  seven  day- 
schools  in  this  parish,  attended  by  about  850  children.  One  of  the  schools  has  just 
been  established,  principally  through  the  exertions  of  Mr.  White,  on  the  Madras 
system;  to  be  supported  partly  by  voluntary  contributions,  and  partly  bv  the  pay^ 
meat  of  one  penny  weekly  from  each  scholar.  In  the  school  at  Great  Wbittington, 
10  of  the  children  are  instructed  for  a  very  stnall  quarterage,  the  master  receiving  £5 
per  annum,  the  bequest  of  a  Mr.  Gibson,    The  school  at  Hidton  Shields  is  patronized 

« 

*  The  Whitfield?  of  this  place  were  generaUy  styled  Yearls  (i.  e.  Earls).  After  they  became  extinct^  thk 
local  title  passed  to  Whitfield  of  Clar{;IB ;  and.hi?  dau^^hter  find  hci^^ess  (wbo  married  Dr^  Graham)  was  called 
Covntess  of  Clargai,  K.  S. 


CORBRIDGE  PARISH.  335 

by  Lady  Blackett,  of  Matfen,  who  snyes  a  house  and  garden  to  the  teacher,  and  £lO 
annually.  There  are  also  five  Sun&y-schodbs,  attended  by  about  SOO  children :  one 
of  them  is  at  Great  Whittin^n,  and  another  at  Halton  Shields. 

Mada^n  Elizabeth  Ratclifi^  widow  of  Sir  Edward  Ratclifi^,  of  Dilston,  Bart,  and 
mother  of  Francis,  Earl  of  Derwentwater,  by  will,  in  1668,  gave,  out  of  an  annuity 
or  rent-charge  of  £20  per  annum,  which  she  then  had  of  Mr.  Francis  Sutton,  of 
Greencroft,  £10  to  the  poor  of  this  parish ;  to  be  distributed  annually  on  St.  Lucie's 
day,  or  thereabout.     Mrs.  Ursula  Mountney  left  30«.  per  annum  for  the  same  use. 
Madam  Ann  Ratcliff,  of  Dilston,  sister  to  Francis,  Earl  of  Derwentwater,  in  1699> 
gave  to  the  poor  of  this  parish  to  bind  apprentices  the  annual  produce  of  £333, 6s.  8d. 
Mrs.  Anne  Swinburn,  of  Dilston,  by  will,  in  1702,  bequeathed  a  sum  of  money  to 
the  poor  of  this  parish,  to  be  distributed  at  Dilston,  upon.  St.  Thomas's  day,  before 
Christmas.     Her  executor,  Matthew  Gill,  "left  for  this  and  other  purposes,  £269* 
4*.  Id.    In  1742,  Gill  Brown  made  a  payment  of  £5  to  the  poor,  biit  denied  at  the 
same  time,  and  still  denies,  that  it  had  any  respect  to  the  chanty  left  by  Anne  Swin- 
burn ;  since  which  time  no  payment  has  been  made.     It  does  not  appear  that  any 
certain  sum  was  left  for  payment  of  this  charity ;  but  it  is  supposed,  out  of  the  above 
£269»  4«.  Id.  £100,  or  perhaps  more,  was  intended  to  pay  the  £6  per  annum,  but  the 
interest  falling  from  6  to  5  per  cent,  William  Brown  paid  only  £  5  for  his  two  or 
three  last  payments,  pleading,  as  .supposed,  that  the  sum  left  would  not  produce  more.'' 
(Returns  of  Char.  JEhn,  1787-8.^     The  BLev.  Robert  Troutbeck,  vicar  of  this  parish, 
by  will,  declared  and  published  12th  May,  1706,  gave  to  the  poor  of  this  parish  and 
tne  chapelry  of  Halton,  a  certain  messuage  and  lands  in  Corbridge,  which  cost  him 
£  100 ;  the  annual  rent  to  be  distributed  to  them  by  one  of  the  name  of  Troutbeck, 
or  by  the  minister  and  churchwardens  for  the  time  being.     We  .have  not  ascertained 
the  present  annual  produce  of  this  charity,  but  are  assured  that  eating  a  good  dinner 
fcHrms  paii:  of  the  business  of  the  trustees.     Hannah  Brown  and  Mary  Robson,  in  the 
'  year  1804,  bequeathed  £100,  the  interest  of  which  is  to  b^  distributed  among  20  in- 
digent people  residing  in  Corbridge,  by  the  vicar  of  that  place  for  the  time  being, 
and  two  gentlemen  of  the  name  of  Brown,  so  long  as  such  can  be  found.    The  acting 
trustee,  Mr.  John  Brown,  purchased  a  house  and  part  of  a  garden  on  Hearon  HiU 
with  the  above  sutu,  and  enrolled  the  charity  in  chancery, 

Corbridge  is  a  large,  populous,  well-built  village,  pleasantly  situated  in  a  rich 
country  on  the  north  banks  of  the  Tyne,  It  is  about  17  miles  west  from  Newcastle, 
and  4^  miles  east  from  Hexham.  It  is  esteemed  a  peculiarly  healthy  place,  and  of 
'  late  has  been  much  frequented  by  persons  out  of  health.*  It  is  divided  into  eight 
streets,  viz.  the  main  street,  through  which  runs  the  posfc-road  from  Newcastle  to 
Hexham ;  Prince-street,  upon  the  Harlow  HiU  road ;  jDunkirk-street,  upon  the  an- 
dent  Watling  road;  the  Middle-street;' Heam's  Hill;  Scramblegate ;  the  Water- 
row;  and  the  Back-row.  These  streets,  by  the  returns  in  1821,  comprized  230 
houses,  which  were  occupied  by  1254  inhabitants,  viz.  613  males,  and  64i  females. 
Most  of  the  inhabitants  are  mechanics,  principally  shoemakers,  a  epnsiderable  quantity 

*  It  appear«^  from  the  bills  of  mortality  in  1822,  that  out  of  37  deaths,  18  were  from  60  to  upwards  of  100 
years  of  age. 

VOL,  II, — (85)  4  N  * 


326  TINDALE  WARD— E.  D. 

of  shoes  being  made  here  for  the  lead  and  coal  miners,  and  the  inhafattants  of  Uie  ad- 
jacent country ;  but  there  are  no  manufactures,  except  one  for  making  hats.^ 

Corbridge  contains  eight  inns  and  public  houses,  uso  sixteen  shops  for  the  rel 
of  various  articles.  The  market>place  is  a  spacious  area,  near  the  centre  of  whicl 
stood  a  cross,  \^hich  was  taken  down  about  fifteen  years  ago.  It  is  now  in  the  pos- 
isession  of  George  Anderson,  Esq.  who  has  erected  it  in  the  Nun's  Field,  near  his  an- 
cient house  in  Newcastle.  A  new  handsome  cross  was  erected  in  1814,  by  the  late 
Duke  of  Northumberland.  North  from  the  market-place  stands  the  parisn  church, 
which  is  dedicated  to  St.  Andrew.  It  is  a  very  ancient  structure,  and  has  bem  Imilt 
out  of  the  neighbouring  Roman  station.  It  seems  to  have  been  much  laiger  formerly. 
Under  an  arch,  in  the  north  aisle,  is  this  inscription,  in  modem  Gothic : — ''  Hic  jacet 
IN  TERBis  ASLiNi  FiJLius  HUGO.*'  Some  years  ago,  the  church  underwent  several 
considerable  and  useful  repairs.  The  inside  has  been  much  improved,  and  has  now 
an  aOTceable  air  of  neatness.  The  parishioners  have  also  purchased  the  scites  of  some 
old  houses  which  stood  against  the  south  wall  of  the  church-yard ;  and  this  plot  of 
ground  being  consecrated,  is  used  for  the  purpose  of  sepulture.  A  great  quantity  of 
earth  and  rubbish  was,  at  the  same  time,  removed  from  bdiind  the  church.  The 
people  employed  in  this  work  du^  up  an  immense  number  of  human  bones,  which 
attest  the  lormer  populousness  of  this  place.  The  inhabitants,  however,  are  persuaded 
that  they  are  the  remains  of  those  who  died  by  the  plague,  when  it  raged  in  the 
north ;  and  they  have  a  tradition  that  few  survived  its  ravages,  and  that  these  were 

{>reserved  by  leaving  the  town,  and  encamping  in  a  large  field,  called  the  Leazes,  a 
ittle  to  the  north-ward.  When  they  ventured  to  return,  the  streets  were  green  with 
grass.  The  living  of  Corbridge  is  a  vicarage,  valued  in  the  king^s  books  at  £ll,  11«. 
Sd.  and  is  in  the  gift  of  the  dean  and  diapter  of  Carlisle.  King  tl^nry  I.  gave  Ihe 
impropriation  and  advowson  of  this  church,  and  of  the  churdies  of  Warkworth, 
Wnittingham,  and  Rothbury,  to  his  chaplain,  Richard  de  Aurea  Valle,  and,  after  his 
death,  to  the  church  and  canons  of  St.  Mary,  in  Carlisle.  The  Indep^dents  and 
Wesleyan  Methodists  have  small  neat  chapels  here,  and  each  of  these  sects  support  a 
Sunday-school.  A  Roman  Catholic  priest  occasionally  performs  divine  service  here 
in  a  private  house,  where  an  apartment  is  dedicated  for  this  purpose.  The  Ranters 
have  lately  collected  a  congregation  here. 

At  the  north-east  comer  of  the  market-place  is  an  old  square  tower,  which  was 
used  as  a  prison.  The  entrance  is  at  the  east  end,  by  an  iron  door  made  of  flat  bars 
riveted  together.  It  is  6  feet  6  inches  high.  There  has  been  another  inside  door, 
leading  into  the  dungeon,  which  is  arched  with  hewn  stone.  It  is  8  feet  8  inches  in 
height,  and  13  feet  in  breadth ;  a  small  slit  hole  admits  liffht  on  the  south.  Within 
the  outer  door  are  stairs  that  lead  to  the  first  apartment,  wnich  has  a  fire-place,  and  is 
lighted  by  three  small  windows  that  have  been  secured  by  upright  iron  bars.    The 

*  This  village  can  boast  of  having  produced  its  poet  Mr.  John  Richley^  a  hatter,  has  just  published,  by 
sabflcription,  a  volume  of  poems,  mostly  on  local  subjects.  Mr.  Fairlamb,  of  this  place,  has  also  made  consi* 
derable  proficiency  in  the  mathematics.  It  is  likewise  firmly  believed  by  many  intelligent  persons,  that 
Waverley,  and  the  other  celebrated  productions  of  the  great  unknown  writer,  were  compoRed  in  Corbridge, 
by  a  late  professor  in  a  Scotch  college,  who  lived  here  incog  during  many  years.  However,  this  disputed 
subject  will  probably  be  decided  when  tiie  secret  ceases  to  be  profitable. 


cohbridge  parish.  ss? 

upper  apiurtment  is  siimlarly  oonstraeted.  The  flow  has  rested  upoii  projeeting 
stones,  most  of  whidi  are  iNroken  ofp.  The  height  of  the  tower  is  38  feet>  and  the 
walls  are  4  feet  8  inches  in  thickness*  The  top,  whidi  seems  to  have  been  oovered 
with  lead,  has  a  battlement,  with  projecting  turrets  at  the  cornars.  His  Grace  the 
Duke  of  Northumberland  caused  the  dungeon,  which  was  filled  with  filth,  to  be 
cleaned  out,  and  a  new  door  to  be  hung,  in  order  that  it  might  be  appropriated  to  its 
ormnal  purpose.    Camden  calls  it,  "*  a  nttle  turret,  built  and  inhabited  by  the  vicars." 

Corbndge  has  a  most  pleasant  appearance  when  viewed  from  a  distance,  which  is 
in  a  great  degree  owing  to  the  great  number  of  gardens  it  contains,  almost  every 
house  having  a  plot  of  ground  immediately  behind,  for  the  growth  of  pot  vegetables 
and  fruit  trees.  Nearly  the  whole  village  is  parcelled  out  into  small  freeholds,  vary- 
ing in  value  from  fixty  shillings  to  tluree  or  four  hundred  pounds  per  annum.  The 
freeholders,  about  100  in  number,  possess  the  royalty  of  thdr  own  lands.  The  Duke 
of  Northumberland,  as  lord  of  the  manor,  holds  bis  court  annually.  This  place  is 
greatly  improved  in  its  appearance  and  comfort  within  the  last  80  years ;  as  nearly 
one-fifth  of  the  houses  have  been  rebuilt,  or  are  entire  new  buildings.  .  But  among 
the  late  improvements,  there  are  none  of  greater  utility  to  the  inhabitants  than  the 
erectkm  oi  two  pants,  about  seven  years  ago ;  one  of  which  is  situated  in  the  market- 
place, and  was  erected  at  considerable  expence  by  the  late  Duke  cf  Northumberland, 
as  the  water  was  to  convey  in  leaden  pipes  upwards  of  500  yards;  the  other  is 
in  the  main  street,  and  was  erected  at  the  expense  of  the  inhabitants. 

The  bridge  that  crosses  the  Tjoie  at  Corbndge  consists  of  seven  very  wide  arches, 
with  outlets  at  every  pillar.  It  was  built  in  the  year  1674,  as  appears  from  the  date 
upon  it.  Few  structures  are  stron^r  than  this,  which  was  evinced  during  the  great 
flood  in  1771,  which  swept  away,  m  its  furious  progress,  every  bridge  on  the  Tyne, 
except  this.  The  river  was  then  swoln  to  such  a  wonderful  hdgbt,  that  many  of  the 
inhabitants  of  CorlNtid^  washed  their  hands  over  the  battlements.* 

The  manor  of  Corbndge  was  granted  by  the  crown,  6  king  John,  to  Robert,  son  of 
Rqger  de  Claverin^,  baron  of  Warkworth,  to  hold,  with  all  its  regalities,  in  fee-farm, 
by  the  annual  service  of  £40,  with  the  privilege  c^  a  weekly  market,  and  an  annual 
fair  on  the  eve,  day,  and  day  after  the  festival  of  St.  John  the  Baptist.  It  had  idso 
the  privilege  e£  sending  two  members  to  parliament,  which  privilege  was  disused  on 
account  of  the  burthen  of  the  members'  expences ;  the  names  cxf  two  of  whom  are  on 
record,  viz.  Adam  Fitz^ Allan,  and  Hugh  Fitz-Hugh,  2S  king  Edward  I.  John,  the 
last  Baron  Clavering,  granted  the  reversion  of  his  nonour  of  Warkworth,  and  of  this 
and  his  other  manors  in  this  county,  to  the  crown,  6  king  Edward  I.  which  were 

g'ven  by  king  Edward  III.  to  Henry  Percy.  The  widow  of  John  Lord  Claverin^ 
Id  a  third  part  of  Corbridse  manor  tcx  her  dower ;  but  Henry  Percy  died  seized  of 
the  whole,  26  king  Edward  III.  and  left  it,  with  other  great  estates,  to  his  son  and 
heir  of  the  same  name.  He  accordingly,  soon  after  the  livery  of  his  lands,  saved  to 
his  mother  Idonea  her  reasonable  dower,  who  had  assigned  her  for  it,  among  other 
lordships,  this  of  Corbndge,  which  was  not  long  come  into  his  possession ;  but  it  was 

*  The  late  Mr.  John  Gibson,  of  the  Boat^J^uae,  near  Warden,  vhoae  ancestors  have  resided  the^e  during 
several  centuries,  erected  a  stone  with  an  inscription,  by  which  it  appean,  that  this  tremendous  flood  had 
swoln  tlie  river  at  that  place  13  feet  abpve  its  usual  level. 


828  TINDALE  WARD.— E.  D. 

I 

settled  at  his  death  upon  his  second  wife,  Joan»  for  her  dower.  In  the  10th  Ridiaid 
II.  Alice,  the  widow  of  Ralph  Lood  Nevil,  of  Raby,  had  for  her  dowry,  among^  other 
manors  and  rents,  twenty  pounds  per  annum,  out  of  his  manor  of  Corbridse.  The 
manor  continues  in  the  possession  of  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Northumberland. 

Corbridge,  in  771,  was  called  Corabf^dge^  at  which  time  there  was  a  monastry  in  it. 
David,  king  of  Scots,  had  his  tents  here  in  1188,  while  he  was  plundering  the  adja* 
cent  country ;  and  the  Scots  burnt  this  town  in  1296,  and  again  m  ISll.  T1m»«  is  a 
traditional  account  of  two  battles  havingbeen  fought  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Cor- 
bridge :  the  scene  of  one  is  still  called  The  Bloody  Acre,  The  other  took  place  be- 
tween the  Scots  and  the  royalists  in  the  reign  of  King  Charles  I.  In  1745,  when  a 
party  of  the  train-band^,  under  the  command  of  Mr.  Fenwick,  of  the  Coat-yards, 
were  guarding  the  pass  at  the  bridge  of  Corbridge,  they  received  intelligence  that  the 
rebels  were  advancing  along  the  south  side  of  UOTbrid^  Fell.  The  l^dge  was  im- 
mediately barricadoed  with  carts  and  waggons,  filled  with  dung,  and  the  train-bands 
resolutely  waited  the  result ;  but  when  day-light  appeared,  the  supposed  re6e£r  proved 
to  be  a  large  drove  of  kyloes.* 

Carekester^  a  Roman  station,  at  the  confluence  of  the  hrodk  Cor  with  the  Tyne,  is 
half  a  mile  west  from  Corbridge.  Camden  conjectured  this  was  the  Curia  OUadmO' 
rum  (the  court  oi  the  Ottadim),  noted  by  Ptolemy ;  but  Horsley  makes  it  the  Cor^ 
stopiium  of  Antoninus.  It  was  J*  almost  leveUed"  in  his  time ;  **  but  abundance 
of  medals,  inscriptions,  and  other  Roman  antiquities,  have  been  found  at  if  Hodgson 
says,  ^vThe  foundations  of  the  part  belonging  to  Greenwich  Hospital  are  untouched ; 
but  the  rest  of  them  are  entirely  razed."  In  digging  for  stones,  tne  remains  of  a  bath 
were  found,  **  one  room  of  whicn  was  ornament^  with  a  neat,  small,  green  bordering.'* 
Many  other  ruins  of  ancient  edifices  have  been  dug  up  near  the  station.  The  foun- 
dations of  a  Roman  bridge  here  are  still  discernible,  especially  on  the  south  side. 
Various  altars,  inscriptions,  said  other  cmiosities,  found  in  this  station,  are  in  tiie  pos- 
session of  different  persons,  and  of  the*  Antiquarian  Society  of  Newcastle.  The  old 
cross  stood  upon  an  altar,  and  another  was  very  lately  ranoved  from  the  yard  of  the 

Angel  inn.    But  the  most  curious  of  itsr  productions  are  two 

1.  HPAKAEi  Greek  hiscriptions,  found  in  the  church-yiard  of  Corbridge.    They 

AioAwPA  ^"^  ^^  hexameters;   the  first  being  read,  iff axx« Tw^ w Aia^ce 

APXIEPEIA         ap%isf»« ;  and  the  second,  Asapttjf  jScvju^  |»'  Bvu§pas  iioux;^^^  fu  avffSi^xff .    The 

furst  altar,  which  Horsley  esteemed  one  of  the  ^eatest  curiosities 

8.  AC?r...THC         in  Britain,  is  S  feet  4^  inches  in  height,  and  is  adorned  on  the 

^Scopac'  one  side  with  a  wreath,  and  on  the  oflier  with  an  ox*s  head  and  a 

IIOTAXEPM        krilfie,  dedicated  by  Diodora,  the  priestess  of  the  Tyrian  Hercules^ 

ANEeHKBN        It  is  In  the  possession  of  the  Duke  of  Northumberland.     Mr. 

Horsley  gives  the  following  reading  and  remarks  upon  it  ? — 
**  Herculi  Tirrie  Diodora  PrincepB  Saoerdos.  It  has  been  twice  puUished  in  the 
Transactions  by  Dr,  Hunter  and  Dr.  Todd.    The  differences  between  their  copies 

^  About  1 S  jean  ago,  as  the  miller's  wife,  of  Corbridge,  was  sitting  in  the  window,  she  perceived  some^ 
thing  extraordinary  iif  the  mill-race,  and  on  giving  the  alarm,  it  was  found  to  be  a  large  shoal  of  the  chub-fish 
(called  dares  in  this  country).  When  the  mill- wheel  stopt  their  progress,  they  immediately  returned  to  Ac 
rirer ;  and  though  some  time  elapsed  before  a  small  net  wb»  proenred,  yet  above  1000  were  taken« 


CORBRIDGE  PARISH.  329 

end-  this  will  appear  upon  comparing  them  with  one  another.  This  copy  was  taken 
after  the  original  had  been  thrice  visited  and  examined  with  care,  and  every  variation 
in  the  former  copies  diligently  marked. ' 

**  Several  ancient  writers  take  notice  of  the  peculiar  regard  and  worship  paid  to 
Hercules  by  the  Tyrians.  Arrian  says  his  temple  in  that  dty  was  the  oldest  upon 
record.  Diodora,  the  arch-priestess  mentioned  in  this  inscription,  might  perhaps  be 
devoted  to  his  service.  That  this  was  an  office  of  great  dignity,  and  not  below  per- 
sons of  the  first  rank,  appears  from  another  inscription,  produced  by  Montfaucon, 
which  is  *  Caracylaea  arch-priestess  descended  from  kines.'  We  have  likewise  an  in- 
scription  in  the  Marmora  Oxoniensis,  where  one  Aurdia  Fausta  has  this  title  given 
her :  that  inscription  having  been  erected  at  Smyrna,  the  learned  editor  supposes  the 
lady  was  arch-priestess  to  Diana ;  and  among  other  reasons,  he  assigns  this,  because 
priestesses  minii^tered  only  to  female  deities.  Now  if  this  observation  was  universally 
true,  it  would  destroy  the  supposition  above-mentioned  relating  to  Diodora.    But 

there  is  an  inscription  in  Gruter,  *  ateri a  saber  —  datis  pa ,'  which  I  think 

can  mean  nothing  else  but  Ateria,  priestess  qfPluio.  And  Pausanius  says  expressly, 
that  it  was  customary  for  a  virgin  to  officiate  as  priestess  in  the  temple  of  Neptune 
in  Calaurea.  It  appears  therefore,  by  these  instances,  that  women  were  not  wholly 
excluded  from  the  priesthood  of  male  deities.  Caracylaea,  in  the  inscription  of  Mont* 
feucon,  is  said  presently  after  to  have  been  wife  to  C.  Julius  Severus';  the  same,  as 
Montfaucon  thinks,  who,  according  to  the  Fasti  Consulares,  was  consul  in  the  year 
155.  And  why  may  we  not  suppose  that  Diodora  was  married  to  some  commasider 
of  the  Roman  forces,  who  brought  her  hither,  where  she  erected  this  altar,  in  honour 
of  the  deity  to  whose  service  she  had  been  particularly  devoted  ?  And  the  like  may 
be  said  with  respect  to  other  Grecian  deities,  whose  altars  are  found  here  in  Britain 
(as  Jupiter  Dolichenus  and  Dea  S^ria),  which  m^bt  be  set  up  by  persons  originally 
of  those  countries  where  these  deities  were  more  particularly  worshipped." 

The  other  altar  is  dedicated  to  Astarte,*  a  Syrian  goddess.  Dr.  Stukeley  gives 
the  following  reading  of  it : — **  Marcus  Egorast,  the  son  of  Acherm,  dedicates  this 
altar  to  Astarfce."  Tne  names,  he  presumes,  are  Syriac,  Arabic,  or  Punic,  and  the 
adoption  of  Marcus  proceeds  ttova  the  lUnnan  connection.  This  altar,  supposed  to 
be  inscribed  by  the  priest,  iB  attributed  to  a  marine  legion,  raised  by  Hadrian  in  Sy^ 
ria,  called  the  Ulpian  Legion,  which  followed  Carausius  in  the  time  of  Maximian^ 

"*  Astarte  was  tiie  symbol  of  the  moon,  being  wcnrshipped  by  moonlight  in  open  temples  and  groves,  iSrst 
with  pure  and  afterwards  with  impure  rites.  In  the  sacred  writings  she  is  styled  Ashtaroth,  also  the  deity 
and  abomination  of  the  Sidonians.  The  prophet  complains,  that  Solomon  went  after  Ashtaroth,  the  goddess 
of  the  Sidonians,  Jezebel  first  pfud  her  divine  honoujrs  in  Israel.  The  n^ost  ancient  temple,  that  of  Ascalon, 
had  400  prophets  serving  thereint 


,-^. P--" 


With  these  in  troop; 
Can^  Ashtaroth,  whom  the  Phoeniciana  call'd 
Astarte*  Queen  of  Heaven,  with  crescent  horns. 
To  wbose  bright  image/'  &«.  MiUon, 

Josephns  says,  that  Hiram,  king  of  Tyre,  and  ooDten^oravy  with  Solonion,  built  two  temples^  which  lie 
dedicated  to  Astarte  and  Tyiian  Hercules, 

YQX-  «,  4  O 


880  TINDALE  WARD.-JE.  D. 

tn  1735,  a  fine  silver  plate,  or  lawt^  wia  found  <Mn  the  maigin  of  a  little  hrook  an 
the  east  side  of  Corbridge.  It  is  shaped  like  a  tea-board,  80  inches  liHig,  and  15 
inches  broad,  with  a  flat  brim  neatly  flowered,  and  weighs  148  ounoes.  It  was  found 
by  a  Uttle  girl  belonging  to  a  smith,  who  sold  it  to  Mr.  Cookson»  a  goldsmith  in 
Newcastle ;  but  was  shortly  after  claimed  by  his  Grace  the  Duk«  of  Somerset,  as  lord 
of  the  manor,  and  is  now  at  Alnwick  Castle.  Ro^r  Galfb  £sq*  could  not  discover 
that  the  sculptures  had  ''  any  rebtion  to  any  story  m  the  Heaths  rnvtbolcM^y ;"  but 
Sir  John  Clark  made  **  no  question  of  its  beinff  di  tabula  f^oAJro,  and  uiat  it  had  been 
hung  up  or  kept  in  some  temple  at  Corbridge,  dedicated,  perhaps,  to  Cex«s  or  Apol  W 
It  is  adorned  with  figures  of  Apollo,  Vesta,  Juno,  Minerva,  and  IHaoa,  eadb  wiHi 
their  proper  symbols,  &c.  The  figures  are  in  has  relief ;  the  minor  parts  have  been 
executed  with  punches.  On  the  back  are  a  few  dotted  letters,  which  w&pe  probaUy 
the  workman's  signatures.  The  work  is  neithw  of  the  best  nor  of  the  worst  of  times : 
the  figure  of  Vesta  is  extrem^y  well  executed^  the  posture  free,  the  drapay  soft  fmd 
easy.  Also  about  the  same  time  was  found,  on  the  other  side  ci  the  river,  nearly  op* 
posite  the  place  where  the  lanx  was  found,  a  sfiLver  cup,  wei^iing  90  ounces ;  on  one 
part  of  it  are  six  equidistant  compartoients,  each  containing  the  Christian  mimc^ram. 
It  may  probably  have  been  a  chalice ;  and  the  dish,  thougn  of  Pagan  workmanship, 
may  have  served  as  a  patten. 

There  arcf  sufficient  evidences  to  prove  that  Corbridge  has  be^i  a  pc^ulous  town, 
at  an  era  subsequent  to  the  time  of  the  Romans.*  In  Ldand's  tmie,  the  names  of 
divers  streets  remained  here,  and  he  found  great  tokens  of  old  foundati<ms.  King 
John  was  so  impressed  with  the  idea  that  tfaia  must  have  been  a  large  and  po* 

Eulous  dty,  which  could  onl^  be  ruined  by  an  eartiiquake  or  some  sudden  and  tern- 
le  invasion,  and  that,  in  either  case,  the  inhabitants  would  have  been  unable  to 
remove  their  wealth,  that  his  officers  were  ordered  to  make  a  dOigent  search  for  the 
treasures  which  were  supposed  to  be  buried  in  the  ruina.  Tradition  says  there  were 
anciently  four  churches  here,  oaoe  of  which  only  remains.  One,  whkh  was  dedicated 
to  St  Mary,  stood  at  the  nwth-west  comer  of  the  village.  About  50  years  ago,  the 
ruins  were  pulled  down,  and  a  fiumstead  built  with  the  materials  near  the  place. 
Another,  called  the  Trinity  diurch,  stood  to  the  north-east  ct  St  Mary's.    Elvery 

*  The  banks  of  the  Cor  being  worn  away  by  some  impetuous  land-flood?,  there  was  discovered,  about  the 
year  1660,  a  skeleton,  conjectured  to  be  that  of  a  man,  of  very  extraordinary  and  prodigious  size.  The  length 
of  the  thigh-bone  was  n^y  six  feet,  and  the  skull^  teeth,  and  other  partSi  proporlionably  monstrous ;  so 
that  the  length  of  the  whole  body  was  computed  at  21  feet !  Som^  parts  of  it  were  in  the  possession  of  the 
Earl  of  Derwent wafer,  in  1695.  A  singularly  large  bone,  found  here,  was  hung  up  in  the  kitchen  of  the 
Old  George  Inn,  ia  the  Flesh-market^  Newcastle,  for  many  years.  This  bone  was  purchased  by  the  pro- 
prietor of  the  Keswick  Museum,  where  it  is  shewn  as  the  rib  of  the  giant  Cor,  found  at  Corbridge.  Histoij 
has  given  ejAmples  of  gigantic  human  remains,  progressively  decreasing  from  30  feet  to  10  feet  in  height; 
beings  for  whom  the  earth  would  seem  unsuitable  to  tread  upon.  But^ere  is  no  evidence  that  mankind  has 
degenerated  in  size,  and  living  giants  have  seldom  exceeded  seven  feet  in  height.  As  the  aberratioDs  of 
nature  tend  to  excess,  there  is  generally  a  proportionable  deficiency  in  symmetry,  strength,  and  energy  ;  so 
that  the  tales  related  of  whole  tribes  of  extraordinary  giants  may  safely  be  considered  as  mere  fictions.  All 
ikk  bones  shewn  as  wondors  of  nature  har%  on  ewmiMlaon»  proved  to  belcmg  to  an  tl^haa^  a  whale^  or 
some  other  terrestrial  or  aquatic  animal  now  extinct 


CORBRIDGB  I^ARISH.  881 

vntim  of  ibis  builibi^  has  abo  been  remoy«<i  and  its  scite  converted  into  a  garden^ 
which  still  bean  the  name  of  the  Trinity.  St.  Helen's  church  stood  on  the  north  side 
of  the  village,  adjohiing  St<  Helen's  lana  Fart  of  the  walls  and  the  end  of  the  dian* 
cd  were  standing  about  20  years  ago ;  but  these  ruins^  have  since  been  taken  aw&it, 
and  a  aarden  formed  where  they  stood.  There  is.a  well  about  a  quarter  of  a  mB0 
north  from  Corbridge,  csUed  the  MUk^  which^  it  is  stfid,  took  its  name  from  the  milk- 
market  being  held  here.  At  a  little  distance  cast  from  the  village  is  an  eminence 
caUed  GaUow  Hill,  where  criminals  were  executed.  After  a  heavy  shower  of  rain, 
some  years  ago,  a  lead  pipe  was  disoovered  in  one  of  the  streets,  which  seemed  in^- 
tended  to  supply  the  western  extremities  of  the  town  with  water :  and,  about  the 
year  1760,  Eieaaer  Krch,  Esq.  ordered  a  piece  of  ground  near  the  ancient  Corcliester 
to  be  drained,  when  several  tanner^  or  skinners'  pits  were  found.  They  were  sdl 
built  with 


DiLSTON  stands  above  a  mile  south-west  from  Corbrid^  and  upwards  of  8^  miles 
east  by  south  from  Hexham.  The  name  is  a  contraction  of  UevUHone^  so  called 
from  its  situadion  on  the  eastern  banks  of  the  stony  brodc  DeM.  Here  was  the  ba«- 
vonial  seat  of  the  Devilstones.  The  old  tower  still  remains.  Adjoinii^  to  it,  and  on 
the  brink  of  a  steep  hill  clothed  with  wood,  stood  the  mansion-house  of  the  Ratcliflfc 
flimay.  It  was  buik  in  1616  by  Francis  Rateliffe,  Esq.  and,  aflber  faUing  into  ruin, 
oonwietdy  removed  in  1768,  by  the  advice  of  Mr.  Smeaton.  The  ekapel,  though  not 
used,  is  lomt  in  repair;  and  the  vault  contains  the  remains  of  several  of  the  Ratchffe 
family.  Tne  approach  is  romantic :  the  rivulet,  at  its  conflux  with  the  Tyne^  flows 
out  of  a  deep  dell,  fimning  a  grand  natural  cascade,  after  having  passed  a  bridge  ci  a 
single  arch,  which  leads  to  the  mansion ;  through  this  arch  a  mm  is  seen,  over  which 
are  lofty  and  impending  diffii;  the  whole  embowered  bv  trees,  extending  their 
branches  from  each  side  of  the  dell,  and  spreading  <^t  a  leafy  canopy,  at  least  an 
hundred  fiiet  in  height,  shadowing  the  lower  objects  wit]i  a  solopin  jdoom. 

William,  son  of  Aluric,  was  lora  of  Devylstonne  in  the  reign  of  Henry  I.  Robert 
de  Devylstoune  was  assessed  for  the  scutage  of  his  barony,  18  and  S3  Jlenry  II. 
Thomas,  his  son  and  heir,  died  before  the  uate  of  the  Testa  de  Nevil,  and  was  suc- 
ceeded by  Symon,  some  time  in  ward  of  Robert  Fitas-Rc^mr,  Kving  86  Henry  III. 
3HRs  son  and  heir,  Sir  Thomas  de  Devylstx)une,  living  54  Henry  III.  sherLff  of  North- 
umberland  9  Edward  I.  gave  the  manor  of  North  Milbume  to  Hexham  abbey.    He 

*  Mr.  Thomas  Surtees^.cf  this  place>  in  a  commmueatton  to  the  Editor,  saggeats  die  utiUtjr  of  eatabfiahSng 
here  a  market  fen*  the  sale  of  live  stock.  ''Thousands  of  sheep  and  catUe/',  wys  he,  ''are  fkttened  in  the 
neighbourhood  every  year.  The  internal  situation  of  the  town  is  also  well  adapted  for  such  a  purpose ; 
Main-street  being  260  yards  in  length,  by  about  70  in  breadth^  which  would  make  an  excellent  stand  £oit 
cattle.  Herron's  Hill,  about  240  yards  in  length  and  50  in  breadth^  would  anaWer  well  ft>r  sheep.  The 
market-place  is  a  spacious  area,  and  might  be  appropriated  fbr  the  sale  of  either  kind  of  stock.  It  ts  only 
one  mile  further  than^  Morpeth  fhim  Newcastle ;  the  same  wiU  apply  to  Skidds  and  Sunderiand ;  and  from 
Hexham  only  4  miles.  I  should  suggest  Monday  as  the  most  proper  day  to  hold  the  market  It  would  then 
give  botii  buyer  and  seller  the  advantage  of  Morpeth  market  The  roads  are  good  in  every  direction,  with 
coaches  passing  through  the  town  every  day.  There  is  also  a  bridge,  by  whidi  the  river*  may  be  passed  at 
all  times.  A  tryst  would  even  be  preferable  to  &  market;  as,  in  that  case,  no  tolls  could  be  demanded  by 
the  lord  of  the  manor." 


SS2  TINDALE  WARD— •£•  D. 

married  Lucy,  daughter  of  Sir  William  Heron,  whom  Symon  de  I>eTyIsfx>une 
enfeoffed  for  life  in  the  manor  of  Devylstoune.  Dying  without  issue,  he  left  his 
cousin,  William  de  Tyndale,  his  heir ;  whose  son,  Thomas  de  Tyndale,  left  issue, 
JLi,  Dyonisia  de  Tyndale,  who  married  Roger  Herez,  lord  of  Claxtcm  ;  and  theu*  great 
^^^dson.  Sir  William  Claxton,  knt.  succeeded  to  the  barony  of  Devylstoune^  and 
other  estates  of  the  Tyndales,  as  heir  to  Emma  de  Tyndale,  1416 :  2,  Sir  William 
Tyndale,  lord  of  Devylstoune,  to  whom  his  father  gave  lands  in  Corlnri^e,  5  Edward 
III.  and  who  succeeded  to  Devylstoune  on  the  decease  of  Lucy,  widow  of  Sir  Thomas 
de  Devylstoune,  11  Edward  II.  1S17.  He  married  Lucy,  daught^  of  Robert  de 
Reymes,  of  Shortflatt,  and  had  issue,  1,  Thomas;  2,  John;  3,  B^holgmew ;  4,  R(v 
bert;  5,  William ;  all  living  1885,  and  from  one  of  whom  was  probably  descended 
John  or  Jock  Fifsc^oUjac^  who  was  also  called  Ji^n  about  the  JPim,  and  contested  the 
possession  of  the  inheritance  with  Sir  William  Claxton.  The  eldest.  Sir  Thomas  de 
Tyndale,  lord  of  Devylstoune,  married  Constance,  living  a  widow,  and  held  the 
manor  of  Kirkhalgh  in  dower,  1847.  Their  son.  Sir  William  de  Tyndale^  was  lord 
of  Devylstoune,  1857»  in  tail^male,  with  remainder  to  his  brother,  Wakter  de.  Tyn** 
dale,*  whose  daughter,  Emma,  in  her  right  lord  of  Devylstoune,  died  without  sur- 
viving issue,  4  Henry  V.  1416.  The  lomship  then  jpassed  into  the  possessioii  of  th^ 
Claxtons. 

Sir  Robert  Claxton  died  2d  Richard  III. ;  and  his  second  daughter  and  coheir^ 
Joanna  Claxton,  lady  of  DUston^  Witt  onstall,  Hawthorne,  Jke.  mairied  John  Cartington, 
of  Cartington  Tower,  W  whom  he  had  an  only  daughter,  kdy  of  Cartington,  DiIst<H), 
&c.  She  married  Sir  Kdward  RaddjrfF,  or  Ratd^,  son  of  Sir  Thomas  Ratcliffe,  of 
Derwentwater,  county  of  Cumberland,  Bart.  He  was  knight  of  the  body  to  Henry 
VIII.  and  was  named  heir  in  remainder  to  the  Derwentwater  estates,  failing  issue  of 
his  brother.  Sir  Richard.  He  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  17  Henry  VII. 
He  was  succeeded  by  his  eldest  son  and  heir.  Sir  Cuthbert  Ratdiffe,  who  was  hi^h 
sheriff  of  Northumb^land,  19  Henry  VIII.  He  married,  in  1514,  Margaret^  daii^*p 
ter  of  Henry  Lord  Clifford,  Westmoreland,  and  Vescy,  and  died  87  Henry  VIII, 

*  There  are  aeveral  persons  in  this  county  of  the  name  of  Tyndale  (principaUy  fiurmers),  aad  no  doubt  de« 
seendants  of  this  family.  William  Tyndale^  one  of  the  first  translators  of  the  Scnptuces  into  English,  is  ad<» 
mitted  to  have  belonged  to  a  Northumberland  £unily.  It  is  supposed  he  was  bom  about  the  borders  of  Wales 
in  1500.  He  waa. educated  at  Qxfcnrd;  .but  imbibing  the  doctrines  of  Luther,  ivas  ejected,  when  he  retired 
to  Cambridge,  where  he  took  a  degree.  He  afterwards  lived  at  Little  Sudbury,  in  Gloucestershire,  and  for  a 
abort  time  in  London ;  he  then  went  to  Saxony,  and  held  several  conferences  with  Luther.  Here  he  began 
his  tjranslation  of  the  New  Testament^  assisted  by  John  Fryth  and  William  Roye,  both  of  whom  were  burnt 
for  heresy.  It  was  printed  in<  1^26;  and,  as  most  of  the  copies  were  bought  up  and  burnt,  Tyndale^  in 
1534,  published  a  more  correct  edition.  He  afterwards  translated  the  five  books  of  Moses  from  the  Hebrew 
into  English ;  and,  in  conjunction  with  Miles  Coveidale,  translated  and  published  the  Pentateuch  at  Ham* 
burgh.  He  also  made  an  English  version  of  the  prophecy  of  Jonas,  and  wrote  an  answer  to  Sir  Thomas 
More,  who  had  written  against  his  New  Testament  At  Antwerp  he  was  betrayed  by  one  Henry  Philips, 
an  agent  employed  by  king  Henry  VIII.  and  after  remaining  in  prison  about  a  year  and  a  half,  was  con* 
demned  by  virtue  of  the  emperor's  decree,  made  in  the  assembly  of  Augsburgh.  Being  brought  to  execution 
in  1536,  he  was  first  strangled  and  then  burnt.  His  last  words  i^rere,  "  Lord,  open  die  king  of  Engiand'a 
eyes."  His  translations  are  highly  eulogized  by  Dr.  Geddes.  His  other  works  were  printed  by  John  Day^ 
in  1572,  in  one  volume  folio.    He  was  one  of  the  ablest  writers  of  his  time. 


CORBRIDGE  PARIdH.  ass 

m 
\ 

His  successor  was  bis  eldest  son,  Sir  George  RatdifFe,  of  Dil«tmi,  and  lord  of  Der- 
wentwater  and  Hawthwne.     He  was  high  sheriff  of  tins  county,  5  and  6  Philip  and 
Mary,  and  Lord  Warden  of  the  East  Mardies  of  Scotland.    By  his  wife,  Katherine, 
daughter  of  Sir  Wffliam  MaOory,  county  of  York,  he  had  one  son  and  one  daughter. 
His  son  and  heir.  Sir  Francis  RfitcliflPe,  married  Isabella,  daughter  of  Sir  Balph  Grey, 
of  Chifiingham  Castle,  by  whom  he  had  issue.    He  was  created  a  baronet,  31st  Ja- 
nuary, 1619,  and  died  16S0.     Sir  Edward  Ratdtffe,  of  Dilaton  and  Derwentwater^ 
Bart,  his  eldest  surviving  son  and  heir,  married  Elizabeth,  only  issue  and  heir  of 
Thomas  Barton,  Esq.  eounty  of  York,  about  the  year  1615.     He  was  a  distinguished 
loyalist,  for  which  his  estates  wane  sequestered  by  psfffiameni  isi  1652.     He  died  De* 
cember,  166S,  and  was  buried  at  Dilston.     Sh-  Francis  HatdiSe/  only  surviving  son 
and  heir,  bom  in  16S4,  created  by  patent,  7tb  March,  4  James  II.  (1687)»  Baron 
IVndale,  Viscount  Ratdifle  and  Langley,  and  Earl  of  Derwentwater.     He  died 
16979  ft^ed  72  years,  and  was  buried  in  Uie  chapel  at  Dilston.     He  married  Katherine 
PenwicS:^  eldest  of  three  daughters  and  coheirs,  by  whom  he  had  issue,  and  was  suc« 
ceeded  by  his  eldest  son  and  Mir,  Edward  Ratdiflb,  secMid  Earl  of  Derwentwater,  &c« 
He  married,  in  1687^  Lady  Mary  Tudor,  youn^t  natural  daughter  of  king  Charles 
II.  and  died  fl9th  April,  1705.     (His  lady  mamed  afterwards  Ueniy  Graham,  Esq. 
and  next  James  Rooke,  Esq.  but  survived  her  third  hudband,  and  died  at  Paris,  1736.) 
He  left,  1,  James,  of  whom  hereafter ;  %  Lady  Mary  Tudor  RatcKfFe,  only  daughter, 
bom  October  (5,  1697,  married  William  Petre,  Esq.  of  Stamlbrd-Rivers,  county  of 
Essex,  cRed  without  surviving  issue,  16th  March,  1756,  aged  $9  years;  3,  Francis 
Ratclifjfe,  Esq.  second  son,  bcH-n  3d  February,  169*19  died  unmarried  15tb  May,  1715, 
aged  24  years ;  4,  Charles  Ratcliffe,  Esq.  third  and  yoiuigest  son,  born  Sd  September^ 
1698. 

James  KatcMe,  third  Ear)  of  Derwentwater,  &;c.^  was  horn  28th  June,  1689»  be« 
headed  24th  February,  171^16,  buried  at  St.  6ik&'  in  the  Fields,  oounty  of  Middle*  , 
sefx.  He  married  Anna  Maria,  eldest  daughter  of  Sir  John  Webbv  of  Canford, 
county  of  Dorset,  Bart.  She  died  30th  August,  1728,  aged  90  years,  and  was  ImtwA 
at  Louvaine,  and  by  whom  he  had  issue,  1,  Jolm  Ratdifib,  Esq.  commonly  cdkei 
Viscount  RatdifFe  and  Langley,  only  son  and  heir,  diecT  umnarried,  Slst  December^ 
1721,  buried  at  Louvaine;  9,  Anna  Maria  Ratc^^,  only  donghter,  .posthiusaous, 
bom  1716,  at  length  sole  h^r  of  her  brother,  married^  May  2,  17&,  Robert  Edward 
Lord  Petre,  and  die<f  Slst  March,  1760.    Her  f<»rtune  was  about  £80»000. 

Charles  RatdifR^  (titulsff  Earl  of  Derwentwater)  was  taken  at  sea  in  1745,  and  exen 
cuted  on  ToWer  H31,  on  a  former  sentence  of  high  treascm,  passed  80  years  before., 
He  married  Lady  Charlotte  Mary  Livingstone,  in  her  own  right  €!ountess  of  New- 
brouffh,  died  August  4,  1755,  buried  at  St.  Giles'  in  the  Fields.  Her  issue  by 
Charles  RatcUfFe  was,  1,  James  Bartholomew,  of  whom  hereafter ;  %  James  Clement  ^ 
3,  Charles ;  4,  Charlotte ;  5,  Barbara — all  died  without  issue ;  ^  M^uy,  who  married 
Francis  Eyre,  Esq.  of  Warkworth,  county  of  Northampton. 

The  eldest  son,,  James  Bartholomew  Eatclifie,  third  Earl  of  Newbrough,  Viscoiint 
Newbrough  and  Kinnaird,  and  baron  Livingstone  in  Scotland,  bom  S3d  August^ 
1725,  died  January,  1786,  buried  at  Slindon.  He  married  Barbara,  daughter  ami  atr 
length  sole  heir  of  Anthony  Kemp,  Esq.  of  Slendon^p  eounty  of  Sussex ;  died  12tl¥ 
September^  1797,  and  leftissue, 

VOL-  II.  4  P 


SS4  TINBALE  WARD.— E.  B. 

Anthony  James  Ratdiffe  Livingstone,  fourth  Earl  of  Newbrough,  and  last  of  the 
noble  race  of  Ratclifie,  only  son  and  heir.  He  was  bom  Jiine  S0»  1757;  died  De« 
cember,  1814,  without  issue.  He  married,  June  30,  1789»  Ann,  only  dai^hter  of 
Joseph  Webb,  Esq.  sister  to  Sir  Thonuis  Webb,  and  grand-niece  to  the  third  &>untess 
of  Derwentwater. 

The  before-mentioned  Charlotte,  Countess  of  Newbrough,  in  Scotland,  died  seized 
of  that  dignity  to  her  and  her  heirs  male  and  female :  she  was  twice  married.  By 
her  first  husband,  she  left  only  a  daughter ;  by  her  second  husband,  Charles  Ilatclifi& 
(titular  Earl  of  Derwentwater),  a  son  (as  already  noticed)  and  a  daughter.  The  son 
by  the  second  husband  succeeded  to  the  dignity,  and  upon  his  death  it  deyolyed  upon 
his  only  son,  the  late  earl,  who  haying  died  without  any  issue,  the  tide  in  due  course 
of  law  would  pass  to  the  heir  of  the  only  daughter.  Lady  Charlotte,  by  her  first  mar- 
riage, if  any  such  heir  existed  capable  of  inheriting :  but  that  daughter  quitted  the 
kingdom,  married  an  alien,  and  died  abroad,  haying  had  issue  by  him  only  one 
daughter,  who  was  bom  in  Italy,  out  of  the  king's  allegiance.  This  daughter  also 
married  an  alien,  and  she  and  her  husband  are  both  dead,  and  haye  left  issue,  bom 
also  out  of  the  king's  allegiance.  The  only  daughter  of  the  said  Lady  Charlotte,  by 
her  second  husband,  married  Mr.  Eyre,  an  En^sh  gentleman,  and  had  issue ;  and 
under  the  sanction  of  the  concurring  opinion  of  two  eminent  counsel,  **  that  the  heir 
of  the  first  daughter  being  an  alien  incapable  of  inheritance,  the  dignity  deyolyed  as 
a  matter  of  right  upon  the  second,"  that  heir  has  taken  the  title. 

A  relation  of  the  circumstances  that  preceded  the  ruin  of  the  noble  and  ancient 
house  of  Derwentwater,  must  be  interesting  to  the  reader.  Many  other  respectable 
Northumberland  families  feU  at  the  same  time,  and  produced  yery  important  changes 
in  the  county. 

Moyements  indicating  a  meditated  insurrecticm  against  the  Hanoyerian  succession 
being  obseryed  in  yarious  parts,  the  ministry  resolyed  to  secure  the  persons  of  those 
who  were  known  to  be  disimected.  Accordingly,  messengers  were  despatched  to  ap- 
prehCTid  the  Earl  of  Derwentwater,  and  Thomas  Forster,  Esq*  M.  P.  Haying  timely 
intimation  of  this  circumstance,  the  earl  retired  from  his  seat  at  Dilston ;  and  Mr. 
Forster,  after  wandering  to  seyeral  places,  came  to  the  house  of  Mr.  Fenwick,  of 
Bywell,  where  he  narrowly  escaped  being  appreh^ided.  The  case  being  now  despe- 
rate, seyeral  Northumberkuid  gentlemen  resolyed  immediately  to  appear  in  arms. 

Pursuant  to  this  resolution,  a  meeting  was  held  the  next  morning,  October  6,  at  a 
place  called  Green-rig.  Mr.  Forster,  with  about  20  gentlemen,  met  at  the  rendezyous, 
and  then  rode  to  the  top  of  a  hill  called  the  WatermUs,  from  whence  they  might  ^s- 
coyer  any  that  came  either  to  join  or  oppose  them.  They  quickly  discoyered  the 
Earl  of  Derwentwater,  who  came  that  morning  from  his  seat  at  Dilston,  with  some 
fiiends,  and  his  servants,  mounted  upon  his  coach-horses,  and  all  yery  well  armed. 
In  coming  from  Dilston  Hall,  they  all  drew  their  swords  as  they  marched  along  Cor- 
bridge.  They  halted  at  the  seat  of  Mr.  Errington,  where  seyeral  other  gentkmen, 
according  to  appointment,  came  to  the  Lord  Derwentwater.  When  they  bad  joined 
Mr.  Forster  ana  his  company,  they  were  in  all  about  60  horse,  mostly  gentlemen  and 
.  their  attendants.  After  a  short  consultation,  they  marched  to  Pkinfield,  near  the 
Coquet,  where  they  were  joined  by  others,  and  then  proceeded  to  Rothbury.  Next 
morning,  the  7th  of  October,  they  marched  to  WarKwordi.    On  Sunday  morning, 


COKBRIDGE  PARISH.  S35 


Mr.  FoTster  sent  Mr.  Buxton,  their  chmlain,  to  Mr.  Ion,  the  minister  of  the  parish, 
with  orders  for  him  **  to  mvv  for  the  Pretender  as  King,  and,  in  the  Litaiw,  for 
Mary  Queen  Mother,  and  nil  the  dutiful  branches  of  the  royal  family ;"  which  Mr.  Ion 
declining,  Mr.  Buxton  took  possession  of  the  church,  read  prayers,  and  preached.  In 
the  mean  while,  Mr.  Ion  went  to  Newcastle,  to  acquaint  the  government  with  what 
had  happened.  Here  Mn  Forster,  in  disguise  and  dv  sound  of  trumpet,  nrodaimed 
Charles  Stuart  as  King  of  Great  Britain,  &c  with  all  the  formality  that  tne  circum- 
stances and  place  would  admit.  On  the  10th,  they  marched  to  Morpeth,  having  been 
joined  at  Felton  bridge  by  70  Scots  gentlemen  from  the  Borders.  I'hey  had  been 
considerably  increased  before,  in  their  march  from  Warkworth,  at  Alnwick,  and  other 
places,  so  that,  at  their  entering  Morpeth  they  were  300  strong,  all  horse,  for  they 
would  entertain  no  foot ;  otherwise  their  number  would  have  been  very  large :  but, 
as  they  neither  had  nor  could  provide  arms  for  those  they  had  mounted,  they  gave 
the  poor  people  hopes  of  being  soon  furnished  with  arms  and  ammunition. 

Mr.  Forster,  being  a  Protestant,  was,  from  pdicy,  appointed  general.  He  marched 
forward  with  an  intention  of  surprising  Newcastle ;  but  finding  the  gates  shut,  and  a 
shew  of  defence,  he  turned  westward  to  Hexham,  where  he  was  reinforced  by  another 
party  of  Scotch  horsemen.  Here  he  halted  three  days,  collecting  arms,  and  horses  to 
mount  the  volunteers,  who  flocked  from  all  quarters.  On  the  night  before  his  depar- 
ture. Prince  Charles  was  proclaimed  in  the  market-place*  Mr.  Forster  had  sent  an 
express  to  Lc»rd  Viscount  Kenmure,  who  was  in  arms  in  the  west  of  Scotland,  invit- 
ing him  to  enter  Northumberland.  His  lordship  agreed  to  diepropOsal,  and  imme- 
diately marched  to  Rothbury.  On  the  19th  of  October,  Mr.  Forster  left  Hexham, 
and  joined  him  at  Rothbury  that  night  Next  morning  the  whole  body  marched  to 
Wooler,  on  their  way  to  Kelso,  to  join  the  Highlanders,  who  were  advancing  under 
Mackintosh.  The  Highlanders  entered  that  town  on  the  82d  of  October,  and  the 
Northumberland  and  Nithsdale  horse  arrived  the  same  evening.  On  the  35th,  Lieu- 
tenant-general Carpenter  set  out  from  Newcastle,  with  Hotnam's  regiment  of  foot, 
and  three  regiments  of  dragoons ;  and,  on  the  following  dav,  arrived  at  Wooler,  in- 
tending to  attack  Kelso  immediately.  Lord  Kenmure,  hearing  of  his  approach, 
called  a  coimcil  of  war.  Lord  Winton  pressed  them  earnestly  to  join  the  dans  in 
the  west  of  Scotland,  but  the  infatuated  Northumbrians  opposed  this  opinion.  It 
was  next  proposed  to  attack  Creneral  Carpenter  while  his  troops  were  few  and  weaiy ; 
but  this  advice  was  also  rgected,  on  which  they  broke  up  from  Kelso,  and  marched 
to  Jedburgh.  At  Hawick  moor  the  Highlanders  mutinied,  and  positively  refused  to 
enter  En^ond.  During  the  dispute  they  were  surrounded  by  the  horse,  in  order  to 
compel  them  to  march  rorwards ;  but  the  Highlanders  cockea  their  firelocks,  saying, 
*^  If  they  were  to  be  sacrificed,  it  should  be  in  their  own  country.**  A  false  alarm  was 
given  during  the  night,  to  try  the  Highlanders,  who  flew  to  arms,  and  formed  in 
good  order. 

Next  day  the  whole  army  marched  to  Langholm,  intending  to  attack  Dumfries, 
the  key  of  the  west,  and  which  was  in  a  very  defenceless  state ;  but  a  difference  of 
opinion  also  frustrated  this  rational  scheme,  and  the  Northumberland  gentlemen  in- 
sisted on  marching  to  Lancashire,  where  they  affirmed  20,000  men  would  instantly 
join  them.  This  induced  above  500  HigUandero  to  retire  into  the  mountains  in  dii^ 
gust :  the  rest,  with  great  difficulty,  were  kept  together. 


3S6  TINDALE  WJOCIX^^JBi  B. 

Having  entered  England,  tkey  mavolicdrto  Bram|itQii,  where  Mr.  Fwster,  bv  vir- 
tue  of  his  co^^ni3$ion  to  act  as  generak  saatli  ef  the  Tweed,  took  upon  himself  the 
command.  On  approaching  Penrilii,  they  disoovered  the  whole  pome  of  Cumbeiisnd, 
amounting  to  13,000  men,  wth  the  sheriff,  I^ord  Lonsdale^  and  the  bishop  of  Cai^j^, 
drawn  out  to  oppose  them ;  but  on  the  appearance  of  General  Forster  and.  his  fol- 
lowers, they  all  oispersed,  leaving  sevesal:  horses  and  ums  on  the  field,  liext  day, 
G^fieral  Forster  marched  to  Kencud ;  and,  on  the  9th  of  November,  entevtd  Laneas* 
ter,  where  he  seised  six  pieces  of  cannon.  At  Preston,  a  regiment  of  militia,  and 
Stanhope's  regiment  of  dragoons,  fled  on  his  approach*  Here  he  was  remforced  by 
several  gentlemen  and  their  followers,  and  it  was  resolved,  next  day,  to  enter  Man* 
diester,  seiae  Warrington  bridge,  and  thus  open  a  way  to  Ijiverpom ;  but  this  -pto* 
ject,  like  aU  others  that  had  any  shew  of  prud^oce,  was  delayed  until  tlior  desteuetion 
was  completed. 

On  the  ISth,  General  Fonter  gave  ovdems  for  his  larmy  to  maitli ;  hot  was  soon 
informed  that  General  WiUis,  with  four  regiments  of  dragoons  and  one  of  foot,  were 
in  sight.  Depending  on  the  promise  oi  tiie  I^uieashire  gentlemen  for  timely  inteUi* 
genoe,  he  was  greatly  surprised  at  the  appeeonanee  of  the  royal  alrmy ;  but  after  reeon« 
noitering,  he  returned  to  the  town  to  prepare  for  their  reception.  His  men  were  not 
dispirited,  but  dbeerf uUy  commenced  tb^  preparations  for  their  drfenee.  They  barri* 
eadoed  the  avenues,  and  posted  their  m&i  in  the  streets  and  bye-lanes,  and  su^ 
houses  as  were  most  proper  for  gaUing  their  enemies.  General  Forstor  fbrmed  four 
main  barriers ;  the  first  a  little  b^w  the  church,  commanded  by  Brigadier  Mackin-* 
tosh,  and  supported  by  the  Earls  of  Derwexitwater,  Winton,  and  Nithsdale,  the  Liord 
Kenmure,  and  the  gentilemen  volunteers  in  the  church-yard.  The  second  was  situated 
at  the  end  of  a  kne  leading  to  the  fields,  and  commanded  by  Lord  Charles  Murray. 
The  third  barrier  was  near  a  wind-mill,  and  cdnmaanded  by  the  Laird  of  Mackintosh ; 
and  the  fourth  was  in  the  street  leading  to  Liverpool,  commanded  by  Mi^or  MiUar 
9nd  Mr.  Douglas.  They  threw  up  several  entrenchments  ki  an  instant,  »td  did  aB  m 
tt^ir  yowet  to  make  a  stout  resistance ;  but  were  guilly  of  one  capital  error :  for  G^ 
oeral  Forster  recalled  100  men  from  a  narrow  and  difficult  pass,  that  terminated  by  a 
bridge,  and  which  might  have  been  easUy  defended  against  a  great  force^ 

General  Willis,  surprised  to  find  the  pass  abandoned,  cautioi]»ly  approadied  the 
town,  and  having  viewed  the  dispositioa  of  his  enemy^  detenmned  on  atteckiiig  aB 
the  four  barriers  at  once ;  InM  at  every  one  bis  troops  were  repulsed  with  considerable 
slaughter.  Notwithstanding  this  success,  the  courage  of  General  Forster's  little  amy 
failed,  on  receiving  intdlkrenee  next  morning  that  General  Carpenter  had  arrived 
with  his  three  regiments  or  dragoons.  The  Highlanders  proposed  to  sally  out  upon 
the  king's  forces,  and  die  like  men,  sword  in  hand ;  but  this  was  overonied.  lAori 
Widdrington  then  prevailed  on  G/eneral  Forster  to  offer  to  capitulate.  Accordingly, 
Colonel  Oxburgh  went  with  a, trumpet  to  G^eneral  Willis,  offering  to  suirender 
prisoners  of  war ;  but  the  general  indsted  they  should  submit  at  discretion.  This, 
at  length,  was  agireed  to ;  and  Earl  I>erwentwater,  with  Brigadier  Mackintosh,  were 
deUveced  as  hostages.  Next  morning,  the  king's  troops  entered  the  town,  and„ 
having  seized  the  noblemen  and  gentiiemen,  secured  the  Highlanders,  who  ware 
drawn  ufi  in  the  market*place«    The  number  of  English  taken  was  4€3,  induding 


CORBRIOGE  PARISH.  '  337 

75  noblemen  and  gentlemen^  mostly  Northumbrians  ;*  aaad  the  Soots  amounted  to 
1005,  among  whom  waie  148  noblemen,  officers,  and  gentlemen. 

The  half-pay  officers  among  the  prisoners  were  immediately  shot ;  but  Earl  Der- 
wentwater,  Xord  Widdringtcm,  General  Forster,  and  the  other  prisoners  of  coUvse* 
quence,  were  serrt  to  Lon£>n,  and  conveyed  to  their  respective  prisons,  in  the  most 
insulting  manner.  The  parliament  met  on  the  9th  of  January,  and  the  Commons 
immediately  began  business  by  e^qpelling  Mr.  Forster,  who  was  member  for  North- 
umberland, and  impeaching  the  Earl  of  Derwentwater.  On  the  20th,  the  Earl  was 
brought  fiom  the  Tower  to  the  bar  of  the  House  of  Peers,  when  he  delivered  a 
written  answer  to  the  articles  of  impeachment ;  and  on  the  9th  of  February,  he  re- 
ceived sentence  from  (jbe  Lord  Chancellor  Cowper,  Lord  High  Steward  on  that 
occasion. 

Great  solicitations  were  made  with  the  court,  and  with  the  members  of  both  houses 
of  parliament,  in  behalf  of  the  Earl.  His  Countess,  attended  by  her  sister,  and  ao* 
companied  by  the  Duchesses  of  Cleveland  and  Bolton,  and  several  other  ladies  of  the 
fitst  rank,  was,  •  by  the  Dukes  of  B  ichmond  and  St.  Alban's,  introduced  into  the 
king's  bed-chamber,  where  she  implored  his  clemency  for  her  unfortunate  consort, 
and  then  withdrew.  As  his  answer  seems  to  have  been  unfavourable,  she  went  on 
the  Slst  into  the  lobby  of  the  House  of  Lords,  to  beg  their  intercession ;  but  h«*e 
also  her  petition  was  disre^ded.  The  next  morning  she  went  to  Westminster,  with 
a  great  attendance,  to  petition  both  bouses  of  parliament    The  Duke  of  Richmond, 


*  The  Northumbrians^  aecording  to  Patten^  were  divided  into  troopa.    The  first  troop  was  the  Earl  of 
Derwentwater's,  and  was  amiinanded  by  his  brother,  Charks  Ratdiffe,  Esq.  and  Captun  John  Shaftoe. 
The  second  troop  was  the  Lord  Widdrington's,  commanded  by  Thomas  Errington,  Esq.  of  BeatiiTont,  who 
had  been  ^nrmerly  an  officer  in  the  French  service^  where  he  acquired  great  reputation.    The  third  troop 
was  commanded  by  Captain  John  Hunter,  of  North  Tindale.    In  the  examination  of  Joseph  Redshaw,  of 
Durham  fields,  near  Hexham,  the  names  of  several  other  Northumbrian  gentlemen,  who  had  taken  arms  for 
the  house  of  Stuart,  are  mentioned ;  and  among  whom  are,  *^  Philip  Hodgson,  of  Sandaw,  Esq.  Mr.  William 
Sanderson^  of  Hely,  and  George  Sanderson,  his  brother,  Capt  Robt  Talbot  (an  Irishman),  Capt  Salkeld,  Capt. 
Qnger  (an  Irishman),  Capt.  Ji^m  Hunter,  Ciq[>t.  Leonard  Hunter,  Robt  Shaftoe,  of  Bavjngton,  Esq.  and  hia 
son,  Mr.  Joblyn,  of  Benwell,  Mr.  Lyle,  jun.  of  Haysoo,  Mr.  Henry  Anderson,  near  Monkridge,  Mr.  TonstaU* 
who  is  their  paymaster-general,  Mr.  Edwd.  Swinboum,  of  Capheaton,  Doctor  Charieton,  and  Mr.  Wm.  Charle« 
ton,  sons  of  Mr.  Wm.  Charieton,  <tf  Keedsmouth.  And  ftirther  saith,  that  he  has  been  teformed  by  their  quarter, 
masters  and  sergeants,  that  Sir  Wm.  Blackett  and  Mr.  Fenwick,  of  Bywell,  wou'd  join  them;  and  that  on  the 
third  of  this  instant,  they  intended  to  march  from  Penreth,  where  the  said  party  of  rebells  thai  were,  to  Appleby^ 
and  from  thence  to  Kendall,  and  from  thence  either  to  Lancashire  or  Wales,  where  they  expected  a  great  num« 
ber  wou'd  join  thero,  from  whence  they  would  march  back  to  Newcastle^  where  if  they  shou'd  meet  with  any 
resistance,  that  then  they  wou'd  bum  the  town  and  put  the  inhabitants  to  the  sword,  and  afterwards  march 
fiirward  towards  London.    And  that  hitherto  they  have  frequently  been  stipply'd  with  considerable  sums  of 
money  by  Sir  William  Blackett,  Sir  William  Swinboum,  of  Capheaton,  Peter  Potts,  of  Newcastle,  attoroey«at> 
law,  Esq.  —  Riddle,  near  Gateside,  Robt  lisle,  of  Hayson,  Esq.  and  Mr.  Wm.  Charieton,  sen.  of  Reedsmonth. 
And  further,  that  he  hath  heard  one  Jeflery  Potts,  near  Bellingham,  one  of  their  quarter«masters,  say  that, 
some  of  their  officers  informed  him,  the  said  Potts,  that  they  were  assured  by  Sir  Wm.  Blackett,  that  if  they 
marchVi  to  Newcastle,  where  there  shou'd  be  one  person  in  the  town  to  shutt  the  gates  against  them,  there 
wou'd  be  twenty  to  open  them."-— ^^wc.  Mag,  for  iVoti.  1893. 

VOL.  II.  S  Q 


338  TINDALE  WARD— R  D. 

a  near  relation  of  the  Earl's,  was  prevailed  on  to  present  her  petition ;  yet  he  voted 
against  it.  The  house,  however,  seemed  rather  inclined  to  mercy ;  but  it  was  finally 
agreed  to  leave  the  matter  to  his  majesty,  who  did  not  think  proper  either  to  reprieve 
or  pardon  the  Earl  of  Derwentwater :  and  those  who  spoke  in  favour  of  this  young 
and  amiable  nobleman  and  the  other  condemned  lords,  drew  down  upon  themselves 
his  marked  displeasure.  The  same  evening  (the  SSd  of  February)  orders  were  de- 
spatched for  executing  the  Earls  of  Derwentwater  and  Nithsdale,  and  the  Lord 
Kenmure,  the  next  morning. 

Accordingly,  at  day-break,  three  detachments  of  the  jraards  took  their  several  posts 
round  the  scaffold  erected  on  Tower  Hill ;  and,  a  little  before  ten  o'dock,  the  Earl  of 
Derwentwater  and  the  Lord  Kenmure  were  carried  in  a  hackney  coach  from  the 
Tower  to  the  Transport-office,  on  Tower  Hill,  where  there  was  a  room  hung  with 
black  for  their  reception.  From  this  room  to  the  scaffold  there  was  a  railed  gallery, 
which  was  also  covered  with  black.  The  Earl  of  Derwentwater  was  first  led  to  the 
scaffold ;  and  it  was  observed,  that  in  his  going  thither,  and  ascending  the  steps,  his 
countenance  turned  veiy  pale.  But,  after  he  had  been  a  few  minutes  on  the  sonffold, 
his  behaviour  appeared  resolute  and  sedate.  Having  spent  some  time  in  prayer  with 
a  book,  he  then  addressed  himself  to  the  sheriff,  and  desired  he  might  have  libarty  to 
read  a  paper  which  he  had  drawn  up.  .  This  request  being  readily  granted,  he  went 
to  the  rails  of  the  scaffold,  and  read  what  follows : — 

**  Being  in  a  few  minutes  to  appear  before  the  tribunal  of  God,  where,  though  moat  unwordiy,  t  hope  to 
find  mercy,  which  I  have  not  found  from  men  now  in  power;  I  have  endeavoured  to  make  my  peace  with 
his  Divine  Majesty,  by  most  humbly  begging  pardon  fbr  all  the  sins  of  my  life :  and  I  doubt  not  of  a  merd- 
fol  forgiveness,  through  the  merits  of  the  passion  and  death  of  my  Saviour  Jesus  Christ;  for  which  end  I 
earnestly  desire  die  prayers  of  all  good  Christians^ 

"  After  this,  I  am  to  ask  pardon  of  those  whom  I  might  have  scandalised  by  pleading  guilty  at  my  trials 
Such  as  were  permitted  to  come  to  me  told  me,  that,  having  been  undeniably  in  arms,  pleading  guilty  was 
but  the  consequence  of  having  submitted  to  mercy ;  and  many  arguments  were  used  to  prove  there  was 
nothing  of  moment  in  so  doing ;  among  others,  the  universal  practice  of  signing  leases,  whereof  the  pream* 
bles  run  in  the  name  of.the  persons  in  possession. 

**  But  I  am  sensible,  that  in  this  I  have  made  bold  with  my  loyalty,  having  never  any  other  but  king 
James  III.  for  my  rightful  and  lawful  sovereigh*  Him  I  had  an  inclination  to  serve  from  my  infancy,  and 
was  moved  thereto  by  a  natural  love  I  had  to  his  person,  knowing  him  to  be  capable  of  making  his  pec^le 
happy.  And  though  he  had  been  of  a  different  religion  firom  mine,  I  should  have  done  for  him  all  that  lay 
in  my  power,  as  my  ancestors  have  done  for  his  predecessors,  being  thereunto  bound  by  the  laws  of  God 
and  man. 

Mrlierefore,  if  in  this  affair  I  have  acted  rashly,  it  ought  not  to  afiect  the  innocent.  I  intended  to  wrong 
nobody,  but  to  serve  my  king  and  country,  and  that  without  self-interest,  hoping  by  the  example  I  gave  to 
have  induced  others  to  their  duty ;  and  God,  who  sees  the  secrets  of  my  heart,  knows  I  speak  truth.  Some 
means  have  been  proposed  to  me  for  saving  my  life,  which  I  looked  upon  as  inconsistent  with  honoiUr  and 
conscience,  and  th^efore  I  rejected  them ;  fbr,  with  God's  assistance,  I  ^all  prefer  any  death  to  the  doing  a 
base  unworthy  action.  I  only  wish  now,  that  the  laying  down  my  life  might  contribute  to  the  servioe  of  my 
king  and  countiT,  and  the  re-establishment  of  the  ancient  and  fundamental  constitution  of  these  kingdoms; 
without  which  no  lasting  peace  or  true  happiness  can  attend  them.  Then  I  should  indeed  part  with  my  life^ 
even  with  pleasure.  As  it  is,  I  can  only  pray,  that  these  blessings  may  be  bestowed  upon  my  dear  country; 
and  since  I  can  do  no  more,  I  beseech  God  to  accept  of  my  life  as  a  small  sacrifice  towards  it 


i 


\     \ 


^Mti 


Born  June  28*  1689. Behemded  Fsbmsry  2"?  1716 


CORBRIDGE  PARISH. 


389 


*'I  die  a  Boman  Caiiholic.  I  am  in  perfiM  dis>%  wMitdl  llw  w«Mrtd,  ^41^^  CM  ^ ^  even  wMi  those 
of  the  present  government,  who  are  most  instmmental  in  my  death.  I  freely  forgive  such,  as  ungenerously 
reported  false  things  of  me ;  and  I  hope  to  be  forgiven  the  trespasses  of  my  youth  by  the  Father  of  infinite 
mercy,  into  whose  hands  I  commend  my  soul. 

"J.  Dbbwentwatbb. 

**  P.  S.  If  that  prince,  who  now  governs,  had  given  me  my  life,  I  should  have  thought  myself  obliged 
never  more  to  have  taken  up  arms  against  him." 


After  the  reading  of  this  paper,  he  delivered  it  to  the  sheriff,  telling  him  he  might 
do  with  it  as  he  pleased ;  and  that  he  had  given  a  copy  of  it  to  a  friend.  Then  turn- 
ing to  the  block,  he  viewed  it  close,  and  finding  in  it  a  rough  place,  that  might  offend 
his  neck,  he,  with  uncommon  presence  of  mind,  bid  the  executioner  chip  it  off. 
Having  prepared  himself  for  the  blow,  by  taking  off  his  coat  and  waistcoat,  he  lay 
down  to  fit  his  head  to  the  block,  telling  the  executioner,  that  the  sign  he  should 

five  him  was,  "  Lord  Jesus ;  receive  my  saidT  and,  at  the  third  time  of  repeating  it, 
e  was  to  do  his  oflice,  which  he  did  at  one  blow.     It  was  reported,  that,  the  night 

.  before,  the  Earl  of  Derwentwater  having  sent  for  Mr.  Stephen  Roome,  an  undertaker 
for  funerals,  and  discoursing  with  him  about  his  own,  he  told  him  he  would  have  a 
silver  plate  on  his  coffin,  with  an  inscription  importing,  tiiat  he  died  a  sacrifice  to  his 
law^i  sovereign ;  but,  Mr.  Roome  scrupling  to  comply  with  it,  he  was  dismissed. 
This  was  the  reason  no  hearse  was  provided  for  him  at  his  execution ;  so  that  his  head 
was  only  taken  up  by  one  of  his  servants,  and  put  into  a  dean  handkerchief;  and, 
the  body  bdng  wrapped  up  in  black  doth,  they  were  both  together  carried  to  the 
Tower.    • 

The  fate  of  this  nobleman  was  very  generally  lamented.  He  was  nearly  related 
to  the  house  of  Stuart,  and  personally  acquainted  with  Prince  Charles.  Yet  it  was 
evident  that  he  was  hurried  into  this  affair;  for  had  he  premeditated  resistance 
against  the  established  government,  his  princdy  possessions,  nis  extensive  influence, 
and,  above  all,  the  high  and  almost  unparalleled  estimation  in  which  he  was  held  by 
his  numerous  tenantry,  would  have  enabled  him  to  or^mize  a  very  formidable  body 
of  men.  Indeed,  he  was  formed  by  nature  to  be  generauy  beloved,  for  his  beneficence 
was  so  universal,  that  he  seemed  to  live  for  others.  He  almost  constantly  resided  at 
Dilston,  where  he  spent  his  &tnple  income,  and  employed  his  time,  in  discharging 
offices  of  kindness  and  charity.  The  generous  and  splendid  hospitality  of  his  house 
was  unequalled,  and  his  door  and  purse  were  continually  open  to  every  one,  whether 
neighbour  or  stranger,  without  regard  to  their  political  and  religious  sentiments. 
His  death  was  followed  by  the  ruin  of  one  of  the  most  flourishing  families  in  the 
north  of  England. 

The  memory  of  this  amiable  nobleman  continues  to  be  highly  revered  in  this  . 
county,  and  numerous  instances  of  his  affability  and  beneficence  are  related  with  feel- 
ings of  sympathy  and  regret     Many  wonderful .  and  miraculous  circumstances  were 

•  popularlv  believed  to  have  accompanied  his  death ;  and  the  Aurora  Borealis^  which 
appeared  remarkably  vivid  on  the  night  of  his  execution,  is  still  known  by  the  name 
of  Lord  Derwentwater' s  Lights.  His  lordship's  last  request,  to  be  buried  with  his 
ancestors  at  Dilston,  was  refused :  but  either  a  sham  funeral  took  place,  or  the  corpse 
was  afterwards  removed ;  for  it  was  certainly  conveyed  secretly  m)m  London,  and 


•  N 


S40  TINDALE  WARD.-JE.  D. 

deposited  in  the  family  vatdt.  From  accident  or  design,  the  coffin  was  Wken  open 
a  few  years  ago,  and  the  body  found,  after  the  lapse  of  near  a  century,  in  a  high  state 
of  preservation.  It  was  easily  recognized,  by  the  suture  round  the  neck,  by  the 
openpess  of  the  countenance,  and  by  the  regularity  of  the  features.  The  teeth  were 
ail  perfect;  but  Mr.  Surtees  (Hist  oflhirham^  vol.  i.  page  cxx.)  says,  that  ** several 
of  them  were  drawn  by  a  blacksmith,  and  sold  for  2^.  6a.  a  piece.*'  In  a  short  time 
after,  the  vault  was  closed  up.  This  unfortunate  nobleman  is  described  to  have  been 
rather  under  the  middle  size,  slender,  and  active,  with  a  fine,  comely,  and  prepossess^ 
ingaspect. 

The  Earl's  brother,  Charles,  was  tried  and  condemned  on  the  18th  of  May,  1716, 
but  afterwards  reprieved,  though  retained  in  strict  confinement  in  Newgate.  He, 
however,  contrived  to  effect  his  escape  to  France,  where  he  remained  until  the  second 
attempt  to  restore  the  Stuarts,  in  1745.*  The  ample  estates  of  the  Ratclifie  family 
were  declared  forfeited,  and  an  act  was  passed  to  transfer  them  to  the  use  of  Green- 
wich Hospital.  The  report  of  the  commissioners  that  were  appointed  to  take  an  ac- 
count of  these  estates,  was  printed  in  July,  1717»  when  the  rent-roU  amounted  to 
£687Sl.t  In  the  most  of  the  forfeited  estates,  it  was  ordered  that  the  tenants  were 
to  pay  fines  on  the  death  of  the  king,  as  if  he  were  a  private  person. 

_»■ 

*  Mr.  Charles  Ratdiffe  escaped  from  Newgate  on  December  11^  I7l6|  and,  wi  is  related,  i^  the  following 
maimer :— He  '*  being  aUowed  to  make  a  visit  to  Captain  Dalzell^  and  other  rebels,  on  the  master's  side,  made 
his  escape,  by  means  of  an  old  conyicted  criminal,  who  coming  thither  mider  a  pretence  of  seUing  canes,  and 
pretending  to  bargain  with  Mr.  Ratdiffe  for  one,  he  had,  therefore,  an  opportunity  to  pass  under  the  chain  at 
the  gate ;  and,  upon  the  canegobber's  saying  that  he  was  only  a  visitor,  he  was  suffered  to  pass  by  the  turn- 
key and  the  guard,  to  whom,  says  the  author  of  the  '  History  of  the  Press-yard,'  he  gave  some  money,  which 
must  be  owned  the  readiest  way  to  turn  both  lock  and  key."  He  was  frequently  in  England  afterwards ; 
but  the  difficulty  of  identifying  him  prevented  government  from  attempting  his  apprehension.  After  his  cap* 
ture  in  1745,  «'  old  Shr  William  Middleton,"  according  to  the  late  Mr.  Ralph  Spearman,  ''  sent  for  Mr.  R^ 
of  A-*,  who  had  been  at  school  with  Mr.  Ratdiffe  at  Corbridge,  and  he  swore  positively  to  his  penon«  fttmi 
a  scar  on  his  forehead." 

t  This  business  was  not  dedded  without  some  dispute,  as  appears  fWim  the  following  paper :— '*  This  is 
againe  to  Renew  and  repeat  my  orders  to  all  the  Tenants  belonging  to  my  Dear  Son's  Estate,  not  to  pay  any 
mony's  or  Rents  to  the  Commissioners  for  the  forfeited  Estate,  or  to  the  Receiver's  appointed  by  them.  And 
I  do  hereby  promise  to  indemnyfy  them  from  all  costs  or  charges  they  may  be  at,  in  refusing  to  do  the  same, 
untill  such  time  as  the  daim  is  desdded,  and  the  law-sute  ended.  Witness  my  hand,  this  3d  day  of  August, 
in  the  year  1717.— Ann  Dkrwbntwatsb." 

When  the  Earl  appeared  in  arms,  he  sent  all  the  &mily  deeds  to  a  neighbouring  cottage,  inhabited  by  a 
humble  but  faithful  retainer  of  the  fkmily,  Cuthbert  Swinbum,  father  of  the  late  John  Swinbum,  an  inge- 
nious clock-maker  of  Hexham.  Here  they  remained,  concealed  under  Swinbum's  bed,  till  removed  to  Cap- 
heaton,  where  they  were  concealed  between  two  walls  behind  a  chimney.  Walton,  a  slater  of  Black  Heddon, 
and  a  rigid  Presbyterian,  when  repairing  the  roof,  discovered  this  concealment,  and  saw  the  chests  with  the 
Derwentwater  insignia  upon  them.  He  informed  Sir  William  Middleton,  who,  in  1745,  being  deputy  for 
the  Duke  of  Somerset  when  he  searched  at  Capheaton  for  arms,  was  observed  to  measure  eacacdy  the  outward 
space  between  the  windows,  and  then  the  inward.  When  he  found  the  place  described  by  Walton,  he  broke 
the  wall,  and  met  with  the  old  records  above  named,  which  he  seized  and  sent  off  to  London.  They  are  now 
at  Greenwich  Hospital.    Prior  to  this,  the  commissioners  were  cast  in  many  trials,  not  having  the  Ratdiffe 


CORBRIDQE  FARISH.  341 

The  following  is  an  abstract  of  the  Accounts  relating  to  Greenwich  Hospital  from 
1808  to  1815,  ordered  by  the  House  of  Commons  to  be  printed,  19th  March,  1816 : 

9 

1—- Acoounts  Aeteing  the  gross  rental  and  gross  produce  of  the  estates  of  Oreenwich  Hospital,  in 
the  oonntieg  of  Northumberland,  Cumberland,  and  Durham,  and  the  net  produce  from  the 
same,  at  derived  from  lands,  houses,  woods,  mines,  and  other  different  kinds  of  produce,  for 
the  yea»  1806, 18l»,  1810, 1811>  1812, 1813, 1814,  and  1815. 

Gross  produce  of  lands  and  houses,  and  the 
gross  produce  from  mines,  woodsy  &^. . . 

Expence  of  repairing,  extending,  building 
anew,  and  rebuilding  houses  and  offices, 

CXC*  •••  ••>  ••<  ••«  ••< 

Expence  of  making  new  quickset  fences 
and  walls,  including  gates,  &c. 

Expence  of  making  drains,  levelling  old 
fences,  and  stubbing  and  clearing  ground, 

Expence  of  making  weirs,  embankments, 
and  joining  rivers,         

Expence  of  fee-farm  rents,  moduses,  and 
other  outgoings  from  the  estates, 

Expence  of  thinning  and  weeding  the  se- 
veral woods  and  plantations, 

Expence  of  inclosing,  draining,  and  plant- 
ing several  new  plantations,     

Expence  of  winning  and  working  coal- 
mines; and  of  smelting,  refining,  &c. 
lead-ore  and  bullion,'     ... 

Expence  of  law  charges,  and  other  inci- 
dental and  contingent  charges. 

Gross  amount  of  commission  to  the  receiv- 
ers, bailifis,  &c*  including  half  per  pent* 
for  remittance,    ...         ...  ..^ 

Amount  of  ^alaries  to  the  bailiffs,  and  lead 
and  coal  mines,  &c.  agents,      

Expence  of  carrying  forward  Nent  Force 
Jjevel,  inclosure  of  commons,  &c.  in  the 
nature  of  purchases,      3192  15    5        3440    7  11      10261    9    4       4889    4    0 


1808. 

1809. 

£.      t. 

d. 

i8ia 

£.      *. 

d. 

1811. 
£.       t.    d. 

69039  7  7i 

54334  11 

H 

53166  3 

9i 

56423  7  H 

6471  0  6 

72W  9 

3i 

7253  14 

9i 

10386  3  8 

1416  9  4 

1209  11 

7 

1448  18 

6 

2215  12  5 

2822  8  6 

2782  1 

0 

2288  18  10 

2217  9  9 

190  0  9 

327  7 

9 

356  3 

8 

275  2  2 

380  3  3^ 

373  0 

3| 

443  2 

5 

421  6  Hi 

1422  17  5^ 

1422  16  11 

1880  7 

6 

2573  1  5i 

• 

821  1  3 

916  9 

5 

1201  9 

4* 

18^  10  9 

47«  5  lOi 

7313  6 

7J 

3900  15 

5 

5152  14  9i 

1585  13  1^ 

2983  3 

Hi 

2069  6 

8* 

4505  16  Hi 

2904  14  IH 

2^0  18 

H 

2697  10 

If 

2713  4  Oi 

876  14  4i 

766  4 

If 

676  2 

If 

755  1  4i 

m** 


Gross  expenditure,  25833    4    9f    31257  17    Of    34176  18  10.   37954    8    3^ 

Net  produce,         33406    2    9^    23076  14    Of    18988    4  llf    18468  18  Hi 


deeds  to  produce,  since  the  title  of  that  family  was  their  title.    Walton,  tcft  this  service,  is  said  to  have  ea* 
joyed  a  handsome  pension  during  his  life. 

The  late  Earl  of  Newbrough  was  allowed  a  pension  of  £2500  per  anntim. 

VOL.  II.  4  R 


34!J  TlNiDALE  WAIID.~E.  D. 

1813.  '     1813.  1814.  1815. 

Xr.       Sm    d»        M»       Sm    o*        J&.       s»    d»        £,,       s»   d* 

Gross  produce  of  lands  and  houses^  and  the 

gross  produce  from  xnines^  woods,  &c....     64535    7  1(H    ^^^^    ^    ^    ^^103^    ^    ^i    58198  14    5{ 

Ezpence  of  repairing,  extending,  building 
anew,  and  rebuilding  farm-houses,  offices, 
&c.  10594    0    Oi    13626  16    6      10720  14    7i      8671  13  10 

Expence  of  making  new  quickset  fences 
and  walls,  including  gates,  &;c.  ...      2546  11     2        3138    0  10        2697    2    0        2514    8  11 

Expence  of  making  drains,  levelling  old 
fences,  and  stubbing  and  clearing  ground,      2983    9  10        2312  11    0        1909    6    2        2151    2  11 

Expence  of  making  weirs  and  embank- 
ments, joining  rivers,     loo    0    9  75  12    4  117  11    3  106  19  10 

Expence  of  fee-farm  rents,  moduses,  and 
other  out-goings  from  the  estates,       ...        743    5    8  624  15    4^        486  18    9f        773  12    5 

Expence  of  thinning  and  weeding  the  se« 
veral  woods  and  plantations,     ^    3111  17    6^      3147  14  11        3022  15    6        277l    2    0 

Expence  of  inclosing,  draining,  and  plant- 
ing several  new  plantations,     132111    7        1416  11    6        1316  10    4        1879  15  11 

Expence  of  winning  and  working  coal- 
mines;  and  of  smelting,  refining,  &c. 
lead-ore  and  bullion,      6831    6    1^      6299    4    9f      5546  12  lOf      3890    9    0 

Expence  of  law  charges,  and  other  inci- 
dental and  contingent  charges,  ...      6341  10  \l^      6979    3    3|      5524  10  10        4552    9    9^ 

Gross  amount  of  commission  to  the  reoeiv* 
era,  bailifis,  &c,  including  half  per  cent, 
remittance,         3115    2    6|      2971  14    0^      3174  13  11^      2651  15  llj 

Amount  of  salaries  to  the  bailiffs,  and  lead 
and  coal  mine,  &c  agents,       801  17    9^        7i54    8    Of        823  17  llf        682  10    6^ 

Expence  of  carrying  forward  Nent  Force 
Level,  inclosure  of  commons,  &c.  in  the 

'   nature  of  purchases,      9052  11    7      10952    1    7        5684    6    4|      5036  18    6 

Gross  expenditure,  47543    6    7      51298  14    3      41025    0    8j    35682  19    7 

Net  produce,         ...        16992    2    3^    12150    8    5^    23914    0    5j    22515  14  10} 

The  net  poundage,  &c.  to  the  receivers,  after  deducting  of  salaries  paid  by  them  to  bailiffs,  and  for  court* 
keepers  and  clerks,  and  the  expence  of  journeys,  horses,  and  for  office  rents,  in  1808,  amounted  to  £2143, 
^.  9f(f. ;  in  1809,  to  £1755,  0*.  lOrf.;  in  1810,  to  £1870,  10#.  3f^. ;  in  1811,  to  £2010, 19*.  9fi. ;  in 

1812,  to  £2135^  15*.  4|rf.;  in  1813,  to  £2093, 18#.  &\d.;  in  1814,  to  £2249,  8#.  4}^.;  and  in  1815^  to 
£1722, 14«.  Of<2. 

To  the  amount  of  bailiffs'  salaries,  in  1808,  must  be  added  £  138,  being  the  proportion  of  the  bailiffs'  sala- 
ries which  is  paid  by  the  receivers;  in  1809,  £138;  in  1810,  £228;  in  1811,  £198;  in  1812,  £198;  in 

1813,  £198;  in  1814,  jg  198;  and  in  1815,  £198. 
These  aooounts  are  signed. 


JOSEPH  PORSTER,     1  „     . 
THOMAS  WAUiES,      /Receivers. 


CORBRIDGE  PARISH.  S48 

Tfaie  following  is  an  aeeoiuit  lor  one  year  firom  tlie  Slat  daj  of  November^  1812,  exdoaive,  to  the  Slst  day 
6f  November,  1813,  induaive ;  shewing  the  particulars  that  conatitute  the  gross  amount  of  the  receipts :— - 

£•       s»  d» 

Received  firom  lands,  mills,  &c ;  contingent  rente  for  lands;  and  cottages  not  let  with  farms,  40859  19  2f 

Received  firom  lead  and  coal  mines  and  quarries,  and  contingent,  ^ents  for  do.       ...  ...  15849  18  4f 

Received  from  weeding  of  wood,  bark,  &C.  ...  ...  ...    3586    3  4 

Received  from  land-tax  and  property-tax,  from  fee-fiurm  rent,  ...  ...  ...         19  11  3 

Received  &om  several  persons  for  their  contributive  share  towards  the  quit-rent  for  the  oom- 

tithes  of  Langley  Barony,  south  of  Tyne,  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  0  13  1 

Received  for  acknowledgments,  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...        70  17  5 

Received  from  the  trustees  of  Hexham  road,  for  two  years  interest  on  £700  advanced  thereon,        70    0  0 

Received  from  the  trustees  of  Wooler  roads,  for  two  years  interest  on  £200  advanced  thereon,        20    0  0 

Received  for  corn-tithes  at  Keswick,  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  2    4  0 

Received  for  potatoes  from  Lowbyer  nurseries,  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...       *15    0  0 

Received  for  fines  and  amercements  assessed  at  courts,  ...       .     ...  ...  5  15  5 

Received  in  part  for  stock  and  implements,  and  from  Thomborough  High  Bams  farm,        ...     1185    3  3 
Received  for  descent,  &c.  fines  assessed  in  the  manor  of  Castlerigg  and  Derwentwater,  and 

manor  of  Thomthwaite,         ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...       190    5  8 

Received  for  money  advanced  for  Tarretbum  common  division,  and  in  full  for  interest  on  do.      000    0  0 

Received  for  money  advanced  for  Thomthwaite  common  division,  and  in  full  for  interest  on  do.      527    1  8 

Received  far  enfrandiisements  in  the  manor  of  Thomthwaite,  ...  ...  ...      446  10  0 


The  amount  of  expences  this  year,  as  spedfied  under  the  usual  heads,  was 

For  balance  of  account  for  survey  and  plans  of  Langley  barony. 

For  law  charges  and  law  business  done. 

For  Greenwich  Hospital  subscription  towards  repairing,  and  new  pewing  Bdtingham  cliapd. 

For  subscription  towards  building  a  bridge  across  the  river  Allen, 

For  recdvers'  allowance  of  half  per  cent,  remittance. 

For  carrying  forward  Nent  Force  Levd,      ...  ...  '  ... 

For  indosing  allotments  from  commons,       ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ... 

For  purdiase  of  tenants  of  AlstoA  Moor, 

For  purchase  of  an  allotment  on  Tarretbum  common. 


.  .  4 


(SM4» 

2 

8* 

£. 

*. 

i. 

98504  10 

4 

170  11 

9 

3367 

4 

8 

100 

0 

0 

160 

0 

0 

64 

6  11 

8196 

3  10 

4018  10  10 

3066 

1 

1 

761 

6  10 

51298  14    3 


2.  An  account  of  all  monies  ekpended  upon  repairing,  extending,  building  anew,  and  rebuilding 
farm-houses,  out-houses,  and  all  appurtenances  to  farm-honsea  and  farm-offices,  upon  the 
estates  belonging  to  the  coinmisuoners  and  governors  of  the  Royal  Hospital  for  S«imen  at 
Greenwich,  in  the  county  of  Kent,  in  the  coundea  of  Northumberland,  Cumberland,  and  Dur- 
hani,  for  the  years  1811,  1812, 1813,  1814,  and  1815. 

For  repairing,  £4414,  \U.  Ad. ;  for  extending,  £12366,  7«.  9^  i  for  building  anew,  £17839, 14tf.  5i/. ;  and 
for  sebulLding,  £19389, 15«.  2(;.    Total,  £54009,  &.  8(/. 


344  TINDALE  WAMX— E.  D. 

3.  An  aoccmnt  of  the  nnmber  of  agents  and  baaiifc  eaiplgyd  im  Ttwun^Hig'thg  Mtftfctt  rf  Gfaqawich 
Hospital^  in  the  counties  of  Kbrthnmbeiia&d^  CtiariiBriaacb  aod  nuriamu.  with  their  serawt 
names  and  salaries^  as  follows :---« 

£»     Sm    a. 
Joseph  Forster,  receiver  of  rents  and  profi^ts^     ...  ...  ...  «..  ...  MB    9    1 

Thomas  .WaileSj  ditto^  ...  ...  .>•  ...  •••  ■•>  •■*  •••  MB    9    1 

John  Dickinson^  moor  master  for  the  mines  in  the  mKnor  of  Alston  Moor^  ....  ...  fiM    0    ^ 

Thomas  Dickinson^  derk  for  the  ore  deliveries  in  ditto^  ...  ...  ...  ...MOO 

James  Mulcaster^  lead-mill  agent  for  smelting  and  refining  lead  andboHion^  ...  ...  190    0    0 

Henry  Walton^  agent  for  the  sale  of  lead  by  commission  of  £1  per  cent,  upon  «n  aTerage  of  0  yesrsj  181  13    2 
Joseph  Bell>  agent  at  Stublick  colfiery^  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...  ...     59    0    0 

Anthony  Wailes,  bailiff,  ...  £20  paid  by  tfie  Hospital,  £90  paid  by  the  receiv^ers,    50    0    0 

Cuthbert  Surtees,  ditto,  ...  16  ...  ...  24 

William  Sample,  ditto, 

William  Coates,  ditto, 

Joseph  Storey,  ditto, 

Edward  Bell,  ditto,  ... 

John  Dinning,  ditto, 

Thomas  Dixon,  ditto, 

William  Peters,  conrt  keeper  for  the  manors  in  Noirthnmb.  and  Durh.    30 

Henry  Dixon,  ditto  for  manors  in  Cumberland,  ...  ...  21 


16 

1  •  • 

•  •  • 

24 

ao 

»  «  • 

30 

12 

•  \* 

18 

16 

B  ■  « 

24 

16 

1  •  ^ 

34 

16 

i  •  • 

24 

40  0  0 

40  0  0 

50  a  0 

90  0  0 

40  0  0 

40  O  0 

40  0  0 

90  0  0 

21  0  a 


4.  An  account  of  the  salaries  of  the  governor  and  treasurer  of  Greenwich  Hospital,  for  the  year 
1816,  together  with  the  amount  of  half-pay  enjoyed  by  them  during  the  same  period. 

Govemor'9  salary,  £1500. Treasurer's  salary,  £800;  half-pay,  £503,  2f.  dd^;  pension,  for  wounda 

received  in  actioA,  £700. 

Ill  May,  1816,  Sir  C.  M.  L.  Monck  contended  in  parKament  that  the  man^ement 
of  these  estates  had  been  greatly  abused,  and  that  they  might  be  rendered  more  bene- 
ficial to  the  public  by  being  sold.  He  observed,  that  the  gross  profits  of  the  woods 
were,  in  eight  years,  £21,000 ;  and  the  expences  for  those  woods,  in  the  same  period, 
were  £30^000 ;  making  a  loss  of  £9000,  Sir  M.  W.  Ridley,  in  support  of  the  mo- 
tion,  remarked,  that  the  gross  receipts  of  the  estates,  in  eight  years,  were  £  483,871 ; 
while  the  gross  expences,  in  the  same  time,  amounted  to  £814,571*  leaving  a  net 
produce  to  the  Hospital  of  only  £168,000.  Mr,  Long,  in  opposition,  said  that  the 
rents  had  increased,  since  1805,  from  £  23,000  to  £43,000  per  annum.*  In  the  same 
period,  16,000  acres  of  land  had  been  inclosed,  10,000  acres  of  grass  land  had  been 
converted  into  good  arable  land,  and  2000  acres  of  young  wood  had  also  been  planted. 
The  motion  was  ultimately  negatived ;  but  an  alteration  has  since  taken  place  in  the 
mode  of  paying  one  of  the  receivers^  who,  instead  of  a  pound£ig!e  and  aUowance  on 
remittances,  is  paid  a  fixed  aimual  salary. 

In  the  year  1M>8,  a  dam  or  weir  was  built  across  the  Devil's  Water,  by  the  then 
receivers  of  the  Greenwich  Hos^tal  estates,  Messrs*  Walton  and  Farsteft  at  &  veiy 

*  Sir  John  Carr  says,  in  his  Caledonian  Sketches,  that  "  The  fkrm  of  Dilston,  comprising  about  500  aeres^ 
which  about  20  years  before  was  let  at  £500  per  annum,  was  lately  relet  at  £1780  per  annum;  and  diat 
most  of  the  Greenwich  Hospital  estates  have  risen  in  proportion.'* 


CORBRIDGB  PARISH.  345 

expence^  fbr  the  purpose  of  turning  a  part  of  tbe  river  down  a  new  chan<i 
nd,  to  drive  a  com^miU  and  a  thrashinff  maehine.  This  dam  is  built  about  540  feet 
above  the  ancient  bridge  that  leads  to  uie  ruins  of  Dikton  HalL  It  la  in  the  form  of 
a  cresoent,  tiie  crown  pointing  up  the  river,  and  strongly  secured  with  fluik  walls  o£ 
ashler-work.  The  whole  erection  is  most  substantial,  and  almost  bids  defiance  to  tibe 
corroding  hand  of  time :  its  height  is  about  10  feet  Over  this,  part  of  the  river 
rushes  with  rapidity,  and  forms  a  beautifol  cascade.  The  water  that  supplies  the 
mill  is  let  out  of  the  dam  by  a  shiice  in  one  of  the  flank  walls,  when  it  takes  an  open 
channel  of  about  1140  feet  in  length.  It  is  thus  conveyed  to  a  tunned  315  feet  long^ 
54  i3K;hes  high,  and  S4  inches 'Wide,  cut  through  a  rocky  hill  of  considerable  height. 
The  stream  then  emerges  from  its  subterraneous  channd,  and  is  conveyed  to  the  milL 
A  part  of  it  is  also  carried  across  the  bed  of  the  rivar^  in  troughs  erei^ied  on  pillars, 
ana  thus  to  a  thrashing  machine  of  12  horse  power.  After  having  performed  its  vai 
rious  services,  it  dashes  down  a  precipice,  ana  again  returns  to  its  native  chemn^.^ 

Aydok  stands  one  mile  and  a  half  north-^ast  from  Corbridge.  The  Reed  family 
occupied  a  good  house  and  a  small  estate  here,  now  the  property  of  Mr.  Nathaniel 
Edwards.  Mr.  John  Winship,  Mr.  Dobson,  and  Mr.  Bulman,  of  Newcastle,  have 
also  property  in  this  township.  Aydon  Castle,  which  stands  in  a  lofty  situation, 
is  a  short  distance  to  the  north-west.  Some  writers  conjecture  it  was  so  called  from 
the  Borderers  pronouncing  the  word  high,  Ay ;  while  others  are  confident  that  it  de^ 
rives  its  name  from  Aidon^  whidi,  in  the  Briti^  language,  signifies  a  wing  or  troop 
of  horse,  many  whereof  were  placed  near  the  Wall.  It  is  now  greatly  in  decay ;  the 
situation  is  formidable,  and,  firom  tbe  solemnity  of  its  ruins,  is  at  this  time  strikhigly 
august.  It  is  placed  on  the  west  side  of  a  deep  precipice,  at  the  foot  oi 
which  runs  a  tittle  brook.  By  the  traces  remaining  of  this  edifice,  it  appears  to 
have  been  of  considerable  extent  and  strength,  encompassed  by  an  outward  wall,  in 
which  the  loop-holes  remain.  One  thing  ratnarkable  here  is  a  stable,  with  an  arched 
roof  of  st<Hie,  without  anv  wood  in  its  structure,  the  mangers  being  formed  of  stone 
troughs.  It  appears  to  have  been  constructed  for  the  preservation  of  cattle,  at  the 
time  of  assault; 

The  edge  of  tbe  piecipice  on  which  the  castle  stands  is  called  Jack's  Leap.  It 
acquired  this  name,  acooraing  to  some  writers^  from  a  lover  of  that  name,  who,  in  a 

*  Proceeding  sbuthwwrd  from  DilBtou,  along  the  varied  and  rocky  banks  of  the  Devil  Water  for  about 
two  miles^  the  traveller  reaches  the  LinneU,  where  the  Lancastrians  encamped  previous  to  the  battle  of  Hex^ 
ham.  Farther  down  this  bold  and  rapid  water,  and  exactly  opposite  to  the  farm-house  called  the  Black 
Hill,  lies  the  Queen's  Cave,  where  the  wretched  Margaret  and  her  infant  son  were  concealed  by  the  robbeTi, 
It  is  SI  feet  long;,  and  14  ftet  .broad>  while  the  height  will  scarcely  allow  a  person  gf  common  size  to  stand 
upright  The  little,  sequestered,  and  enchanting  vale  of  Nunsbrough,  so  highly  &tid  judtiy  admired  by  Hut- 
chinson, presents  one  of  the  most  interesting  scries  in  this  romantic  district.  "  One  possessed  of  a  true  taste 
for  natural  beauties,"  says  he,  "  is  apt  to  be  wound  up  to  a  pitch  of  enthusiitsHc  rapture  at  sudi  sights  as 
these,  where  every  subject  that  can  compose  a  rural  pi^ospect  are  fortunately  adjusted  and  disposed."  The 
rocky  banks  of  the  Devil  Water  also  present  appearances  interesting  to  the  skilful  geolqgist  Many  fowil 
shells  and  other  curiosities  from  this  place  are  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  B.  Lumley,  of  Corbridge^  whose  pic-^ 
turesque  garden  on  the  banks  of  the  Tyne  indioato  much  industry  and  good  taste, 

VOL.  II,  4  S 


S46  TINDALE  WARD.— E.  D. 

fraoittc  fit  of  despair,  took  the  fatal  leap.^  A  correspondent^*  however^  gives  a  dif- 
ferent account :  he  says,  that  Sir  Robert  Clavering,  during  the  dvil  wars,  surprise^  a 
party  of  Scots  here,  whom  he  attacked  with  fuch  irresistibie  bravery,  that  numbers 
were  predpitated  from  this  lofty  rock,  among  whom  only  one  person,  named  Jack^ 
escaped  death.  Tradition  also  states,  diat  a  veoman  of  Corbri^dge,  called  Greenwell, 
in  this  battle  worsted  a  Sootch  officer,  who  fled  from  the  field,  throwing  m<«ey  over 
his  shoulder,  to  stop  the  keen  pursuit  of  his  enemy ;  but  all  was  in  vain,  for  Grreen- 
well  deft  him  down  with  his  sword.  The  late  Dr.  Greenwell,  of  Corbridge,  was  a 
descendant  of  this  warlike  yeoman. 

Aydon  was  andently  part  of  the  barony  of  Hugh  de  BalioL  It  was  the  seat  of 
Emma  de  Aydon,  a  rich  heiress,  1  king  Edward  I.  who  was  disposed  of  in  marriage 
by  that  king  to  Peter  de  Walles,  who  had  it  for  the  term  of  his  own  life.  He  also 
had  Bumeton,  i.  e.  the  town  by  the  bum,  or  brook,  and  Little  Whittington,  for  the 
same  term.  His  name  was  local,  from  Walles  in  France,  the  castle  and  vill  of  Sir 
Richard  de  Walles,  84  king  Henry  II.  1187.  One  of  the  three  itinerant  judges  ap- 
pointed by  king  Henry  I.  (1176)  for  the  northern  counties,  was  Robert  de  Walles, 
or  Wallace.  The  manor,  caslle,  and  half  of  the  vill^^  of  Aydon,  came  afterwards  to 
the  andent  family  of  the  Raymes's,  of  Bolam ;  and  were  in  the  possession  of  William, 
de  Raymes,  43  kmg  Edward  III.  bigh  sheriff  of  Northumberland  16  king  Richard  II. 
alive  8  king  Henry  IV. ;  and  of  Edward  de  Raymes,  85  king  Henry  V  I.  We  fmd 
a  mediety  of  them  possessed  by  Robert  de  Raymes,  10  queen  Elizal!eth^  high  sheriff 
of  Northumberland  the  year  following ;  and  by  Henry  de  Raymes  in  the  reign  of 
king  Charles  I. :  the  otha-  medietv  of  the  manor  and  castle  of  Aydon  being  in  the 
possession  of  the  Carnabys  of  Halton.  The  arms  of  the  Camaby  family  are  cut  on 
a  stone  mantle-piece,  in  an  upper  room  of  the  castle.  In  Swinbum's  MS.  a  fine  of 
£  4,  5^.  is  mentioned  as  due  nrom  Thomas  Clavering  and  Ralph  Carr,  out  of  Aydon 
Castle,  &c  It  was  afterwards  the  property  of  the  Collinsons ;  but  the  last  of  the 
family  was  ruined  by  being  bond  for  a  friend.  The  castle  and  manor  of  Aydon  were, 
after  this,  purchased  by  John  Douglas,  Esq.  from  whom  they  descended  to  the 
Blacketts  of  Matfen. 

Among  the  ancient  monuments  found  here  was  a  stone,  on  which  the  effigy  of  a 
man  was  cut,  resting  on  his  left  arm  upon  a  couch,  in  the  attitude  used  by  the  Ro- 
mans, his  right  hand  laid  upon  his  right  knee,  with  an  inscription,  from  which  it  was 
inferred  to  have  belonged  to  the  station  of  Hunnum.  In  the  spring  of  1809»  as  some 
workmen  were  levelling  a  piece  of  nound  on  an  allotment  of  Aydon  common,  be- 
longing to  Mr.  John  Bulman,  of  Newcastie,  they  found  an  urn,  with  its  mouth 
downwards,  calailated  to  hold  about  four  gallons,  having  a  smaller  one  within  it, 
with  the  mouth  also  downwards,  and  which  contained  a  quantity  of  small  bones ;  but 
thev  went  all  to  pieces  on  being  removed. 

A  countrym^  having  nlou^ed  up  some  lead  at  Aydon,  William  Errington,  Esq. 
and  a  Mr.  Sopwith,  of  Corbndge,  made  trial  for  a  lead*mine  in  1742.  Ttey  sunt 
below  the  great  limestone,  but  without  procuring  either  lead  or  coal  in  quantities 
suffident  to  reimburse  them  for  the  expence  of  the  experiment 


*  The  late  Mr.  Lumel  Winsfaip,  jaii..of  Aydon. 


CORBRpGE  ^ARISH.  S47 

« 

Halton  Towee  stands  on  the  east  side  of  a  rivulet^  2  miles  north  from  Corbiidge. 
It  is  a  strcxnff  oblong  structure,  30  feet  by  2S^  feet»  with  four  turrets^  It  is  blocked 
up  on  two  sides  by  a  farm^-house  and  offices,  occupied  by  Mr.  Thomas  Wright  Be* 
mains  of  a  much  larger  building  may  be  seen  on  the  north  side  of  the  tower.  This 
was  the  seat  and  manor  of  the  ancient  family  of  the  Haltons ;  o^  John  de  Halton,  in 
the  reim  of  king  Henry  HI.  and  part  of  the  reign  of  kin^  Edward  I. ;  and  of  his 
son,  William  de  Ualtoji,  of  Denun,  17  king  Edward  I.  hipi  sheriflPof  Northumber- 
land 25  of  the  same  reign,  on  whose  death  a  mediety  of  it  came  to  his  sister,  Marga- 
ret, who  was  succeeds  by  her  kinsman,  Robert  de  Lowther ;  the  other  mediety 
being  possessed  by  a  brandi  of  the  Camaby's,  of  Camaby,  near  Bridlington,  in  York- 
shire, by  marrying  another  sister  and  coheir.  On  the  death  of  Robert  de  Lowther, 
in  the  b^inning  of  the  reign  of  kins  Richard  II.  the  family  of  Camaby  had  the 
whole  manor,  by  whom  it  i^as  possessed  for  many  generations ;  by  William  Camaby, 
9  king  Henry  IV.  6  king  Henry  V,  and  7  king  Henry  VI.  then  high  sheriff  of 
Northumberland ;  by  Sir  John  Camaby,  85  king  Henry  VI.  and  4  king  Edward  IV. ; 
by  Sir  Repaid  Camaby,  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  33  king  Hemr  VIII. ; 
by  Sir  Cuthbert  Camaby,  hig^  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  9  and  15  queen  Elizabeth ; 
by  Sir  William  Camaby,  knt.  who  was  rmresentative  in  parliament  for  Morpeth,  21 
king  James  I.  1623,  and  for  Northumberland,  3  king  Charles  I.  1628 ;  of  which  he 
was  high  sheriff,  11th  of  the  same  reign.  He  was  a  membar  for  Morpeth  again, 
16  king  Charles  1. 1640,  and  was  expelled  the  house,  26th  August,  1642,  tor  refusing 
to  attend  it,  and  raising  forces  for  his  majesty.  He  was  at  the  battle  of  Marston 
Moor,  in  the  Northumberland  regiment,  commanded  by  the  Marquis  of  Newcastle, 
with  whom  he  retired  beyond  seas  after  the  battle.  Seijeant-major  Camaby  was 
taken  prisoner  b/the  parliament  forces  at  the  battle  of  Wakefield,  21st  May,  19  king 
Charles  I.  1642.^  Halton  beinff  purchased  by  John  Douglas,  Esq.  of  Newcastle,  it 
is  now  the  property  of  the  Blac^etts  of  Matfen. 

Divine  service  is  performed  by  the  vicar  of  Corbridge,  every  third  Sunday  morn- 
ing, in  a  small  chapcd  here.  John  Douglas,  Esq.  in  17w,  gave  £  146, 17^*  2^.  towards 
rebuilding  it,  and  the  freeholders  of  Whittington  £78,  Is.  Id. 

Halton  Chestees. — ^This  Roman  station  will,  it  is  probable,  soon  afford  the  an- 
tiquarian many  objects  of  interest.  In  a  field  adjoining  the  tiumpike  road^  the  remains 
of  Roman  buildings  were  discovered  in  1822 ;  but  no  researches  were  made  until  the 
following  year,  when  Lady  Blackett  arrived  at  Matfen.  Aftei'  the  workmen  had 
made  some  progress,  the  work  was  suspended  until  her  son  is  of  age,  when  it  will,  no 
doubt,  be  resumed  with  spirit.  About  8  feet  below  the  surface,  tne  foundations  of  a 
stone  waU,  6  feet  thick,  were  discovoed,  and  traced  about  40  yards  in  a  north  and 

*  Mr.  Wallis  gives  the  following  anecdote  of  one  of  the  Camaby  family :-— "  At  the  time  that  this  country 
was  infested  with  those  thieves  called  Moss  Troopers,  one  of  this  fiunily  had  a  commission  to  apprehend  and 
try  them.  Whilst  he  was  deeply  engaged  on  the  trial  of  some  of  them,  a  very  notorious  and  desperate  villain 
was  seised  by  his  son,  who  asked  his  father  what  he  should  do  with  him.  '  Do  with  him/  said'  the  father, 
'  why  hang  him/  As  soon  as  the  trial  was  ended,  he  ordered  the  man  to  be  brought  bdfore  him,  but  was 
told  he  was  hanged  instantly  according  to  his  order.  On  complaint  bein^  ma4e  to  the  crown,  a  fine  of  4/. 
per  annum  was  laid  on  the  Halton  estate,  which  is  still  paid." 


S48  TINDALB  WAKD-^E.  D. 

south  direction,  without  reaching  either  extremi^*  A  faypocaust  was  also  found,  15 
feet  square,  the  floor  laid  with  Roman  tiks.  The  flues  were  found  very  perfect 
Sevenu  openings  were  found  into  a  subterraneous  passage,  supposed  to  be  a  sewer» 
and  which  was  explored  above  100  feet.  A  quantity  of  bones,  both  human  and  ani-^ 
mal,  horns  of  different  kinds,  and  earthen  vessels^  with  inscriptions  nearly  oUitentted* 
have  been  dug  up.  There  are  many  foundations  of  buildings  about  150  yards  to  the 
south  <tf  this  place.*    See  vol.  i.  page  18S« 

Little  Whittington  lies  north  of  the  WalU  and  consirts  of  two  farmholds  and 
a  few  cottages.  Great  Whittikgton  is  distant  nearly  4  miles  north  from  Cor* 
Imdge.  It  belongs  to  difierent  proprietors,  and  contains  four  fiBrmholds  and  several 
cottages,  including  two  public  houses.  Claeewood  is  a  small  villi^ge,  seated  om  an 
eminence  north  from  Halton  Chesters,  and  consists  of  two  farmholds,  the  property  of 
the  Bkcketts  of  Matfen.  Adjoining  is  a  small  landsale  coUiery.  Thobnboeough 
lies  a  short  distance  east  of  Corbridge.  tt  belong  to  Greenwidi  HoepitaL  Exdu* 
sive  of  the  feinn,  here  are  several  lime*kilns,  which,  with  about  100  acres  ci  land,  is 
occupied  by  Mr.  Sisterson.  In  1801,  a  company  of  adventurers  made  trial  at  thia 
place  for  a  lead-mine.  They  procured  some  good  ore ;  but  appearances  not  being 
very  flattering,  they  abandoned  the  enterprise :  but  this  circumstance  is  chieflv  ie» 
markable  from  the  workmen  coming  into  old  workings,  which  proves  tiiat  a  lead^ 
mine  has  been  wrought  here  at  some  very  distant  period.  North-east  of  Thomborough 
is  an  eminence  called  Camp  Hill,  which  has  femieriy  been  a  fortified  station*  At 
the  south  side  of  the  hill  was  formerly  SheiAm  Leiughy  where  a  pleasure-boat  was 
kept,  and  where  large  flocks  of  wild  ducks  reswted.  A  great  quantity  of  rain  fell 
about  a  century  ago,  at  the  commencement  of  the  harvest,  when  the  lough  ov»« 
flowed,  and  burst  Bke  a  deluge  to  the  westward,  sweeping  away  in  its  progress,  not 
only  the  crops,  but  the  fences.  At  Corbridge  East  Field  the  water  turned  into  the 
Tyne,  leaving  immense  numbers  of  pike  in  every  standing  pool ;  nor  did  the  lough 
ever  after  contain  so  many  fish.  When  Sheldon  common  was  improved,  the  lough 
was  completely  drained,  and  is  now  converted  into  pastiere  groundi. 

BY  WELL  ST.  ANDREW  PARISH. 

This  smdl  parish  lies  pertity  on  the  north  side  of  the  Tyne,  tfid  partly  skhrts  along 
its  southern  ranks.  It  is  inclosed  on  the  north,  east,  and  south  by  Bywell  St  Peter^s^ 
and  on  the  west  by  CortNidge  parish.  It  contains  5  townships,  74  houses,  and  899 
inhabitants.  The  poor-rates,  in  18ftl,  amounted  to  £147,  9*.;  but,  in  1819»  they 
were  £881,  12*.  There  are  two  day-schools  in  this  parish.  "The  sum  of  £8  per 
annum,  a  dwelling-house,  garden,  and  school-room,  were  left  by  will,  by  the  late  Mrs. 
Aywood,  of  Riding,  for  the  education  of  eight  poor  children  belonging  to  that  town- 
ship, and  was  regularly  paid  for  near  50  years  by  her  daughter,  Mrs.  Bainbridge ; 
but  she  dying  about  eight  or  nine  years  ago^  her  husband  has  refused  paying  it  since 

•  A  correspondent,  Mr.  W.  Lynn,  of  Great  Whittington,  infers,  from  the  immense  quantity  of  bones  and 
horns  found  here,  that  it  must  have  been  a  place  of  sacrifice.  According  to  Dr,  Stukeley,  the  legion  stationecl 
at  Hunnum  held  a  solenm  festival  after  harvest,  dedicated  to  Ceres  and  Ops :  the  usoal  victim  waa  a  boarv 


r 


BYWELL  ST.  PETER'S  PARISH.  S49 


I 

% 

1  the  township  not  inclining  to  be  at  any  expence  in  recovering  it,  the 
dd  it  will  be  lost."    John  Kepple,  in  1715,  left  £10,  John^Fenwidc 


that  time ;  and 
minister  is  afraid 

directed 

to  be  paid  to  the  poor  of  the  parish.     This  money  was  vested  in  the  late  William 
Fenwick,  Esq. 

Beabl,  a  large  farm,  stands  nearlv  two  miles  north  from  Bywell,  and  was  lately 
the  joint  property  of  Mr.  Anthony  Wailes  and  Mrs.  Charlton^  of  whom  it  has  been 
purchased  by  T.  W.  Beaumont,  Esq.  for  the  sum  of  £22,000. 

Styfobd,  which  is  the  seat  and  property  of  Charles  Bacon,  Esq.  is  delightfully 
situajted  on  the  north  side  of  the  Tyne,  about  lA  mile  west  from  Bywell.  The  man- 
sion, which  was  lately  erected  afta-  an  elegant  design,  consists  of  mree  fronts.  It  is 
well  sheltered  on  the  east  and  north  by  rising  grounds  and  plantations ;  while  a  beau- 
tiful plain,  above  a  mile  in  length,  stretches  l)ef ore  the  soutn  front. 

0 

Riding  stands  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  where  the  WaOing  Street  inter- 
sects the  south  turnpike  roaa  leading  from'  Newcastle  to  Hexham.  The  old  mansion- 
house,  which  is  unoccupied,  belongs  to  Charles  Bacon,  Esq.  Adjoining  is  a  good 
house,  the  residence  of  William  Bambridge,  Esq.  a  real  unassuming  country  patriot, 
formerlv  a  major  in  the  army,  and  the  oldest  magistrate  in  the  county.  The  Hiding 
Mill  is  built  upon  a  mountain  brook  called  Dvoton  JBum,  which  it  was  often  hazardous « 
to  pass ;  but  in  1822,  a  good  bridge  was  built  across  it.  It  is  80  feet  in  length,  and 
28  feet  in  breadth. 

Bboomhauoh,  a  small  village,  inhabited  by  labourers  in  husbandly,  is  situated  a 
short  distance  east  from  Styford.  The  principal  proprietors  in  this  township  are.  Sir 
Cuthbert  Heton,*  of  South  Shields,  and  Mr.  Hugh  Shields,  lately  an  eminent  grocer 
in  Newcastle,  and  one  of  the  very  ancient  family  of  the  Skeels^  ox  Shield^^  of  Allen- 
dale, and  who  has  erected  a  convenient  residence  upon  his  estate  here.  Stocksfield 
Hall  stands  also  on  the  south  banks  of  the  Tyne,  about  a  mile  south-east  from  By- 
well,  and  contains  one  farm  and  two  or  three  cotti^es,  the  property  of  T.  W«  Beau^ 
mont,  Esq. 

BYWELL  ST.  PETER'S  PAJUSH. 

This  parish  is  of  considerable  extent,  being  nearly  8  miles  in  length,  and  in  one 
part  upwards  of  5  miles  in  breadth.  It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  C^rbridge  parish, 
on  the  east  by  Ovingham,  on  the  south  by  Shotley  and  the  county  of  Durham,  and 
on  the  west  by  Blanchland,  Slaley,  and  Corbridge  parishes.  The  north  and  north- 
west parts  are  intersected  by  the  parish  of  Byweu  St.  Andrew.  Part  of  the  land  is 
eminently  fertile  and  beautifully  diversified,  and  part  consists  of  wild,  unproductive 

^  This  gentkmali  i«  a  lineal  dasoendant  c/t  th^  /amed  knighdj  famOy  of  the  Herons;  but,  as  it  ouinot  be 
satisfiictori^  ascertained  whether  or  not  an  idder  brother  of  his  grandfiither  left  issue,  the  Herald's  Coll^gt 
refuae  to  Adinowledge  his  right  to  the  title;),  which^  however,  he  continnes  to  receive  from  courCesjr* 

VOL.  II;— (86)  4  T 


350 


TINDALE  WARD^^JS,  D. 


moors :  bnt  in  1817-18,  an  extensive  tract  of  moorland  was  inclosed  and  divided.* 
The  whole  parish  is  divided  into  11  townships,  containing  253  houses  and  1406  inha- 
bitants. The  poor-rate,  in  1831,  amomited  to  £603,  89.  There  are  seven  schools  in 
this  parish,  maintained  by  quarter-pence,  including  one  at  Wittonstall,  ccnitaining 
about  50  children,  which  is  supported  in  a  similar  manner.  Elizabeth  Ratdifie,  in 
1668,  left  by  will  a  rent-charge  to  the  poor  of  this  parish.  Joseph  Teasdale,  of 
Broomley,  in  1693y  left  one  pound  annually  for  the  same  purpose*  Thomas  Brown, 
of  Newton  Hall,  in  1703,  Irft  £10;  William  Fenwick,  in  1718,  £4, 10*.;  and  Tris- 
tram Newton,  a  sum  of  money  for  the  use  of  the  poor ;  all  of  which  bequests  have 
been  irrecoverably  lost.  John  Fenwick,  in  1727,  presented  £10,  directing  the  inte- 
rest to  be  given  to  the  poor ;  and  Mrs.  Rawe^  in  1740,  willed  Hiem  an  annuity  of  5s. 


Bywull. — ^This  small  but  pleasant  village  lies  on  the  north  side  of  the  Tyne, 
tant  7'  miles  east  from  Hexham.    It  was  formerly  a  place  of  some  ooRseq%ience,f 


*  Mickley^  Apperiey^  Fairleymay,  and  Broomlej  commons,  extensive  tracts  of  waste  land  lying  en  the 
south  side  of  the  river  Tyne,  were  divided  and  inclosed,  in  pursuance  of  an  act  of  parliament  passed  in  the 
year  1812.  Thomas  BeU,  of  Newcastle,  and  William  Todd,  of  Stocksfield  Hall,  were  the  commissioners, 
who  made  their  award  June  I6,  1817-  Since  that  period,  tlie  greater  part  oi  these  lands,  which  comprize 
$979  acres,  has  been  firought  into  cultivation. 

t  The  Mlowing  inqnisition  was  ta;ken,  l^th  May,  1569,  ^  Edmmid  Hall  wid  William  Homberston,  her 
ma^ty%  commisnoners  :— 

"  By  well  and  Bolbeck  are  two  ancient  baronies,  and  are  situated  in  the  extreme  south  part  of  Nortlrambef- 
land,  between  the  rivers  of  Tyne  and  Derwent ;  and  albeit  they  be  joined  and  mixed  together,  yet  are  the 
t^itit*  and  tenants  severed  and  known  die  one  from  the  others.  And  to  the  barony  of  Bywell  beloi^eth  a 
forest  of  red  deer,  well  i^eplenished  with  game,  which  estendeth  also  into  the  barony  of  Bdibeck,  and  the  said 
two  baroniea  or  lordslnps  are  thus  sibuttaled.  That  is  to  say,  the  lordship  of  Hexlam  ob  the  west»  and  the 
lordships  of  Prudhpe  and  Chopwdl  on  t2ie  east,  the  river  of  Tyne  for  the  most  port  on  the  nordi,  and  the 
nver  of  Derwent  on  the  south,  and  containeth  in  compaas  tweDty«two  miks ;  that  is  to  iSay,  in  length  fion 
the  east  to  the  west  six  miles,  and  in  breadth  from  the  river  Tyne  to  the  river  of -Derwent  five  miles ;  within 
which  two  baronitt  are  many  gentlemen  and  ft^eholders,  who  hold  ibeir  lands  of  the  said  baronies  by  sevend 
services,  and  are  always  attendant  upon  the  lords  of  the  said  baronies  in  time  of  service,  when  they  shall  be 
thereto  commanded :  And  the  farms  and  tenements  in  the  said  baronies  are  well  planted  with  coppice  woods 
for  the  preservation  of  the  red  deer;  and  inl^e  wastes  are  divers  woods,  and  very  fair  coursing  vrith  grey- 
hounds ;  whereof  one  wood  is  called  Highley  wood,  growing  dispersed  one  mile  and  a  half  from  the  town  of 
By  well  towards  the  west,  planted  with  oaks,  and  part  tall  birches  of  SO  and  100  years'  growing,  containeth 
100  acres.  One  other  wood,  called  Bailiff  wood,  on  the  south  part  of  the  town  of  By  weQ,  and  well  set  widi 
birches  of  50  snd  60  years'  growth,  disposed  in  divers  parts,  containeth  80  acres.  And  one  other  wood, 
called  Through  Deane,  in  Eastwood,  which  was  a  large  wood,  containing  by  estimation  140  acres,  and  was 
all  old  birch  and  fallen  about  50  years  past,  and  never  inclosed,  by  reason  whereof  the  sprihg  was  utterly 
destroyed ;  yet  is  there  birch  sprung  up  again,  of  the  very  nature  of  the  soil,  in  great  plenty,  so  as  in  the 
process  of  time  there  will  be  a  Wood  of  birbh  again. 

"  The  town  of  By  well  is  builded  in  length  all  of  one  street  upon  the  river  or  water  of  Tjrne,  on  the  north 
and  west  part  of  the  same;  and  is  divided  into  two  several  parishes,  bod  'inhabttad iwitfi  handicniftsnlen, 
whose  tnde  is  all  in  iron- work  for  the'  horsemen  and  Bordterers  <lf  thitt  ^dontry ^  as  in  mdking  bitis,  atntvpi^ 
buckles,  and  such  oihers,  wlH^hi  tiiey  are  ^ery  expert  and  eiiimiiig,'atid  stfe-aohjeot  t»  the  inetnyoBa  ^the 


BYWELL  ST.  PETETt'S  PARISH.  351 

diougfa,  at  present  it  consists  of  only  about  20  houses,  induding  a  public  house  and 
the  vicarage.  Here  are  two  churches,  which  stand  near  to  eacn  other.  The  one  is 
dedicated  to  St.  Peter;  the  living  a  vicarage,  valued  in  the  king's  books  at  £9,  18*. 
l^d.  in  the  gift  of  the  dean  and  chapter  of  Durham :  the  other  is  dedicated  to  St. 
Andrew ;  the  living  a  discharged  vicarage,  valued  in  the  king's  books  at  £  3,  9s.  2d. 
in  the  gift  of  T.  W.  Beaumont,  Esq.*  There  is  a  tradition,  that  two  sisters,  quarrel- 
ling about  precedency,  one  of  them  founded  a  church  of  her  own,  from  whence  she 
excluded  her  sister;  which  was  the  occasion  of  two  churches  in  this  small  town. 
Both  are  served  at  present  by  one  clergyman,  who  does  duty  in  the  morning  at  one, 
and  in  the  evening  at  the  other.  The  mansion-house  stands  in  a  low,  but  delightful 
situation,  at  the  west  end  of  the  village.  It  is  a  genteel  structure,  of  white  freestone, 
after  a  design  in  Paine's  Architecture.  It  stands  in  a  fine  lawn,  and  is  adorned  by 
some  noble  forest  trees.  The  old  family  hall,  behind  the  modem  mansion,  formerly 
contained  several  curious  pictures  of  the  Fenwick  family,  now  probably  in  the  pos- 
sesion of  the  late  proprietor.  The  ruins  of  the  old  baronial  castle  are  at  a  small  dis- 
tance eastward,  opposite  to  which,  on  the  southern  nrmrgin  of  the  river,  are  the  ruins 
of  a  domestic  chapel.  Two  piers  of  an  ancient  bridge  are  still  standing ;  and,  as  there 
appears  no  spring  of  arches,  it  is  inferred  that  the  superstructure  was  of  wood.     No 


thieves  of  Tynedale,  and  cdmpelled  winter  and  summer  to  bring  all  their  cattle  and  sheep  into  the  street  in 
the  night-season,  and  watch  both  ends  of  the  street,  and  when  tlie  enemy  approacheth  to  raise  hue  and  cry, 
whereopon  all  the  town  prepareth  for  rescue  of  their  goods,  which  is  very  populous,  by  reason  of  their  trade, 
ani  stout  and  'hmtdy  by  eontiBual  praelioe  against  the  enemy. 

"  Tb  4ke  bttiMiy  of  Byweli  belongedi  Ihe  fishing  of  salmon  in  the  water  of  Tyne,  in  length  three  miles, 
ndiieh^s  a^great  comHiodity,  and  great  plenty  of  ealmon  taken,  and  a  dam  or  bay  over  the  river,  made  very 
afriiiig  ^late  yearn  for.  the  preBsrvaden  of  the  said  Ashiog. 

^*  Ako  in  BywdltowQ,  on  die  north  aide  of  the  rivtf  of  Tyne,  the  ancestors  of  the  Earl  of  Weatmoieland 
bniUed  a  fairtov«er;«r  g«tie«iHHise,  all  of  atone,  and  oovered  with  lead,  meaning  to  have  proceeded  farther,  as 
the  ^aumdadotm  dedarci,  being  the  height  of  a  man  above  the  gnnind,  which  were  never  finidied,  and  the 
seid  tower  is  a  gpod^fl^oo  ^or  the  town,  and  will  aoon  decay  if  it  be  not  maintained. 

«'  The  baamy  of  9ywell  extendeth  into  the  towns  and  hamlets  of  Byweli  St  Peter,  Byweli  St.  Andrew, 
Aoomb,  Nuton,  Ovington,  Mickley,  Bcomiey,  Newlands,  Ridley  nova,  Styford,  Shyryden,  and  £ysingliq>e; 
and  the  barony  of  Bolbeck  .extendeth  into  die  towns  and  hamlets  of  BromeJuiugh,  Ryding,  Heley,  Shodey/ 
Slaley,  Mynstreacers ;  all  which  towns  and  hamlets  are  inhabited  with  men  of  good  service,  and  have  very 
good  farms,  and  able  to  keep  much  catde,  and  get  plenty  of  corn  and  hay,  were  it  not  for  the  continual  rob<« 
beries  and  incursions  of  the  thieves  of  Tynedale,  which  so  continually  assaiilt  them  in  the  nigbt>  as  d^ey  can. 
keep  no  more  catde  than  they  are  able  to  lodge  either  in  house  or  like  safety  in  the  night ;  and  all  the  tenants 
hold  their  lands  by  indenture  for  term  of  years,  which  are  very  fineable  when  their  leases  are  expired. 

**  The  lord  of  the  said  baronies  hath  the  leet  within  all  the  limits  of  the  same,  and  all  waifes,  estrays,  felons* 
goods,  and  amerciaments,  and  all  other  royalties,  casualties,  and  profits,  rising  or  growing  by  reason  of  the 
leet' 


M 


*  The  Rev.  John  Button,  vicar  of  St  Andrew's  parish,  augmented  the  vicarage  by  die  donation  of  a  tene* 
metkt  in  By  welli  called  Three-quarier  Land,  which  he  had  pardiased  for  a  term  of  yeass.  His  Successor,  tbe 
Rev.  Andrew  Hsill,  in  1651  >  made  it  perpetual^  by  purchasing  it  entire  of  Sir  John  Fenwidk,  of  Wallington. 
In  i770.  Sir  W.  Biackett^;ftve  £S00.towaidi4Migmeiiting  the. 


352  TINDALE  WARD— E.  D.  '  '      ' 

road  can  be  traced  southward  from  this  bridge,  which  perhaps  was  erected  merely  to 
lead  to  the  chapel. 

The  appearance  and  situation  of  By  well  is  affirmed  to  be  the  most  interesting  of 
any  in  this  county.  Viewed  from  the  south  side  of  the  river  the  landscape  appears  very 
beautiful.  **  From  the  road  near  the  brink  of  the  river,  the  ruined  piers  of  a  brid^ 
become  the  front  objects;  behind  which,  in  a  regular  cascade,  the  whole/ river  faus 
over  a  wear,  extended  from  bank  to  bank,  in  height  about  ten  perpendicular  feet ;  a 
mill  on  the  right  hand,  a  salmon  lock  on  the  left ;  the  town  and  two  churches  stretch 
along  the  banks  of  the  upper  bason  of  the  river,  with  a  fine  curvature :  the  solemn 
ruins  of  the  ancient  castle  of  the  Baliols  lift  their  towers  above  the  trees  on  the  right, 
and  make  an  agreeable  contrast  with  the  adjoining  mansion-house :  the  whole  back- 
ground of  the  kndscape  appears  covered  with  wood." 

In  the  Life  of  Lora  Keeper  Guildford,  we  have  an  account  of  a  custom  held  here. 
As  this  country  was  perilous  to  travellers,  the  tenants  of  each  manor  were  bound  to 
giiard  the  judge  through  their  respective  precincts.  Lord  Chief  Justice  North  de- 
scribes his  attendants  with  long  beards,  short  doaks,^  long  basket-hilted  broad  swords 
hanging  from  broad  belts,  and  mounted  on  little  horses,  so  that  their  l^s  and  swords 
'  touched  the  groimd  at  every  turning.  The  sheriff  presented  his  train  with  arms,  viz. 
a  dagger,  knife,  penknife,  and  fork. 

ByweU,  says  the  Testa  de  Nevil,  is  a  barony  held  in  capite  of  the  kingt  by  Hugh 
de  Baliol,  bv  the  service  of  five  knights'  fees :  and  also  of  tnirtv  knights'  rees  tor  ward 
of  Newcastle,  as  his  ancestors  held  in  the  time  of  William  Rums,  i^o  invested  them 
therewith.  In  Richard  II.'s  reign  it  came  to  the  Nevils,  lords  of  Raby^  afterwards 
Earls  of  Westmoreland,  who  forfeited  it  in  1571 ;  after  which  it  was  purchased  by 
a  branch  of  the  Fenwicks,  of  Fenwick  Tower,  and  was  in  the  possession  of  William 
Fen  wick,  Esq.  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  12  queen  Anne,  1718,  who  left  issue 
two  daughters,  viz.  Mary,  who  married  Matthew  Wrightson,  Esq.  a  representative 
in  parliament  for  Newcastle,  1710  to  1722,  (and  by  which  marriage  the  Wrightson 
family  became  possessed  of  their  extensive  property  in  the  vicinity  erf  Bywelly;  and 
Mar^ret,  who  married  John  Fenwick,  Esq.  of  Stanton  and  Brinkbum,  and  by  which 
marriage  the  three  houses  of  Stanton,  Brinkbum,  and  By  well  became  united.  They 
had  issue  three  children:  William  (of  whom  hereafter);  John,  who  married  the 
daughter  of  Roger  Lascelles,  Esq.  of  London,  and  had  issue;  and  Margaret,  who 
married  William  Swinbum,  of  Longwitton.  William  Fenwick,  eldest  son  of  John, 
was  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  1752,  married  Mary,  daughter  of  John  Bacon,  Esq. 
of  Newton  Cap,  county  of  Durham,  ahd  had  issue  two  i^ons,  viz.  Johii,  who  joined 
with  his  father  in  breaking  the  intail  of  the  By  well  estate,  previous  to  his  leaving 
England ;  and  William,  who  succeeded  to  that  estate  on  the  death  of  his  father  in 
1782,  He  married,  February  18, 1792,  Frances,  second  daughter  of  Francis  Daniel, 
of  Gloucester,  and  died  without  issue,  November  26,  1802,  having  bequeathed  his 
By  well  and  other  properties  to  his  relict,  who  married,  secondly,  at  Doncaster,  March 
14,  1809,  the  Rev.  Septimus  Hodson,  the  rector  of  Thrapston,  in  Northamptonshire. 
This  gentleman  has  lately  sold  this  beautiful  estate  to  Thomas  Wentworth  Beaumont, 
Esq.^for  the  sum,  it  is  said,  of  £145,000.  The  present  spirited  proprietor  has  pro* 
jected  several  very  important  improvements.  If  the  neighbouring  gentry  would  build 
a  bridge  across  the  river  here,  he  would  pull  down  the  dani,^  though  his  fishery  h&re^ 


BYWELL  ST.  ;Pt/f  ER^  FAIIISH.  asa 

yvhidi  lets  for. £200^  would  thereby  be  idmost  ruined.  Howe^&r^by  removiiM  the 
projecting  fbck»  which  malfpes  so  much  backwater  in  the  river,  the-  maDsion-baaae 
would  be  secured  against  the  inundations  to  which  it  is  now  exposed.  If  a. bridge  be 
built  here,  it  is  in  contemplation  to  remove  part  of  the  village,  moM  of  which  beh>ngs 
to  Mr.  Beaumont,  to  the  south  side  of  the  river. 

In  the  year  17^0,  as  one  Robinson,  a  mason,  was  angling  in  the  river  Tyne  at  By* 
well,  after  a  flood,  he  topk.up  a  small  silver  cup,  as  it  was  rolling  oi>  the  waves,  fuU 
of  earthy  ^f  Roman  fahoiic,  with,  this  inscription  round  the  brim,  "  desidsri  vivas.** 
He  sold  it  to  9  Mn  t^pdan^s, ,  a  goldsmith  in  Newcastle,  for  15«.  of  whom  it  was 
soon  after  claimed  by  W  lUiaip  Fenwick,  Esq.  as  lord  of  the  manor.  It  was  probably 
wasned*  out  of,  the  banks  about  Corbridge^  where  other  Roman  vessels  of  silver  are 
said  to  hiive  Beeti  formerly  turned  out  by  the  floods.  "The  .Ronoans,"  says  Mr. 
A^aUi^,  t  •  .were  yeny  curious  in  t^eir  (^rinking^up&  Some  of  them  had  the  portraits 
of  th^fiiepm  in  enamel-painting  at  the  botton)^  which  they  used  in.  the  hours  of 
good,  fellowship  .to  drink  to  their  mosiories.  This  cun  seems  to  have  beoi  for  festi- 
vals and  birt^r^ys, :  when  it  was  customary — Genio  inmlgere.  Demderi  is  the  name 
of  the  l)ersbn  ^  w^oiji  it  is  inscribed." 

East  Acomb  is  i  township,  ooqsisting  of  .4wo  farmfl^  north  from  ByweQ,  the  pro^ 
pert^  of  %^  W..  |(feaumoqt,  Es^  -^e^pee^  a  pleasant  hamlet^  lies  a  little  distance 
westwai^d.;  Tr^i^  ^d  many  other  jpisurts  of  the  By  well  estate,  aK  covered  with  trees/ 
of  a  remark^bl^  fine  growth,  .and  which  impart  to  the  landscape  jx  rich  and  luxurious 

aspect'  '••'•..:'...■•;.'* 

■  » 

,  Kewton  is  situated  above  f  mile  north*wiest  from  Bywell,  and  belongs  to  the  beira 
dT  the  late,  Joseph  Bainbridge,  Esq.  an  eminent  attiMnpb^y.  inr  NewcMtie,  and  by  wfaocii 
this  estaitjeVa^  much  improved;  the  farm-.house8  and  oottages  beio^ rebuilt,  and  the 
roads^  put  intaan  ei^ceUent  state  of  repair. .  Adjcaqing^  t$is  toiitnship  on  the  nortfa  ia 
N£WT0N  Haix,;  an  elegant  modern  building,  the  property  imd  residence  of  John 
Cresswell  JopMng,  E^q.  .Contwuous  to  this  estate  is  aiiBUrm,  belonjmig  to  Greenwich 
HqspitaL  Stieili.ivg  is  a  amalT township  on  th^  south  side  (^. the  Hexham  turnpike 
roi^  and  consists  oif  ope  large  farm,  the  propert);  of  Ikliss  Ar^har,  xdece  of  the  late 
Captain  Hind.    The  other  parts  of  this  parish  are  situated  south  of  the  river  Tyne. 

Baoomly,  ^  hamlet,  stands  on  the  Hexham  road,  about  o^e  mile  south  by  west 
from  Bywell,  f n4  belong  to  the  propriety  of  the  B3nFdil  eatate.  Old  Ridky  lies  a 
short  distance  to  the  south-east,  and  consists  of  lands  bek)Bging  ta  T.  W.  Beaumont, 
Esq.  Robert  Surtees,  Esq.  WiUiam  Wallace,  Esq,  and  fi[atthew  Potis^  Esq.  A 
little  further  in  the  same  direction. stands  New  Sidhy,  a  small  villi^ge^  which  eonsists 
of  several  farms,  &c  belonging  to  William  Wrightson^  Esq. ;  T.  W^  Xeaumciit, 
Esq. ;  Robert  Surtees,  Esq. ;  tne  heirs  of  the  late  John  Surtees,  Esq.  of  the  Biggin ; 
Wflliam  Robson  and  John  Robson  ;  the  heirs  of  Willjam  Newton ;  and  to  George 
gtobbart  and  Richard  Stobbai^t. 

He  LEY  is  situated  above  3  miles  south-west  from  By  well,  and  waa  long,  the 
perty  of  the  Sandersons,  a  Roman  Catholic  family,  but  was  lately  puzahaaed  bgr 

VOL.  II.  4  U 


854 


TINDALK  WARD— E.  D. 


bert  Ormston,  Esq.  of  Newcastle,  who  has  made  considerable  improvemients  u^on  the 
estate,  by  building,  fencing,  draining,  and  ctdtiyating  common  land.    He  has  also 

Elanted  upwards  of  600  acres  with  trees,  which  thnve  amazingly.    The  mansion- 
ouse  is  a  very  ancient  building. 

Minster-Acrei  is  in  the  township  of  High  Fothekly,  which  is  the  property  of 
George  Silvertop,  Esq.  This  place  stands  on  the  borders  of  the  bleak  and  barren 
wastes  which  stretch  westward  along  the  southern  border  of  the  county.  The  man- 
sion-house is  delightfully  situated,  in  the  midst  of  an  extensive  park,  surrounded  by 
large  and  flourishing  plantations,  tastefully  disposed,  and  which  form  a  striking  con- 
trast with  the  heathy  hills  by  which  they  are  endosed«  Adioining  the  house  is  a 
neat  domestic  chapel.  The  Suvertops  are  a  highly  respectable  Roman  Catholic  family. 
Albert  Silvertop,  of  Stella,  bom  February,  1667,  married  Mary,  daughter  of  Joseph 
Dunn,  of  Bladon.  His  eldest  son,  George  Silvertop,  of  Minster- Acres,  bom  22d  Fe- 
bruary, 1706,  married  Bridget,  daughter  of  Henry  Whittingham,  of  Whittingham 
Hall,  county  of  Lancaster.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  only  son,  John  Silvertop,  who 
married,  in  1772,  Catherine,  second  daughter  of  Sir  Henry  Lawson,  of  Brouffh,  county 
of  York,  by  whom  he  had  issue,  1.  Greorge  Silvertop,  bom  January  6,  1774-5; 
8.  John,  died  young;  3.  Heniy,  bom  StSth  May,  1779»  married  Elizabeth,  daughter 
of  Thomas  Witham,  Esq;  niece  and  heiress  of  W.  Witham,  of  Cliffe  Ebor,  Esq.  on 
which  he  assumed  the  name  of  Witham,  and  has  a  numerous  offspring;  4.  Charles, 
bom  l6th  January,  1781,  colonel  in  the  Spanish  service;  5.  Mary,  died  young. 

Mr.  Silvertop  luus  an  excellent  library,  and  amuses  himself  wim  travelling  and  lite- 
rary pursuits.  He  visited  Napoleon  at  Elba ;  and,  in  the  course  of  conversation,  re- 
lated that  he  had  dined  a  few  weeks  before  with  the  Duke  de  Fleury»  with  whom 
he  had  a  conversation  relative  to  the  sum  of  money  to  be  allowed  the  exilef  annually  by 
France,  according  to  the  aj^'eement  that  had  been  signed  by  the  ministers  of  l!he  allied[ 
powers.  The  duke  laughed  at  him  for  supposing  for  a  moment  that  it  would  be 
complied  with,  and  said  they  were  not  such  fools.  '^  This,**  said  that  extraordinary 
man.  Napoleon,  **  was  one  t^ihe  reasons  which  induced  me  to  quit  Elba/**  What  im- 
portant results  proceeded  from  that  resolution !  Mr.  Silvertop  is  lord  of  the  manor 
of  ByweU  and  Bolbeck,  excepting  the  parts  belonging  to  William  Wrightson,  Esq. 

WiTTONSTALL,  a  Small  village  adjoining  the  Watling  road,  distant  3^  mUes  south 
by  east  from  ByweD,  is  the  property  of  Greenwich  Hospital.  It  consists  of  a  farm- 
h<dd,  a  public  house,  and  a  few  cottages  for  labourers.  It  has  a  small,  humble  chapel, 
belonging  to  the  vicar^e  of  By  well  St,  Peter,  and  wherein  divine  service  is  j>erformed 
once. a  month.  Sir  WT  Blaekett,  in  177S,  gave  £100  for  the  support  of  this  chapeL 
NewlaKds,  which  lies  between  this  place  and  the  Derwent,  is  also  the  property  of 
the  Royid  Hospital  at  Greenwich.f    Apperley^  which  lies  above  a  mile  north  from 


^  A  Voice  from  St  Helena,  by  B.  E.  Q'Meara,  Eaq.  vol.  i.  page  459. 

t  Ehchester  stands  on  the  edge  of  a  steep  declivity  on  the  south  side  of  the  Derwent,  a  short  distance 
south-east  from  Newlaads.  Some  traces  of  the  Roman  station  here  are  yet  apparent,  and  many  curious  re- 
lics of  antiquity  haVe  beeii  discovered. '  St  Ebba,  before  the  year  660,  is  said  to  have  built  a  monastry  here. 


pel 

Ml 


SLALEY  PARISH.  Stf5 

Wittonstall,  eotnprifies  an  extensive  estate,  at  present  occupied  as  one  fiurm,  bdonging 
to  Anthony  Surtees,  Esq.  of  Hamsterley. 

SLALEY  PAKISH. 

This  parish  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Corbridge  parish,  on  the  east  by  Bywell 
St  Peter's  and  St  Andrew's,  on  the  south  by  Shotley,  and  on  the  west  by  Hexham- 
shire.  It  extends  about  4  miles  from  east  to  west,  and  S  miles  from  north  to  soulli. 
Nearly  the  whole  pariflli  is  freehold,  and  the  estates  vary  in  value,  from  40«.  to  £850 
»er  annum.  The  principal  proprietors  are,  Colonel  Beaumont,  Mr.  John  Teasdale, 
Tr.  John  Brown,  Mr.  Tnomas  Teasdale,  and  Mr.  Sillick,  of  Newcastle.  The  annual 
value  of  the  whole  parish,  in  1815,  was  stated  at  £46S9 ;  and,  in  1881,  it  contained 
122  houses  and  582  inhabitants,  and  the  poor-rates  in  the  same  year  amounted  to 
£215,  Ss.  The  Rev.  W.  Harrison,  in  a  return  to  parliament,  says,  ^' A  school  was 
built  in  1780  by  subscription,  containing  50  children,  who  pay  Bs.  per  quarter;  and 
8  were  originally  instructed  free,  by  an  endowment  of  £4  per  annum:  but,  on  ac- 
count of  inclosing  some  commons,  the  successors  to  the  estate  reduced  the  number  to 
7»  and  the  sum  to  £3, 10«.  per  annum ;  and  as  there  are  no  trustees,  the  said  succes- 
sors claim  the  right  of  appomtiiig  the  scholars,  and  likewise  the  master.**  Matthew 
Carr,  in  1729,  left  a  rent-diarge  of  £5  to  the  poor,  and  £4  for  teaching  poor  diildren ; 
and  Ralph  Carr,  in  1769»  a  rent*charge  of  £3, 10«.  to  the  poor,  and  an  equal  sum  for 
the  support  of  a  sc}iooL  On  this  it  is  observed*  in  the  **  Supplementary  Returns''  t6 
the  Ilouse  of,  Commons  i^pecting  Charitable  Donations,  that,  **  John  Bainbridge, 
'  the  present  possessor  of  the  tetnemi^t,  h<^  it  so  swallowed  up  in  his  own  estate,  by  a 
good  understanding  between  him  and  the  commissioners  for  dividing  the  common  of 
the  manor  of  Bdibedc^  that  no  allotment  is  specified  for  this  tenement  in  th^ir  award. 
The  proprietors  ordered  the  odrnmissioners  t^  give  it  not  only  the  due  allotment,  but 
2  acreis  more,  to  fulfil  the  original  donation  of  £4  per  annum ;  but  he  will  not  asca^ 
tain  either  its  bounds  or  value.  He  owns  it  had  land-marks,  but  now  drfaeed:'*  Ma;* 
dam  Elizabeth  Ratcliffe  bequeathed  by  will,  in  1668,  £2  a  year,  to  be  distributed  to 
the  poor  on  St.  Lucie's  day,  or  thereabouts.  Thomas  Teasdale,  in  1721,  left  £l  to 
the  poor;  Easter  Allgood,  £l,  10^.;  and  Lancelot  Joplin,  in  1721,  1^.  annually,  to 
poor  widows.    A  bequest  to  the  poor,  by  Robert  Green,  has  been  lost 

Slaley. — ^This  village,  which  is  4  miles  south-east  from  Hexham,  is  very  irregu- 
lar and  ill-built,  consistwg  mostly  of  scattered  old  thatched  houses.  It  contains  many 
small  freeholds,  and  the  inhabitants  are  chiefly  employed  in  agriculture.  The  dergv- 
man  has  a  decent  house,  and  there  is  a  raised  narrow  causeway  that  runs  through  the 
village.  The  church  is  a  plain  building ;  and  the  livinjz,  which  is  in  the  gift  of  Co- 
lonel Beaumont,  is  a  curacy,  of  the  certified  v^lue  of  £15.  John  Shattoe,  derk, 
vicar  of  Warden,  by  his  last  will,  gave  an  augmentation  of  £l0  a  year  to  the  parish 

which  was  destroyed  by  the  unrelenting  Danes.  It  afterwards  became  the  seat  of  severity  and  religious  exer- 
cise; but  bishop  Pudsey  endowed  Sherbum  hospital  with  the  lands  of  the  hermitage.  In  13^,  David  II. 
«f  Scotland  entered  Durham  at  this  place^  probably  by  the  great  Roman  road,  which  might  then  be  in  good 
preservation.    The  church  here  is  a  very  plain  building,  and  the  village  consists  of  a  few  scattered  cottages, 


S86  TINDALE  WABD.— B.  D. 

i)f  l^fadby!,  for  )iiver^  to  beixud  ^at  -  Martinmas  and  Penteeosl;^  out  of  hi$  securities  on 
the  Chipchase  estate.    This  parish  contains  nothing  vary  reiparkable^ , 

SaOTLEY :  PARISH. 

;.  ThU  parodiial  bhapelry,  induAmg  Blanchland  aod;  Ne^biggiQ^  is  hounded  on;  the 
norfch  by  the  parishea  of  Bywdl  St.  Peter,  SiUky/  fiB4  H'^^bftm  i  qi>  the  we^t  ty  the 
lattfior- parish.;  and  is  divided  from  the  county  of  Durhwi  on  tJt(^  south  and  eastihy 
tile  iiTdr.  Derw^t.  Its  form  is  irregular^  ^  ihjt  3D(erwent .  ^oMilites  a  bold  eurvatuie 
nodiiward  firom  Blancblaad  to  Esper^ields,  and  .tlnm  (runs  :^bove  4  mUes  tq  the 
ftauth«east,;  when  it  again  changes  its  course  towards  the  north^&ast.  The  length  of 
this  parish  from  easit  to  west  is  above  10  miles,  but  itn  greatest  breadth  does  not 
niuefi  exceed  4  mikis.  The  vale  of  the  Derwent,  after  the  river  leaves  the  borders 
of  this  eeittity,.  is  justly  delehrated  for  its  fertility  a(Fid  i^oinantic  b^autjies  r  but 
even  ooi  the  skirts  of  this  parish,,  the  nortbeim  bankfr  of  tibe  river  are  often 
adorned  hy  fine  woodlands^  which  ii^tersactt .  4n.d  variegate  a  ribhly  cultivated 
country.  However,  much-  of  the  interior  and  higher  parts  of  the'  parish  preseott  a 
Ideakf'  ntreagre  aspect ;  and  thou^  lately  muoht  improved,  still  the  view  isinjonoto- 
uoui9|,-  and  gives  aa  idea  of  stieriEty  and  pcWerty^  ^Iil)]:76^j^  afta<^  Was  iH'oetti^for 
enoIosiJBg  the  extensive  common  of  B^b^^  M^fadd^  eont^oned.  IggOOO  acres.f    The 


■  !  •  ......  ,i  t  J 


*  **  TU^i  18  a  bridge  at<me  aarefa  over  the  Devi^  Water,  on  the  road  from  tiexhate  t«  Slalcy,  trhicfa  htta  fhe 
Ic^witig  inscription  on^a  ^totie  in  the  .middle  of  the  bttttleBient:«-^''€ioD  rassmTi^w.  b^— wmvomB 

IBBiWoTOK  BlJLXDSfX   TETIS  BaSOB  OF  XTUB   AND  sroilE.      AN.  BO. '  158i«''      K-k  Itoldly  COt  kk  t^lef  HI 

Rotfiilft  t:^|)9tida.  ' 

^^WxjMn^Uihk  parish,  ^wliicb  lies  rteftB-iireflC  ^^  Slal^,  and  Ibter  the  Diafcril  Water,  was  the  biidi^place 
affile  "hM  Jif,  Anthony  Coofc/  a  rety  able  tnatheauticiaak  He  tectrned  the!  .first  pwt  ai  his  edvcadoB  at 
Slal'<^,  uadAr  the  curate^  the  Rev,  R.  Close  |  an^  Was  afterwasds;  remo^ml  to  Hexliain  ipraiBinaf^echo(4»  nndar 
the  &ev/1!hoiiiaB  Scarry  whei«  he  maa  diefeiflgiiisbed  hi  ike  nathematical  chts  for  hia  industry  imd  avsteossa 
On  taaviag  schbd,  htf  applied  himself  to  the  hasinon  offiurming.  At  ntnetoeis  years  oflage  hq  married  ;  ]biit  tfas 
imbr^ailng  eftres  0tsL  risings  Ihmily  lifVer  damped  his  airdowr  in  mathematical  pttf8««ba^  and  he.  frequency  dis« 
played  li»  ac  (|«iir.ei]Sei)Ds  and  ingenofty  inthe  Ladies'  and  Gentlemep's  Khries.  Aboqt  three  years  ago,  whan 
his  friend,  Mr.  Edward  Riddle,,  the  master  of  the  Trinity  Ho^8e  school  at  Newcastle,  was  a{^pointed  to  the 
mastership  of  the  Royal  Naval  Asylum  at  Greenwich,  Mr.  Cook  was  very  properly  elected  his  successor.  On 
this  occasion,  he.  was  warmly  lecommended  by  the  late  Dr.  C.  Button,  Dr.  Olmthus  Giegory,  and  others 
eminent  in  matheo^atical  science^  and  all  of  whom  bore  testimony  to  the  extent  and  solidity  of  his  talentst 
From  diligent  observation  in  his  profession  at  the  Trinity  School,  he  added  experience  to  theory,  and  had 
begun  to  arrange  the  results  in  a  large  work  on  Navigation ;  but  its  progress  was  soon  arrested  by  his  la- 
mented death.  Few  were  better  qualified  to  execute  such  a  task  in  a  masterly  manner,  for  he  had  not  many 
superiors  in  mathem'atifal,  knowledge;  and,  considering  his  age,  he  perhaps  stood  unequalled^  in  Great  Bri* 
tain.  In  domestic  life,  he  wa^  sensible  and  affectionate ;  and  in  society,  ttiUfi,  ihodest,  and  unassumiilg.  He 
died  at  WooUey,  of  a  rapid  decline,  on  the  17th  day  of  July,  1824,  and  was  buried  at  Slaley.  He  has  left  a 
widow  and  five  young  children. 

*  Bolbeck  was  the  barony  of  Ji^n  de  Bolbeck  in  the  reign  of  king  lUjmy  III. ;  and  of  Hugh  de  Bolbeck^ 
I. lung  Edward  I.;  who  dying  without,  isaue  male,  it  came  to  his  four  daughters  and  coheirs;  viz.  Margery, 
married  to  Nicholas  Corbet,  «Qd  aflerwBi^  to  Ralph,  son  of  William  Lord  Cx^slock;  Alice,  tp  Walter  de 


SHOTLEY  PABISH;  MT 

parish  eontains  both  coal  and  lead ;  and  its  annual  vdltte»  in  I815»  was  returned  at 
£6804.  In  1821,  it  contuned  199  houses  and  1080  inhabitants.  The  poor-rates  that 
year  aaiounted  to  £400^  18^.  of  whidi  Shotley  East  Quarter  paid  £S91,  6$.  Blanch- 
land  £90»  l^  and  Newbimin  £l9,  11«.  There  is  a  school  ett  Oi^eenhead,  for  the  in- 
structian  of  17  children,  the  master  of  which  recdves  £l4,  4^.  per  annum,  and  he 
takes  other  scholmis,  who  pay  a  Quarterage.  There  is  also  a  day-school  at  Sbotleyi 
containing;  about  40  schohurs,  ana  a  Sunday-school,  attended  by  ^K>ttt  60  children. 
The  trustees  a£  ImA  Crewe's  charity  giye  tne  maater  of  Blancbland  school  £8&  per 
annum,  a  house,  and  two  acres  of  laim^  for  teaching  20  schokm ;  and  he  also  t6ike»  fl5 
extra  sdiolars. 

Shotjley  stands  2  miles  south-west  from  WittcMistall,  and  10  miles  south-east 
from  Hexham*  The  ehapeU  which  is  a  mean  edifice,  stands  upon  the  Summit  of  a 
lofty  eminence,  and  on  a  dear  day  can  be  distinctly  perceiyed  from  the  neighbour* 
hood  of  Newcastle,  a  distance  of  14  miles  in  a  direct  hne.  It  is  dedicated  to  St  An- 
drew,  and  belongs  to  tiie  yicarage  of  By  well  St.  Andrew.  The  liyin^  which  is  of 
the  certified  yalue  of  £  1, 15^.  is  in  the  gift  of  the  trustees  of  Lord  Crewe.  Adjoin* 
in^  the  danmrch  are  two  small  cottages. 

Untktmk  is  a  small  yillage,  the  property  of  6.  Silyertop,  Esq.  at  a  short  distance 
south  from  ^le  church ;  and  near  whidi»  at  a  jdace  called  Gre^  Mare  Hill,  a  colliery 
ios  been  latdy  qxHied  by  a  spirited  gentleman,  and  which  momlses  to  be  of  nesX 
use  to  the  parish,  as  the  old  pit  east  of  Shotley  is  nearly  wwked  out  Shatletf  Mall 
stands  at  toe  eonfluenee  of  Shotley  Bum  and  the  Derwent,*  and  about  S  miles  south- 
east fiom  the*  chmreh.  It  was  formerly  occupied  W  Dr.  Andrews,  from  whom  it 
passed  by  marria^  into  the  possession  of  the  Key.  W  illiam  Nesfield,  who  sold  it  to 
the  present  proprietor,  Mr.  Walker.    This  mansion  has  been  latdy  altered  and  re* 


II«iterebinb>  Baran  of  Wbokr;  Philippa,  to  Rqger  drliaics8t«tf|  vA  Maud*  to  Hngb,  Baioa  of  DelavaL 
Alice  and  Maud  having  no  issue,  the  whole  barony  was  divided  between  Nicholas  Corbet  and  Roger  de  Lan* 
caster;  Wefindamcdiety  of  it  iik  thtfpoasessionof  Rdbert  deHark,  of  Kirk  Hcrle,  heir  of  Eogv  de  Laiw 
caster,  S4  king  Edward  III. ;  in  which  he  was  soocteded  by  Sir  Ralph  de  Hastings,  his  nephew,  by  his 
sister  Margaret ;  the  other  medieiy  betotiging  to  Wffliam  Lord  Greystock.  The  barony  was  in  the  crown» 
!2  queen  Elisabeth,  when  aeiiryey  of  it  was  taken.  It  came  afterwards  into  the  po^iessionc^ihe  Baken;*  of 
Elleniore  Hall,' in  the  ooanty  of  Durham,  and  now  belongs  .to  George  Silverti^,  Esq. 

*  ShaUof^  Bridge,  is  m  pleasant  smsU  village,  hanging  on  the  southern  banks  of  the  river,  and  contains  a 
MMiodist  and  Ranterri*  meeting4iQuse,  two  publio  houses,  and  a  few  cottages  fpr  mechanics  and  others. 
Hiare  are  several  small'  [dofo  of  bad  hdd  under  the  dean  and  chapter  of  Durham.  The  bridge  has  been 
h^y  levelied,  widened,  and  strengthened:  ,?  The  banks  of  the  river  from  this  place  down  to  Ebdiester  are 
highly  beaotilbL  At  BmifiMmde  waa  one  of  the  first  Quaker  meeting*houses  in  England,  and  where,  ao 
COTding  to  Tomer,  in  bis  work  onriVDvidenoe,  Satan  appeared  in  great  wrath  to  snajtch  the  key  that  was  to 
nupris^  him  for  ever.  One  of  the;  Society  of  Friends  bequeathed  an  endowment  to  the  school  at  Shotley, 
The  eatenrive  papoMniUs  of  Mt.  John  Annsndale,  of  N)swoast]^t  are  a  litda  higher  up  the  river,  where  was 
one  of  the  first  eteeUibtges  in  the  north,  establahed  l^  the  01ey/i,.a  German  &mily.  About  a  mile  further 
nptheriveris  JAsM^frd^  wherethe  seenery  iadeKghtfrily  wild  pia^  yomantic.  The  Uttle  inn  near  the  brid^pe 
is  most  pleasantly  surrounded  by  wood,  and  the  mill  occupies  a  fine  rural  situation<. 

TOL.  II.  4  X 


85g  TmDALK  WARD—E.  D. 

paired,  the  estate  enclosed  with  woods,  and  every  part  improved  with  much  tastd  and 
spirit. 

Blaclc  Hedley  stands  2  miles  south  from  Shotley  church,  and  is  a  good  old  hall, 
surrounded  by  a  well-cultivated  tract  of  land.  It  was  formerly  in  the  possession  of 
the  Hopper  feimUy,  and  descended  from  the  late  George  Hopper,  Esq.  to  the  pnent 
proprietor,  Nicholas  Burnet,  Esq.  The  small  but  pleasant  village  of  Greenhead  is 
situated  at  a  short  distance  to  the  south,  and  adjoining  the  road  leading  ironi  Wol- 
singfaam  to  Hexham.  Here  is  a  small  inn,  and  a  few  cottages  mhabited  by  >mediia» 
hies.    The  Crooked  Oak  lies  at  the  southern  ^^^^^V^^J^^  where  tibe 

coimtry  is  pleasant  and  fertile.  It  is  the  property  of  (j^ii^ionoSlrRiq.  Birkensidej 
one  mUe  west  of  Black  Hedley,  consists  of  three  farm-houses,  a  public  house,  and  a 
few  cottages.  Further  west,  cm  the  north  bank  of  the  Derwent,  is  jEspershield*,  a 
farm  belonging  to  Matthias  Dunn,  Esq.  At  a  short  distance  nc»*th  is  the  pTall  Home, 
where  tlie  Derwent  Lead  Mining  Company  ha»  a  colliery. 

BlanchlaNB,  Or  Atba  Landa,  is  distant  6  miles  south-west  from  Shotley,  7  miles 
east  from  AUenheads,  and  about  9  miles  south  from  Hexham.*  This  village  is  seated 
in  a  narrow  deep  green  vale,  on  the  north  side  of  the  Derwent,  and  is  endosed  by 
heathy  hills  ana  morasses.  Most  of  the  inhabitants  are  employed  in  the  adjoining 
lead-works.  Here  is  an  abbey ^  which  was  founded  in  1175  by:  Walter  de  Bcdbeck^  to 
the  honour  of  the  Biessed  Virgin,  for  twelve  Praemonstratensian  canons,  with  liberty 
to  exceed  that  number,  with  the  consent  of  the  bishop  of  Durham.  He  gave  it  the 
lordship,  and  demesnes,  and  advowson  of  the  church  of  Blanchkmd,  the  appropriations 
and  advowsons  of  the  churches  of  Herelaw  and  Bywdl,  of  Styford,  oi  Shotley,  of 
Apperley,  and  of  the  chnrch  of  Heddon-on-the-Wall,  dedicated  to  St  Andrew ;  the 
tithes  of  the  village  of  Wulwardhope,  and  ten  fishes  for  their  table  out  of  his  fisheiy 
of  Styford,  in^  lieu  of  tithe-fishes.  The  Nevills  were  also  benefactors  to  this  house ; 
and  king  John,  in  the  l6th  year  of  his  reign,  confirmed  all  the  benefactions  then  set- 
tled on  it.     Afterwards^  John  de  Torrington  was  a  further  benefactor ;  but  the 

*  The  iMorishes  6f  HunHanftorthy  Edmondb^er^,  and  Muggiesmck,  stretch  along  the  banks  of  the  Derwent, 
and  form  the  aouthem  limits  of  SlioUey  ^rish.  The  country  is  bare  and  unprockictive,  and,  were  it  not  for 
the  mines,  would  become  desolate.  Near  Hunslanwatth  chapel,  on  the  ionth  aide  of  the  Derwent,  and  above 
a  mile  f¥om  Blanchtand,  is  a  curious  arched  vault,  45  feet  long  and  25  feet  wide,  which  has  probably  been 
used  in  securing  goods  and  cattle  during  the  incursions  of  the  Socxta.  Ann^  daughter  of  James  Colling, 
was  buried  here,  according  to  the  parish  register,  November  4,  1709*  She  was  IS  years  of  age,  and  never 
the  wed  bread ;  of  stature  not  above  a  three  years  old  child,  the  thickest  parts  of  her  arms  and  legs  not  ex- 
ceeding  the  thickness  of  a  man's  thumb.  Ruffside,  one  mile  north-east  from  Blanchland,  is  a  pleasant  spot; 
where  Frederick  Hall,  Esq.  buHt  a  handsome  house,  which  is  now  occupied  by  Mr.  John  Dolphin,  the  active 
and  skilful  conductor  of  thfe  Derwent  mined,  ^mundhtfen^  a  little  distance  south  from  Espershields,  is  a 
straggling  village,  scattered  round  the  skiits  df  a  grteh.  Tfae  chnrch  is  a  hbinble  edifice,  but  the  rectory  is 
a  handsome liouse.  Mti^g/esiptV^  chapel,  ft  mean  ediilod;  stands  wost  o^' the  Cvooked  Oak.  lathe  church- 
yard lies  interred  Edward  Ward,  a  itaighty  hunter  of  gigftntic  statlire.  Traditknt  says  that  a  favourite  hound 
littered  in  his  wooden  shoe.  Hugh^  prfer'of  Durham,  to  whoee  convent  this  chapel  belonged,  in  the  ISA 
century  enclosed  a  park  here,  about  ^  miles  long  and  2  wide^  It  is  now  divided  into  farms,  but  part  of  th^ 
perk-wbll  remains.  King  Charles  I.  granted  to  George  Doke^of  BudBingham^  for  SI  years,  all  the  mines 
within  10  miles  of  Muggleswicfr. 


SHOTLEY  PAHISH/  3S» 

bounty  of  Paganus  de  Cadurcis,  i.  e.  Pain  de  Cliaworii),  the  son  and  heir  of  Hawkia 
de  London,  by  Patiick  Chaworth  her  hnslMtnd,  to  this  house,  was  most  remarkable ; 
for  he  gave  to  the  monks  of  this  house  nineteen  acres  of  arable  land  on  these  condi« 
tions,  wiat  every  day,  each  priest  in  the  abbey,  in  cdebrating  the  mass^  should  pray  • 
for  the  souls  of  ^ir  Thomas  de  LfOndres,  her  father,  Patridc  Chaworth,  her  husband, 
liawisia;  his  mother,  and  divers  others,  who  were  dead,  and  for  the  g6od  estate  of 
him  the  said  Paganus  or  Pain,  Patrick,  and  Harvey,  his  brothers,  and  Eve  and 
Anne,  his  sisters,  while  they  lived.  The  deed  of  gift,  by  which  these  lands  w«*  set* 
tied,  bears  date  anno  1870.  The  abbot  was  summmied  to  narliament  m  king  Ed- 
ward I.  Its  annual  revenues  were  then  valued  at  £  40,  0«.  9a.  aocording  to  Ihigdale ; 
but,  according  to  Speed,  at  £44,  9*.  Id.  It  was  granted  to  John  BaUow  and  Johav 
Broxholm,  37  king  Henry  VIII.  It  came  afterwards  into  the  possession  of  Sir  John 
Porster,  knight-baneret,*  and  of  Sir  Claudius  Fbrster,  ereatcKl  9  baronet  16  king 
James  I.  March  7,  I6I9.  It  was  forfeited  to  the  crown  by  the  attainder  of  Thomas 
Forster,  junior,  Esq.  in  1715;  and  purchased  by  the  Right  Hbn.  and  Rev. 'Lord. 
Crewe,  bishc^  of  Durham,  his  unde,  who  left  it  to  eharitaUe  uses. 

Th^west  end  and  tower  of  the  church  remfdn;  the  latter  was  neatly  fitted  up  for 
parochial  duty  by  the  trustees  of  bishop  Crewe's  charity,  in  1762;  who  also  provided- 
a  comfortable  house  for  the  curate.  Tnere  are  some  old  grave-atones  in  the  church^.. 
The  gateway  of  the  quadrangle  of  the  abbey,  and  of  the  aobey  itsdf,  are  still  remain^ 
ing:  the  towers  on  each  hand  are  converted  into  ale*hauses.  .But  there  remaina.nd 
reuc  of  the  impressive  church  pomp  of  former  times.  **  Other  rdigiousvedificei,"  it 
has  been  remarked,  *'  are  built  in  warm,  sheltered  situations.  Poverty,  (for  ages  Hast 
reigned  here.     This  is  indeed  the  realm  of  mortification." 

The  Derwent  Lead-mine^  were  wrought  so  fearly  as  1462,  in  the  feign  of  Kdwai-d- 
IV.  and  are  said  at  that  time  to  have  been  very  productive  of  ore.  The  Commission-' 
ers  appointed  for  disposing  of  the  forfeited  estates,  about  the  year  1730,  sold  that  part 
of  the  mines  which  belonged  to  Mr.  Forster  to  a  gentleman  of  the  natne  of  Stoddart>' 
of  South  Shields,  and  from  whose  successors  they  were  purchased  some  time  between 
1780  and  1740,  by  the  ancestors  of  the  present  proprietor,  John  Skottowe^  Esq^  of 
Chesham,  in  Bucks.  These  mines  had  oeen  granted  on  leases  (renewable  at  the  end 
ef  every  21  years)  to  the  Incorporated  Lead  Company  for  upwards  of  100  years^  past 
to  the  year  1807,  when,  having  much  neglected  them,  and  suffered  the  engines  and 
gins  to  go  to  ruin,  and  the  shafts  and  pits  to  fall  in  and  fill  up,  Mr.  Skottowe  not 
only  refused  to  grant  them  a  new  lease,  but  commenced  an  action  against  them  for 
the  injury  they  had  done  his  property,  by  permitting  their  agents  and  workmen  to 
fill  up  the  shafts,  and  to  break  and  destroy  the  machinery,  and  recovered  damages  to 
a  considerable  amount  They  were  then  taken  bv  Messrs.  Easterby,  Hall,  and  Co. 
^  Newcastle;  the  lessees  agreeing  to  pay  to  the  lessors  one-seventh  part  of  the  pro- 
duce  as  rent.  These  gentlemen  prosecuted  the  draining  and  working  of  the  mines 
with  uncommon  spirit.  Powerful  steam-engines  were  erected,  and  improved  ma- 
chines set  up  for  the  crushing  and  washing  of  the  ores,  under  the  able  direction  of 
Frederick  Hall,  Esq.    These  mines  had  never  been  wrought  deeper  than  the  littiLe 

*  The  Forster  family  had  a  law-soit  concerning  some  treasure  troTe  fimnd  hcrcy  tritli  Lady  Malory,  the 
relict  of  di6  Ibrioer  proprietor. 


d«0  TINDALE  WARD.-JE.  D. 

ImiMtone ;  but  it  wbs  now  determinei  to  work  down  to  the  great  Uraettone,  IS  fy^ 
thooi  and  upwards  in  thidmess^  and  which  having  proved  in  all  the  adjoining  minei 
the  most  productive  in  kad  ore,  a  ridi  return  was  naUirally  expected ;  but,  <maceoiint 
of  the  deelivity  of  the  strata,  the  great  limestone  lies  buried  here  at  a  great  depth. 
TUs  bold  enteroriae  was  tlierefore  attended  with  such  enormous  expenoe^  that  the 
lessees  were  induced,  in  1810,  to  resign  die  mines  into  the  hands  of  their  principal 
creditors,  by  whom,  under  the  designation  of  the  Derwent  Minmg  Omipany^  theyi 
have  be^  worked  very  successfuUv. 

The  X)erwent  mines  are  divided  into  five  parts: — 1.  ShiUhm  mine,  one  mile  north 
of  BlancUand,  whidi  is  held  of  John  Skottowe,  Esq.  and  consists  of  four  principal 
veins,  besides  a  few  others  of  iitferior  note.  On  Old  Shildon  vein  a  steam-'Ongine  of 
groit  pew w  was  erected,  the  i^linder  being  64  inches  in  diameter,  and  the  main  beam 
wei^mg  iqpwards  of  nine  tons.  It  is  now  employed  at  Backworth  colliary^  A  small 
steam<^ngine,  whidi  stood  upon  New  Shildon  vein,  was  burnt  down  in  1810.  This, 
mine  is  now  wrou^t  with  much  skill  and  economy.  2.  BekUm  mine  lies  to  the 
westward  of  the  former,  and  is  the  property  of  George  Silvertop,  Esq.  It  consists  of 
BeldcM  Shields,  and  Fellgroove  vein,  with  a  variety  of  odier  veins  that  intersect  each 
other  in  Bddon  Bum.  S.  J^retfs  mine,  which  lies-  8^  miles  south-west  from 
Blanehland,  is  also  die  property  of  John  Skottowe,  Esq.  It  is  wrought  down  to  the 
neat  limestone^  and  is  drauied  by  a  steam-engine  and  a  water-wheel  empne.  4. 
namAam  mine,  whidi  is  only  separated  from  JeSrey's  by  a  rivulet  called  BoRs  Burn» 
on  urindi  the  steam-enffine  8tan<k  wUcJi  drains  both  this  and  the  preceding  mine.  It 
bdongs  to  die  heir  of  the  late  J<^n  Ord,  Esq.  5.  WMtehempt  mine,  furdier  west,  la 
pardy  the  property  of  Mr.  Skottowe,  and  pardy  of  G.  Capper,  Esq.  It  conskts  of 
a  nuitiber  of  mtersecting  vrin^  whidi  were  formerly  worted  to  great  advantage. 
The  three  last  mines  are  in  the  county  of  Durham.  There  are,  at  various  pwts  of 
these  mines,  madiines  for  crushing  and  separating  the  ore  from  the  rider.  The  busi 
hess  iA  smdting  and  refining  is  ccmducted  at  Jeflmsy's 


N£WBiGOiN  lies  on  the  north  nde  of  the  Derwent^  above  a  mile  west  from  Blanch* 
hnd.  '  Here  is  a  good  mansion-house,  the  j^perty  of  Robert  Capper,  Esq.  who  has 
also  valuable  possessions  in  the  adjoining  parisn  of  Hunstanwwth,  fomierly  the  pro^ 

Kty  of  Baron  Ord,  temporal  chanceltor  of  the  county  palatine  of  Durham.  This 
rd  Chief  Baron,  Robert  Ord,  was  son  of  John  Ord,  an  attomey^t4aw  in  Newca»* 
de,  so  well  known  as  the  founder  of  St  John's  charity-school,  and  the  liberal  benefoo^ 
tor  of  the  difierent  charities  in  the  north  of  England.  This  John  Ord  was  twice 
married.  Jc^n,  his  eldest  son  by  the  first  wife,  mherited  the  Fenham  estate,  was 
sheriff,  alderman,  and  mayor  ot  Newcasde,  and  a  representative  in  parliament  for  the 
borough  of  St  Michael's  for  several  years.  Robert,  the  eldest  son  by  the  second  wif^ 
was  also  a  representative  in  parliament  for  St.  Michael's  from  1730  to  1740,  and  for 
Morpeth  from  1741  to  1755,  when  he  was  made  Lord  Chief  Baron  of  the  Exchequer 
in  Scodand  (November,  1755).  He  married  Mary,  eldest  daughter  of  Sir  John  l>ar* 
nell,.  kni^t^  and  had  issue  one  son  and  four  daughters.  Of  the.  laitter,  the  eldest 
married  Kichard  Capper,  Esq.  barrister-at-law,  and  had  issue ;  the  second,  John 
Mackenzie^  Esq.  of  Dolphintown ;  the  third  died  unmarried,  1806 ;  and  the  fourth 
married  A.  Macdonald,  M.  D.  of  Taunton.    The  Lord  Chi^  Baron  died  February 


OVINGHAM  PARISH,  S61 

13»  1778,  much  esteemed  dnd  r^etted,  His  only  son,  John  Ch^,  <^  Bingfield,  &;c. 
was  a  representative  in  parliament  for  Midhurst  from  1774  to  1780,  for  Hastings  from 
1780  to  1784,  and  for  Wendover  from  1784  to  1790.  He  was  made  attomey-at-law 
of  the  duchy  of  Lancaster,  December,  1777,  and  a  master  in  chancery,  March,  1778. 
He  married,  October  30,  1762,  Eleanor,  daughteir  of  John  Simpson,  Esq.  of  Bradley, 
(aunt  to  the  present  Lady  Ravensworth,  &c.)  and  died  without  issue  June  6,  1814, 
at  the  great  age  of  85,  and  was  buried  in  Fulham  church-yard.  The  greater  part  of 
his  landed  property  he  bequeathed  to  his  nephew,  Robert  CappCT, .  Esq.  barrister-at- 
law,  the  only  son  of  Richard  Capper  before  mentioned. 

OVINGHAM  PARISH. 

This  parish,  which  is  intersected  by  the  river  Tyne^  is  bounded  on  the  north  by 
Stamfordham,  on  the  west  by  Bywell  St.  Andrew  and  St.  Peter's,  on  the  south  by 
the  latter  parish,  and  on  the  east  by  Heddon-on-the-Wall  and  the  county  of  DurhaxD, 
from  whicn  it  is  divided  partly  by  Stanley  Bum,  and  partly  by  boundary  marks.  Its 
length  from  north  to  south  is  about  7  miles,  and  its  greatest  breadth  5  miles.  The 
surface  is  beautifully  diversified  by  gentle  risings,  mingled  with  woodlands^  The 
soil  is  fertile,  and  the  invaluable  mineral,  coal,  abundant.  In  1815,  the  annual  value 
of  property  in  the  parish  was  £  19,475;  and,  in  1821,  it  contained  569  houses  and 
2740  inhabitants.  It  is  divided  into  17  townships,  which,  in  1821,  paid  in  poor-rate 
£1254.  A  school  was  erected  at  Ovingham  by  subscription,  to  which  the  Duke  of 
Northumberland  and  C.  W.  Bigge,  Esq.  liberally  contributed,  and  which  is  well  at- 
tended. There  is  also  a  well-conducted  school  at  Wylam,  one  at  Ovington,  one  at 
Hedley,  and  another  at  Mickley.  The  minister  observes,  that  he  has  **  frequently 
attempted  to  establish  a  Sunday-school ;  but  the  extent  of  the  parish,  and  bad  roads, 
have  always  interrupted  its  durability."  There  is  a  day-school  at  Horsleyj  and  a 
Sunday-school  conducted  by  the  Dissenters.  The  Methodists  have  a  Sunday-schoc^ 
at  Prudhoe. 

To  the  poor  of  this  parish,  Edward  Fletcher,  of  Ovington,  \ff  will,  in  1699>  gave 
£2  per  annum;  one  half  to  be  distributed  1st  March,  his  birth-day;  the  other  half, 
13th  June,  the  day  of  his  death.  John  Blackett,  of  Wykm,  Esq.  by  will,  in  1707, 
gave  £6  per  annum,  to  be  paid  out  of  his  lands  in  West  Denton,  to  be  distributed  to 
the  poor  by  the  minister  and  church-wardens  on  AU-saints'  day ;  and  Anthony  Sur- 
tees,  in  1725,  bequeathed  £2,  10*.  annually  for  the  same  purpose. 

Ovingham  is  distant  about  11  miles  west  from  Newcastle.  .  It  is  most  delightfully 
seated  on  the  summit  of  a  steep,  at  the  foot  of  which  glides  the  river  Tyne.  The 
village  is  tolerably  well  built,  and  contains  three  farmholds,  two  inns,  and  a  brewery 
belonging  to  Mr.  W.  Catcheside,  besides  a  number  of  cottages  inhabited  by  mechanics 
and  labourers,  many  of  whom  live  very  comfortably,  being  tenants  of  his  grace  the 
Duke  of  Northumberland,  and  each  having  a  portion  of  land,  which  is  chiefly  used  in 
Rowing  vegetables.  These  plots  of  ground,  which  appear  to  be  remavkably  well  cul- 
tivated, stretch  eastward  alon^  the  banks  of  the  river,  and  give  an  air  of  comfort  and 
richness  to  the  place.  There  is  a  boarding-school  kept  here  by  the  Rev.  James  Bir- 
kett.    The  church,  which  is  dedicated  to  St.  Mary,  is  built  in  the  cathedral  form»  and 

VOL.  1I4  4  Y 


36»  TINDALE  WAKD.~E.  D. 

is  lofty  and  solemn  in  the  interior.  In  the  tower  are  three  bells,  and  adjoining^  a  veiy 
neat  cnancel,  &c.  The  living  is  a  vicarage,  valued  in  the  king^s  books  at  £5,  8^.  4df. 
Opposite  to  the  church  stood  a  cell  for  three  black'  canons,  subordinate  to  the  prioiy 
of  Hexham.  It  was  founded  by  one  of  the  Umfranvilles  of  Prudhoe,  who  gave  it 
the  appropriation  and  advowson  of  Ovingham.  At  the  dissolution,  26  king  Henry 
VIII.  its  annual  revenues  were  valued  at  £11,  2^.  Sd.  per  annum,  and,  according  to 
Speed,  at  £13,  14^.  9d.  The  estate  of  this  house,  with  its  appropriated  tithes,  and 
the  advowson  of  Ovingham,  with  a  fine  glebe,  came  into  the  possession  of  the  Addi-i 
sons,  and  was  their  seat  for  a  long  time.*  These  possessions  were  afterwards  sold  to 
Charles  Clarke,  Esq.  from  whom  they  went,  by  marriage  of  his  daughter  and  heiress, 
to  WiUiam  Bigge,  Esq.  of  Benton,  and  are  now  in  the  possession  of  C.  W.  Bigge, 
Esq.  of  Lindon.  His  srace  the  Duke  of  Northumberland  is  lord  of  the  manor,  and 
holds  his  baronial  court  nere  once  a  year. 

Ovingham  andently  had  a  royal  charter  for  a  market,  and  was  governed  by  a  bailiff. 
Still  there  are  two  annual  fairs  here ;.  one  held  the  96^  of  Octol^r,  and  the  other  the 
26th  of  April.  There  was  also  a  monthly  tryst  here  for  the  sale  of  sheep  and  cattle, 
which  was  discontinued  in  1828.  The  Tyneside  Agricultural  Society,  which  was 
carried  on  with  great  eclat  for  some  years,  has  likewise  been  discontinued.  Even  the 
book-club  here  umguishes,  and  has  disappointed  the  expectations  once  formed  of  its 
success  and  utility .f  Edward  Swinbum,  Esq.^  occupies  a  very  pleasant  residence  in 
this  village. 

Peudhoe  Castle,  which  derives  its  name  from  standing  on  a  proud  eminence,  is 
situated  on  the  south  side  of  the  Tyne,  a  short  distance  south-east  from  Ovingham. 
This  celebrated  strong-hold  is  built  on  the  summit  of  a  steep  promontory,  which 
communicates  with  t£e  adjoining  grounds  by  a  narrow  neck  and  pass  towards  the 
south ;  the  ground  on  which  the  fortress  stands  forming  seven  parts  of  a  cirde,  on  an 
octagonal  section.  It  is  guarded  by  an  outward  wall  towards  tne  Tyne,  built  on  the 
brink  of  the  cliffs,  in  this  part  not  less  than  60  perpendicular  feet  in  height,  above  the 
plain  which  intervenes  between  the  castle  and  the  river ;  this  wall  at  intervals  is  de- 

*  Francis  Addison,  Esq.  of  Ovingham,  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  l672.  An  old  tomb,  with 
the  Addison  arms,  is  in  the  church.    John  Adyson,  of  Ovingham,  was  a  grand  juror  162S-9. 

t  The  want  of  a  bridge  across  the  Tyne  at  Ovingham  has  been  long  and  severely  felt  by  the  parishioners. 
During  storms  and  floods,  those  living  on  the  south  side  of  the  river  can  neither  attend  the  church,  nor,  as  it 
sometimes  happens,  briiig  their  dead  to  be  buried.  As  the  lime  here  lies  on  the  north  side  of  the  Tyne,  and 
the  coals  on  the  opposite  side,  the  inconvenience  arising  fVom  the  want  of  a  safe  and  easy  communication  is 
daily  experienced.  When  it  was  proposed  to  erect  a  monument  in  honour  of  the  late  Duke  of  Northumber- 
.  land,  the  building  of  a  bridge  here  was  suggested  as  the  noblest  and  most  useful  monumental  edifice  that 
could  be  devised ;  and  it  is  much  to  be  regretted  that  any  circumstance  should  have  prevented  the  adoption 
of  this  idea. 

X  This  gentleman  has  made  a  pedestrian  tour  through  most  parts  of  the  British  Isles,  as  well  as  several 
countries  upon  the  Continent,  observing  the  human  character  under  different  circumstances,  examining  the 
most  interesting  remains  of  antiquity^  and  nudung  drawings  of  whatever  appeared  most  curious  in  nature  or 
in  art 


>  'J 


OVINGHAM  PARISH.  868 

fended  by  square  bastions.  The  entrance  to,  the  castle  is  from  the  south :  on  ap- 
proaching, the  whole  structure,  when  viewed  from  the  heights,  makes  a  very  noble 
and  formidable  appearance.  The  narrow  neck  of  land  leamng  to  the  entrance  was 
formerly  cut  through  by  a  deep  ditch,  over  which  a  draw-bridge  has  given  access  to 
the  outward  gate :  the  water  which  anciently  supplied  the  ditch  is  now  collected  by 
a  reservoir  before  the  gate,  and  serves  a  mill :  tne  outward  gate  was  originally  de* 
fended  by  several  outworks  and  a  tower,  as  appears  by  their  ruins.  The  superstruc* 
ture  of  the  inner  gateway  is  a  lofty  embattled  square  tower,  about  60  feet  high,  now 
so  mantled  with  ivy,  that  the  windows,  loop-holes,  and  apertures,  are  almost  wholly 
concealed.  To  the  right,  the  outward  wall  extended  to  some  distance,  terminated  by 
a  turret  or  exploratory  mount,  the  wall  of  which  is  embattled,  and  there  the  landscape 
is  closed  by  a  fine  grove  of  stately  trees.  The  outward  wall  to  the  left,  from  tne 
inner  gateway,  extends  to  a  considerable  distance,  without  any  turret  or  bastion ;  over 
which  several  interior  buildings,  and  among- them  the  remains  of  the  chapel,  are  dis- 
covered, in  all  the  confusion  of  ruin ;  mingled  chimneys,  windows,  buttresses,  co- 
lumns, and  walls,  in  that  wildness  of  irregularity  which  constitutes  much  picturesque 
beauty  in  scenes  of  this  kind :  above  all  which  objects,  a  square  tower,  tne  keep  of 
the  fortress  (25  yards  in  height,  and  18  in  breadth,  but  without  ornament  or  windows, 
with  an  exploratory  tower  on  the  south-west  comer),  overlooks  the  castle,  with  that 
gloomy  and  sullen  majesty  which  characterizes  the  age  in  which  it  had  its  rise.  The 
wall  still  extending  to  the  left,  on  its  angle,  is  defended  by  a  square  bastion,  with 
broken  loop-holes ;  from  whence  it  turns  northward,  and  is  terminated  by  a  broken 
circular  tower,  situated  on  the  brink  of  the  cliff,  whose  inner  recess  the  eye  sufficiently 
penetrates,  to  mark  the  distraction  of  its  interior  works.  The  fine  level  between  the 
castle  and  the  river  opens  to  the  left,  the  Tyne  in  view,  with  the  town  of  Ovingham 
hanging  on  the  opposite  shore.* 

*  In  Mr.  Groee's  Addenda  we  have  the  following  survey  of  Pradhoe  CaBde,  taken  the  5th  of  Augtut,  1596 ; 
**  There  is  an  old  minoas  castle  walled  aboat^  and  in  form  not  much  unlike  to  a  shield  banging  with  one  point 
upward^  scituate  upon  a  high  moate  of  earth,  with  ditches  in  some  places,  all  wrought  with  mans  hands,  as  it 
seemeth^  and  is  of  content,  all  the  sdte  of,  with  a  little  garden  plat,  and  the  bankes  by  estimacon,  sc  111  acr. 
The  said  castle  hath  the  entrey  on  the  south,  where  it  hath  had  two  gates,  the  uttermost  now  in  decay,  and 
without  the  same  is  a  little  tumepyke ;  and  on  the  west  parte  a  large  gate  roome,  where  there  hath  been  a 
passage  into  the  lodgings  there  sdtuate,  without  the  castle  as  is  supposed,  or  to  the  chappell  there  standing ; 
and  between  the  gates  is  a  strong  wall  there  on  both  sydes,  and  as  it  appeareth  hath  been  a  draw-bridge ;  and 
without  the  same,  before  it  come  to  the  utter  gate,  a  tumepyke  for  defence  of  the  bridge.  The  gate  is  a 
tower,  all  massy  worke  on  both  sides  to  the  top  of  the  vault  Above  the  vault  is  the  cheppel ;  and  above  the 
cheppel  a  chamber  which  is  called  the  wardrobe ;  it  is  covered  with  lead,  but  in  great  ruin,  both  in  lead  and 
timber;  it  is  in  leng^  ten  yeards,  and  in  breadth  six  yeards,  or  thereabouts.  There  is  opposite  to  the  said 
gatehouse  tower,  joining  to  the  north  wall  of  the  said  castle,  one  hall  of  eighteen  yeards  in  length,  and  nine 
yeards  in  breadth,  or  thereabouts,  within  the  walls,  covered  also  with  lead,  albeit  the  timber  and  lead  in  some 
decay.  Between  the  said  gatehouse  tower  and  hall,  on  the  left  hand  at  your  entrey  in  at  the  gate,  is  a  house 
of  ij  ^  house  height,  of  length  xxiiij  yeards,  in  breadth  6  yeards  or  thereabouts,  divided  into  two  chambers, 
covered  with  slate ;  the  lower  house  hath  a  great  room  to  pass  out  of  the  court  thro  that  house  to  the  great 
tower ;  and  the  south  end,  a  chamber  called  the  parlour ;  and  in  the  north  end  a  little  buttery.  In  the  house 
is  two  chambers,  called  the  utter  chamber  and  inner  chamber ;  out  of  the  utter  chamber  is  a  passage  to  the 
great  tower  by  a  little  gallery,  on  tiie  other  side  a  passage  to  a  house  paUed  the  nursery.    On  the  west  parte 


864  TINDALE  WARD.-.E.  D. 

Hutchinson,  who  has  aecuretely  described  this  castle,  says,  '^The  first  gateway  is 
formed  by  a  eircular  arch :  by  the  fragments  and  broken  walls  it  evidently  appears 
this  gate  was  originally  flanked  with  various  outworks,  and  had  a  tower.  This  gate 
gives  admittance  to  a  covered  way,  leading  to  the  inner  gate,  about  30  paces  in  length ; 
a  sally-port  opening  on  each  side,  to  flank  the  waUs  and  defend  the  ditch  *  There  is 
no  appeoranee  of  a  portouIHs  in  either  gateway.  The  second  gateway  is  also  formed 
by  a  eiraular  arch^  above  whidi  is  a  high  tower,  the  windo>vs  shewing  that  it  con- 
tained three  tiers  of  apartments.  A  lattice  or  open  gate  still  remains,  joined  witili 
studs  of  iron.  The  roof  of  the  gateway  is  arched  in  semicirdes,  with  an  aperture  in 
the  centre,  from  whence  those  in  the  upper  chamber  might  annoy  an  enemy  who  had 
foreed  the  gate.  From  thence  you  enter  an  area,  now  so  blocked  up  by  the  buildings 
dT  a  farm-yard  and  tenement,  that  it  is  not  possible  to  form  any  idea  of  its  cmginal 
HMignitude ;  though  it  appears  by  the  other  parts,  that  an  open  area  had  surrounded 
the  great  tower,  which  does  not  shew  any  remains  of  communication  with  the  out* 
works,  hut  seems  to  have  stood  apart,  on  an  eminence  in  the  centre.  The  outward 
wall  was  defended  on  the  angle  to  the  south-west  by  a  lar^  square  bastion,  with 
loop-hdies;  to  the  north-west,  by  a  circular  tower,  containmg  several  tiers  of  low 
chambers,  singular  in  their  form  and  height :  the  inhabitants  could  not  stand  erect  in 
them  at  the  time  of  defence;  Towards  the  river  and  northward^  the  waU  is  guarded 
by  seveial  small  square  bastions ;  and  towards  the  south-east,  a  small  mount,  placed 
within  the  walk,  overlooks  the  ditch,  which  guards  the  southern  side»  and  terminates 
at  the  brink  of  the  difife.    The  large  tower  is  in  ruins,  only  the  southern  wa}l  now 

• 

o£  the  said  house  is  iinother  little  house,  standing  east  and  west  upon  the  south  wall«  called  the  nanery,  in 
length  ten  yeards,  ami  in  breadth  six  yeanls  or  thereabouts,  of  ij  ®  house  height;  the  under  hoiise  a  oteble, 
the  upper  house  a  gamer,  covered  also  with  slate.  At  the  northwest  c^nmar  of  the  said  castle,  is  a  little  tover 
called  the  west  tower,  of  three  house  height,  round  on  the  outside,  in  length  seven  yeards,  or  thereabouts, 
covered  with  lead^  but  in  decay  both  in  leaui  and  timbev.  Jdyned  to  the  said  lower  is  another  house  ef  two 
house  height,  in  length  nine  yeards,  m  iM'eadlbh  six  yeards,  or  thereabools^  coveved  witk  slate,  but  mmA  in 
decay,  in  the  middle  oS  these  houses,  by  itadf,  standeth  the  great  tower>  one  way  IS  yeards,  «Bothet  w«0r 
zij  yeards  noirtkand  south,  of  3  sloryes  onely,  and  of  height  xv  yeards>  or  thereabouts,  besides  the  battleuMmlft. 
It  hath  no  vault  of  stone  i*  sk ;  it  is  covered  with  lead,  but  in  some  decay  of  lead  and  ttraber^  but  necessary 
to  be  repaired :  and  a  toofall  or  a  little  house  adjoifling  thereunto,  in  ulter  decay.  At  the  east  cod  of  the 
liaU  ia  a  house  caEec)  the  kitchen,  of  one  house  height,  in  Isngth  xi^  yewdsy  in  breadth  six  yeards,  or  theve- 
abouts,  covered  with  slate.  In  the  east  end,  as  it  were  at  the  lower  point  of  the  shiebl,  is  a  liitle  squaae 
tower,  in  length,  yij  yeards,  in  breadth  v  yearda,  or  thereabouts,  covered  with  lead,  but  in  utter  mine  and 
decay  both  in  timber  and  lead*  Adjoining  to  the  same  is  a  house  called  the  brewhouse,  in  length  viiij,  yeards^ 
and  in  breadth  vij  yeards,  covered  with  shite.  There  is  within  the  scyte,  and  without  the  walls,  sa  elder 
chappell,  which  hath  been  very  fkir,  and  covered  with  slate.  In  the  tyme  that  drveese  dwellers  were  on  iJie 
demesnes,  one  dwelled  in  the  said  chaf»pe]l>  and  made  it  his  dwelling  house  and  byers  for  his  catde,  and  by 
that  means  de&ced ;  saving  the  timber,  walls,  and  gceate  parte  of  ^te  reosayneth.  There  was  an  ordiard 
set  with  all  fruit  trees,  now  all  spoiled,  and  an  old  house  wherein  the  keeper  of  the  orchard  did  dwell.". 

*  The  outer  tgfalls  appear  to  be  the  oldest  parts  of  this  fortress,  aa  the  square  towera  in  them,  on  the 
wjcst  side,  have  circular  bases ;  and  the  covered  way,  whi«b  leads  to  the  inner  and  semteircullur  gate,  is  of 
much  stronger  and  better  maaonry  than  ^  lower  part  of  the  tower  of  the  gateway  itaclf, — BeauL  tfEng* 
*  land,  4«,  voL  siu  part  1,  page  16§» 

1 


OVINOHAM  PARISH.  3<fl 

m 

m 

Sog;  and  not  one  bastion  remams  eniine,  they*  being  ail  in.  tains  towanls  the 
area.  A  passage  runs  in  the  centre  of  the  wall,  from  bastion  to  bastion.  Steps  ascend 
from  the  area  to  the  top  of  the  wall,  in  sev^al  piaoes,  ^vfaddi  is  broads  mkoagh  toaUow 
the  armed  men  of  the  garrison  to  pass  ead>  other^  oovered  hyA  panpet^" 

After  Mr.  Hutchinscm's  time,  this  0tnicturesu£fer«d  considtreS^ 
the  main  tower  tumbled  down ;  but  the  late  noble  proprietor  put  th^  wjbole.ini  a  state 
of  repair,  and  adopted  measuires  to  preserve  enlire  the  i<emains  of  tfads  teiBMd  te$tle. 
Apartments  were  also  built,  but  in  a  most  wretched  taste,  within  thd  area  of  the  • 
castle,  and  which  are  occupied  by  Mr.  William  Laws^  one  of  the  Duke  of  Nortfavmbeii* 
land's  commissioners.    The  old  works  are  now  inspected  and  repaired  with  great  cafe. 

Camden  conjectures  this  was  the  Prodolita  of  the  Romans,  and  the  station  of  the 
first  band  of  Batavians.  It  was  in  the  possession  of  the  Umfranvilks.  Thia  family 
came  into  England  with  the  Conquerw,  who  bestowed  on  Robert  witb  tbe>  Beard  the 
lordship  of  Redesdale,  to  be  held  for  ever,  by  the  service  of  defending  the  dwitiy 
f^ainst  tWeves  and  wolves,  with  the  same  sword  with  which  William  entered  North*- 
umbertand,  and  alto  the  barony  c^  Pnidhoe,  by  the  service  of  two  knights'  fees  and-  a 
hal£  Tfa&s^  castle  was  famous  in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  II.  for  the  opposition  it 
gave  to  William,  long  of  Scotland,  in  his  incursion,  and  the  gallant  defence  it  then 
made,  he  being  obUged  to  raise  the  siege.  It  was  the  possession  of  Robert,  or,  as 
same  authors  say,  of  Rogeras  de  UmlranviUe,  in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  I.  as  ap- 
pears by  the  escheats  of  that  reign.  He  was  succeeded  by  Odonei  de  Umfranvilie, 
who,  with  Barnard  de  Biiliol  and  others,  took  William  king  of  Scotland  prisoner  at' 
AlnMEiek,  in  the '20th  year  of  the  reign  of  king  Hennr  II.  A.  D.  1174,  after  his  fe^ 
treat  from  the  siege  of  Pnidhoe.  According  to  the  Monk  of  Tynemouth,  he  greatly- 
OTOxressed  and*  plundered  his  neighbours,  in  order  to  repair  the  roof  of  his  castle  of 
Inudhoe,  presuminj^  on  his  own  eminence,  and  the  interest  he  was  possessed  of  by 
having  married  his  laughter  to  one  high  in  the  king's  favour. 

In  the  14th  of  king  John,  Richard  de '  Umfnm vule  delivered  up  his  four  sons  and 
bis  castle  of  Prudhoe,  as  pledges  for  his  fidefity ;  notwil^stending  whiqh  he  put  him- 
self in  arms  among  the  barons,  in  the  17th  of  the  same  reign,  the  consequence  of 
which  was,  that  the  castle  and  lands  were  given  to  Hugh  de  Baliol.  But  in  the  Kign 
of  Henry  Illi  he  obtained  a  restitution,  but  never  had  the  confidence  of  that  king, 
who  was  offended  at  and  distrusted  him  on  account  of  his  fortifjdng  his  castle  of  Har- 
bottle.  He  gave  one  toft  and  eight  acres  of  land  in  the  town  of  Prudhoe  to  the 
monks  of  Hexham.  His  son  Gilbert  succeeded  to  this  bajrony,  and  dying  the  80th  of 
Henry  III.  was  succeeded  by  Gilbert  the  second,  who  was  styled  the  famous  Baron, 
**  the  Flower  and  Keeper  of  the  northern  parts  of  Engkmd.**  To  this  Gilbert  suc- 
ceeded his  son  and  heir,  of  the  same  name,  who  held  this  manor  of  Prudhoe  with  its 
members,  viz.  Hedley,  Haselev,  Wy thai,  &;c.  for  two  knights'  fees  of  ancient  feof- 
ment.  This  Gilbert  was  in  right  of  his  wife  made  Earl  of  Angus  in  Scotland,  and 
under  that  title  summoned  to  parliament,  25  Edward  I.  The  lawyers  at  first  refus^ 
to  acknowledge  him  an  earl,  because  Angus  was  not  of  this  kingdom ;  but  they  sub- 
mitted  when  they  saw  the  king's  writ,  summoning  him  l^  that  name.  He  founded 
a  chantry  in  the  chapel  of  Prudhoe  castle,  and  endowed  it  with  two  crofts,  118  acres 
of  land,  and  5  acres  of  meadow,  for  the  maintenance  of  two  chaplains.  This  earl,  who 
died  1  king  Edward  II.  had  three  sons,  1.  Robert,  his  successor ;  S.  Gilbert,  who  died 

VOL.  II.  4  Z 


S66  TINDALE  iWARD.— E.  D. 

without  issue,  SI  king  Edward  1. ;  3,  Thomas,  valet  to  king  Edward  I.  in  the  S4tli 
year  of  his  reim. 

Robert  Uinicanville,  Earl  of  Angus,  1  king  Edward  II.  at  which  time  he  was  80 
years  of  i^.  He  married,  first,  Lucy,  daughter  of  Philip  de  Kyme,  sister  and  sole 
iieir  of  WuUam  de  Kyme,  by  whom  he  had  issue  Gilbert,  Earl  of  Angus.  His  se- 
cond wife,  Eleanor,  was  remarried  to  Ro^er  Manduit.  She  died  31st  of  March,  42d 
king  Edward  III.  By  her  Robert  had  issue,  1.  Sir  Robert  UmfranviUe,  knight  of 
the  garter,  who  died  in  the  life-time  of  his  brother  Gilbert ;  2.  Thomas  UmfranviUe, 
of  Harbottle :  he  died  18  king  Edward  II. 

Gilbert,  Earl  of  Angus,  succeeded  his  father,  Robert,  when  he  was  but  15  years  of 
age.  In  the  25th  of  King  Edward  III.  he  exhibited  a  petition  to  the  king  and  his 
council  assembled  in  parliament,  setting  forth,  that  he  and  his  ancestors,  time  out  of 
mind,  used  to  have  custody  of  all  prisoners  taken  within  the  liberty  of  Redesdale,  to 
be  kept  in  his  prison  of  Harbottle  Castle ;  which  being  so  ruined  by  the  Scotch  wars, 
that  it  was  insufficient  to  retain  them,  he  desired  he  might  have  leave  to  keep  all  such 

Prisoners  in  his  castle  of  Prudhoe,  till  his  castle  of  Harbottle  was  {uroperly  repaired, 
'he  king  being  satisfied  that  the  fact  alleged  in  his  petition  was  true,  and  considering 
that  the  ruinous  state  of  Harbottle  Castle  did  not  arise  from  neglect,  granted  him 
leave  to  keep  such  prisoners  in  his  castle  of  Prudhoe  for  ten  years^  He  married 
Maud,  daugnter  of  Sir  Thomas  de  Lucy^  Lord  of  Cockermouth,  and  died  4th  king 
Richard  II.  without  issue.  He  had  a  son.  Sir  Robert,  who  married  Margaret,  dau^h«* 
ter  of  Heiuy  Lord  Percy,  and  sister  to  Henry  Earl  of  Northumberland ;  but  he  died 
before  his  father,  3d  September,  49  king  Eklward  III.  It  seems  to  have  been  in 
consequence  of  the  settlement  made  on  this  marriage,  that  the  castle  and  barony  of 
Prudhoe  descended  to  the  Percies;  for  it  appears  among  the  pleas  in  the  King's^ 
Bench,  15  king  Henry  VI.  and  Rol.  9»  on  a  traverse  then  tendered  by  Henj^  Earl  of 
Northumb^land,  **  that  John  Hawborough  and  John  Pvkeworth,  A.  49  King  Ed*< 
ward  III.  gave  to  Gilbert  Humfervile,  and  to  Mawde  his  wife,  and  to  their  heirs 
lawfully  begott^i,  the  said  castle  and  lMux)ny,  and  the  manor  of  Ovingham ;  and  for 
lack  of  such  issue,  the  said  castle,  manor,  and  barony,  to  remain  to  Henry  Lord  Perey^ 
and  to  his  heirs  for  ever." 

In  consequence  of  this  disposition,  after  the  death  of  Earl  Gilbert,  his  widow,  the 
Countess  Maude,  enjoyed  it  for  her  life.  She  married  to  her  second  husband  Henry 
Percy,  first  Earl  of  Northumberland,  who  after  her  death  entered  into  full  possession 
of  tlie  castle  and  barony,  with  its  appendages,  and  the  same  continued  in  his  posterity^ 
without  any  other  interruption  except  what  was  occasioned  by  the  attainders  in  dU^- 
ferent  periods.  Thus,  on  the  fcnfeiture  of  the  said  first  Earl  of  Northumberland  and 
his  son  Hotspur,  in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  IV.  the  castle  and  lordship  of  Prudhoe 
were  bestowed  by  the  said  king  (6  king  Henry  IV.)  on  his  son  John,  afterwards 
Duke  of  Bedford  and  regent  of  France,  who  appears  to  have  held  them  till  his  death, 
except  for  a  short  time,  viz.  4  Henry  VI.  when  Ralph  Earl  of  Westmoreland  was 
possessed  of  the  manor  of  Prudhoe.  So  again,  28  king  Henry  VI.  the  castle  of 
Prudhoe  was  in  possession  of  Sir  John  Bertram,  knt ;  but  afterwards  the  whole  re- 
verted to  the  Percies,  till  they  underwent  another  attainder  for  their  adherence  to  the 
house  of  Lancaster,  in  the  4th  of  king  Edward  IV.  The  castle  of  Prudhoe  was  given 
to  Sir  William  Bertram,  knt.  in  the  5tii  year  of  that  king^s  reign.    After  the  restora- 


OVINGHAM  PARISH.  36T 

tion  of  Henry,  the  fourth  Earl  of  Northumberland^  this  castle  and  barony  were  agam 
^ven  back  to  the  Perdes :  and  though  their  possession  of  it  suffered  acain  some  short 
mterruptions  from  future  attaintures,  in  the  reigns  of  king  Heniy  VIII.  and  queen 
EUizabeth,  yet  the  castle  and  barony  of  Prudhoe  have  constantly  descended,  with 
their  other  gr^t  possessions,  through  the  succeeding  Earls  of  Northumberland,  down 
to  their  illustrious  representative,  the  present  Duke.* 

*  The  following  pedigree  of  the  Umfranville  family  is  too  curious  to  be  omitted.  We  shall  commence  with 
the  issue  of  Robert  Umfranville,  £arl  of  Angus,  who  married,  as  above  stated,  Ist,  Lucy,  heiress  of  William 
de  Kyme,  and,  2d,  Eleanor,  by  both  of  whom  he  had  issue. 

Elizabeth  Umfranville,  daughter  of  Robert  Earl  of  Angus,  married  Sir  Gilbert  Borrowden,  knight,  and 
had  issue  a  daughter,  Alianora,  who  married  Sir  Henry  Talboys,  knight.  He  had  by  her  the  castle  and 
seignorie  of  Kyme;  for  Robert  Umfranville,  her  mother's  father,  conveyed  the  lands  of  Kyme  unto  his 
daughter  Elizabeth,  and  so  her  brother.  Sir  Thomas  Umfiranville,  bom  after  the  settling  of  the  estate,  was 
defeated  of  his  patrimony,  and  had  Dot  wherewith^  to  maintain  the  earldom.  Alianora,  on  the  death  of  Gil-i 
bert  Earl  of  Angus,  4  king  Richard  H.  was  found  to  be  his  niece  and  next  heir;  s&e  was  then  40  years  of 
age.  She  led  issue  two  sons,  1.  Sir  Walter  Talboys,  k&ighf,  who  married  Alice,  daughter  of  Sir  Humphrey 
Stafford,  knight ;  2.  John  Talboys. 

Sir  Thomas  UrofVanville,  second  son  of  Robert  Earl  of  Angus,  by  the  second  wife  mentioned  above,  died 
10  king  Richard  H.  He  married  Jane,  daughter  to  Lord  Adam  Willoughby,  by  whom  he  had  issue,  1.  An- 
nore,  who  married  Stephen,  son  and  heir  of  Sir  William  Wallis;  S.  Sir  Robert;  3.  Sir  Thomas  Umfhoitilk^ 
lord  of  the  manor  of  Harbottle.  He  was  24  years  old  at  his  father^s  death,  and  was  knight  for  this  county  to 
represent  It  in  the  parliament  that  sat  11  and  IS  king  Richard  11.  He  died  in  the  14th  year  of  that  reign. 
He  left  issue  Gilbert,  who  was  then  28  weeks  old ;  he  married  Ann,  daughter  to  Ralph  Nevill,  Earl  of  West^ 
moreland,  afterwards  constable  of  Qneensborough  Castle,  and  died  22d  March,  9  king  Henry  V.  His  daugh- 
ters were,  1.  Elizabeth,  sister  and  coheir  of  Sir  Gilbert,  married  to  Sir  William  Emelden,  knight  She  was 
30  years  old,  9  king  Henry  V.  and  was  re-married  to  Robert  de  Tempest,  of  Holmside.  2.  Agnes,  sister  and 
coheir,  married  Sir  Thomas  Haggerston,  and  afterwards  to  Sir  —  Ry ther,  of  Hawwood  Castle ;  she  was  two 
years  younger  than  Elizabeth.  3.  Joan,  sister  and  coheir  of  Sir  Gilbert,  married  to  Sir  Thomas  Liambert, 
knight ;  she  was  two  years  younger  than  Agnes.  4.  Margaret,  ^ster  and  coheir,  first  married  to  William 
Luddington,  after  to  Sir  John  Constable,  of  Halsham ;  in  the  9th  king  Henry  V.  she  was  widow  of  William 
Luddington,  and  24  years  old. 

Sir  Robert  Umfranville,  grandson  of  Robert  fiarl  of  Ang^S,  Was  knight  of  the  garter  and  vice-admiral  of 
England  in  1410.  According  to  Stowe,  he  brought  such  plenty  of  clothes  and  com,  and  other  valuable  com^- 
modities  from  Scotland,  that  he  was  called  Robin  Mendmartet :  other  writers  say,  that  he  sold  the  Scots  round 
pennyworths  of  their  own  goods,  taken  in  plunder.  He  married  the  widow  of  Sir  Robert  Umfranville,  half 
brother  to  Gilbert  Earl  of  Angus,  and  died  5th  January,  15  king  Henry  VI.  It  is  recorded,  that,  coming 
with  his  son  William  to  Misseden,  in  the  coikiity  of  Berks,  he  became  a  monk  in  the  monastry  there ;  and, 
till  of  late  times,  the  Umfranvilles  have  been  possessed  of  some  lands  in  and  near  Misseden. 

William  Umfranville,  the  son  of  Sir  Robert,  was  left  with  the  abbot  of  Misseden.  The  next  in  succession 
was  William ;  Andrew  ;  Richard ;  and  William,  of  Farnham  Royal,  who  married  Mary,  daughter  of  —  Lane, 
of  Acton,  yeoman  usher  to  king  Henry  VlIL  and  had  issue  two  sons,  Thomas  and  Andrew. 

Thomas  Umfranville,  of  London,  married,  first,  Dorothy,  daughter  and  coheir  of  —  St.  Claii',  by  Whom  he 
had  issue  one  son,  William.  He  next  married  Joan,  daughter  of  John  Hyde,  Esq.  of  Berkshire,  by  whom  he 
had  issue,  1.  Thomas ;  2.  John ;  3.  Joan. 

Andrew  UmfranvOle,  of  Farnham  Royal,  married  Ann,  daughter  of  William  Harwood,  prebend  of  Wind« 
sor,  by  whom  he  had  issue,  1.  Andrew ;  2.  William ;  3.  Edward.    The  eldest  son,  Andrew,  married  France&i^ 


368 


TINDALE  WAKD^E.  D- 


Osk  Hke  14th  of  August,  1816,  Algernon,  second  son  of  Hugh  Tgckv,  hieJDttke  «f 
Noitbumbe^lMid,  was  created'  Lord  Prudboe,  Baron  of  Prudhoe  QBtadae,  da  NiMthuiau 
berland.    There  was  a  great  flood  Ihis:  year,  by  which  all  the  low  landir  near  tiie  eaatla 
were  inuffidated ;  hut  the  noble  pMpnetXK  (nh1«^*  his  tenants  hei»  to  b^ 
the  tvJl  extcffit  «f  their  loss. 

Prudhoe  lies  a  short  distance  south-east  of  the  castle.  It  is  a  pleasant,  large, 
well-built  village,  consisting  of  ten  farmholds,  two  public  houses,  and  about  85  cot- 
tages. The  Methodists  have  erected  a  neat  meeting-house  here.  The  Duke  of 
Northumberland  is  the  principal  proprietor  ui  this  township. 

MiCKLEY  is  situated  about  2  miles  south  by  west  from  Ovingham.  It  is  the  pro- 
perty of  William  Wii^htson,  £sq«  who  has  bmlt  a  chapel  at  Halyards,  neac  this  phoe, 
uri^ended  as  a  chapel  otease  for  Ovingham  church ;  but  it  is  not  yet  consecrated.  The 
QoUiery  h^rev  under  Mr.  W.  Bewick,  is  worked  by  a  level  whicli  enters  from  the  side 
cxf  the  hill^  and  kbds  to  an  exceUant  seam  oi  coalsw  The  Duke  of  Northumbetiaod 
baa  also  an  estate  here,  which  waa  purchased  of  the  late  John  Davidson,.  Esq.  of 
Newcastle. 

Hebley  ties  one  mile  south  from  Mickley,  and  contains  seven  farmholds^,  one  of 
which  is  also  a  public  house,  and  about  90  cottages.    This  township  bdongs  to  the 


daughter  of  Daniel  Appleford»  of  Wiltshire^  and  had  issue,  1.  Robert ;  2.  Frances^  wife  of  Soloodon  Terriman ; 
S.  Maiy,  wife  of  Bobert  Harris ;  4.  Edward,  baixiater-at-law^  of  the  Middle  Teiiq>le,  married  Judith,  daugh- 
ter and  coheir  to  Ridiard  Meers,  Esq.  of  London. 

William,  sod  of  the  above  Thomas  Umfranville,  of  London,  married,  first,  Elizabeth,  sole  daughter  and 
heir  to  Thomas  Gotts,  of  Gre^F's  Inn,  councellor-at-law,  by  whom  he  had  issue,  1.  Charles;  2.  St  Clair;  3. 
William ;  4.  Thomas:  he  married  next  Isable,  daughter  of —  Sapworth,  by  whom  he  had  no  issue.  Charles, 
his  eldest  son,  received  the  honour  of  knighthood  ;  he  died  28th  March,  1696,  aged  57>  leaving  two  daugh- 
ters, via.  Elisabeth,  who  married  — » Gibbs,  Esq. ;  and  Sarah,  married  Samuel  Brewster,  Esq.  of  Lincolnshire. 
Thomas,  his  youngest  son,  a  captain  in  die  Earl  of  Essex's  regiment  of  dragoons,  in  the  reign  of  queen  Anne, 
married  Mary,  daughter  and  heiress  of  Leonard  Thornton,  of  Riplington,  Northumberland,  by  whom  he  had 
issue  four  sons.  Thomas,  the  youngest,  married  Margaret  Hall,  of  Otterburn,  by  whom  he  had  issue  thfee 
sons.  His  youngest  son,  William  Umfranville,  late  chandler  in  Newcastle,  only  had  issue.  He  married 
■Eleanor  Chisholm».  by  whom  hie  had  several  children,  of  whom  two  daughters,  Margaret  and  Eleanor,  are 
yet  living.  One  son,  John  Brand  Umfranville,  was  born  20th  May,  1784.  They  were  supported  by  the 
industry  of  their  widowed  mother,  who  resided  many  years  in  the  Freeman's  Hospital.  Hi&  grace  the  late 
Duke  of  Northumberland^  understanding  that  there  was  a  male  lineal  descendant  of  this  ancient  and  noble 
&mily  remaining,  sent  to  Newcastle  for  young  Umfranville,  who  was  then  about  14  years  of  age,  and  soon 
afterwards  provided  for  him  in  his  majesty's  navy.  He  served  under  Lord  Exmouth  in  the  East  Indies,  and, 
from  being  first  lieutenant  in  the  Ranger  sloop  of  war,  rose  to  the  i»nk  of  captain.  Being  placed  on  half-pay, 
he  reside  for  some  time  before  his  death  amidst  the  scenes  rendered  famous  by  his  warlike  ancestors.  His 
convivial  habits  at  length  made  irreparable  inroads  on  his  constitution ;  and  he  died  much  regretted  by  all 
who  knew  his  open,  frank,  and  generous  disposition.  He  was  buried  in  the  tomb  of  the  Umfranvilles  in 
Hexham  church.  His  elffest.sister^  Margaret,  married  the  Rev.  R.  Greenwood,  of  BIyth,  and  has  issue. 
The  swofd  which  was  presented  to  Sir  Robert  Umfranville,  vice-admiral  of  England,  by  his  sovereign,  with 
several  other  relics  of  the  family,  were,  on  the  death  of  Mrs.  Umfranville,  sent  to  Alnwick  Castle. 


OVINQHAM  ?ARIPH-  869 

Puke  of  Ndrthuvd^fBrkod,  William  9urtees»  E)sq»  and  other  proprietorsL  HebI/Sy 
Wood  Sa>B  .Yvas.aold  by  Aubooe  Surtees^  Esq,  to  the  Duka  of  Northun^berland. , 
MUkweil  Jffi^rif , .  whieh  lies  at  the  southern- extremity  of  the  parish^  belong  to  An*' 
thony  Surtees,  £^  .^£i/tbikgham  is  situated  on  the  south  side  of  ihe  Tyne^  ahout 
8  nrnes  west  from  Frodhoe  Castle.  It  is  the  property  of  Thomas  Humble^  Esq.  who 
i:e^des  io:  th^:  h$il  heie.  A<y oining  is  a  landsme  colliery,  worked  by  Mr.  Robert 
Brown.*  Dukeshagg  is  a  small  township  containing  but  one  house,  lying  on  Stan* 
ley  Btuni,  above  onemile. south-east  from  rra 

r 
*»  •  «  •  *     . 

''  The  pedigree  of  thU  &xnjfy,  published  by  Mr.  Sortees,  differs  in  some  particulars  from  the  preceding,  . 
^bich  was.axnmi^ucaied  by  the  kte  Mrs.  Umfranville.  Thomas,  who  married  Margaret  Hall,  of  Otterbotn, 
w^v  eoo)i^  time  a  merchaht  in  Newcastle,  and  afterwards  for  40  years  clerk  of  St  John's,  where  he  was  bu- 
.  i;ied,  Jupe.SO^  1783.  His  son,  Williami  was  a  chandler  in  the  Close,  Newcastle/  and  next  keeper  of  the 
poor«hous^  for  the  parish  of  St  Nicholas'  there:  he  died  November  28,  1789.  Captain  Umfranvffle  died- 
unmarried,  April  6,  1820,  at  Broomhall,  in  the  parish  of  Cofbridge.  There  is  a  raccf  of-UmfVanvilles  in  Sur* 
rey,  descended,  probably,  from  Thomas  Umfhuiville,  of  London,  by  his  second  wifb,  'Joan  Hyde,  but  whoaa 
it  would  be  difficult  to  connect  with  the  pedigree.  An  union  seems  to  have  takeii  phiee  between  cSAvent 
branches  of  the  family,  as  is  recorded  in  an  inscription  on  a  head^sloiie  ni  the  draroh-yard  of  Bweil,  SaMey  ^ 
''  Here  lieth  the  body  of  Anne  Umfineville,  relict  of  Edward  UmfireiriUe,  Bsq.  late  WMxMier  of  Mlddkstx,  hH 
daughter  of  Thomas  Umf^ville,  late  of  this  parish,  obiit  22  March,  1791,  aet  TP*" 

r 

*  ChBrryhmrn  House,  near  the  village  of  Eltringham,  is  inhabited  by  Mr.  l^^iam  Bewick,  whose  femily 
haa  been  the  lessees  of  Mickley  colliery  during  three  generations.    But  it  is  more  eminently  distin^ished 

, .  1^  the  birth-place  of  those  celd>rated  artists,  Thomas  and  John  Bewick.    The  latter,  who  W93  admired  for- 
hja.opgixudity  of  genius,  and  beloved  for  the  amiable  qualities  of  his  heart,  was  lost  .to  his  country  in  the 
auminer  of  his  days,  and  in  the  ful)  vigour  ^i  his  intellects.     He  was  bom  in  the  year  176O.     In  early  life^he' 
diq^ayed  the  most  remarkable  ingenuity  and  dexterity  in  mechanical  operations ;  and  every  thing  that  his  un-'* 
Qeaaing  activity  kd  .him  to  undertake,  be  executed  in  a  masterly  manner.     In  I777,  he  went  to  Newcastle.. 
.^here  big  elder  )hppM>»>  Thomas,  had  commenced  his  extraordinary  career  in  wood  engraving,  in  partnership^ 
with  the  late  ingenious  iUlph  Beilby.     Under  these  distinguished  masters  his  progress  was  truly  astonishing.^ 
Every  diflSculty  instantly  vanished  before  his  acute  and  inventive  genius,  and  he  became  an  accomplished' 
attist  without  any  seeming  effort .  At. this  period  he  w^s  much  caressed  for  his  wit  and  vivacity,  though  his* 
|»d^l»r<aBd  ph^fulqcsss  occasionally  ted  him  into  scenes  avoided  by  the  more  phlegmatic  and  prudent    At  the 
end  pi  five  years»  by  his  brother's  advice,  he  removed  to  Ix>ndon,  where  the  extent  and  variety  of  his  perform* 
ancea  attested  his  almost  unparalleled  industry.     He  executed  the  engravings  for  several  works  pubHsbed  by 
Dr.  Trusler,  par^calarly.'  "  The  Progress  of  Man  in  Sodety,"  Proverbs,  &c.     The  singular  versatility  of  his 
Intents  was  else!  displayed  in  ''The  Looking  Glass  for  the  Mind/'  the  "  History  of  England,"  and  various 
^beriworke,  p^biished  by;Ne<yberry ;  and  likewise  in  Ritson's  "  Robin  Hood,"  the  *'  Danceof  Death,"  ''Little 
ia^"  and  many  other  publications  of  the  time.     Several  of  the  excellent  wood  blocks  that  embellisb  these 
works  were  designed  and  executed  for  the  small  sum  of  six  shillings  !  which  at  once  proves  the  low  estima*' 

*  tion  in  which  this  branch  of  the  fine  arts  was  held  80  years  ago,  and  the  rapid  execution  oJT  the  artist,  who 
could  subsist  by'snch  petty  engi^ements.  At  length  Mr.  William  Buhner,  a  skilful  and  enterpi^ng  print^> 
ft  natiive  of  Newcastle,  and  who  belonged  to  the  celebrated  Shakespeare  Press,-  conceived  the  p^ect  of  pub^ 
lishidg  Goldsmith'a  Traveller,  the  Deserted  Village,  and  Pi^ell's  Hermit,  ip  royal  quarto^  with  wood  en- 
grairings^  which  M^mts.  Beilby  and  Bewick  engaged  to  execute;  tiiough  the  genius  of  Mri  John  Bewick 
eontrib«ted  to  the  embeUishosents  of  this  imique  and  elegant  performance.  It  appeared  in  1 795,  and  formed 
a|i  era  in  the  arts;^  being  ''the  firsfeqpedm^  of  improved  typc^^phy,"  .  The  **  Chace,  by  Sommerville,''  was 
commenced  next;  because  the  suljjectff,  being  entirdy  composed  of  landscape  aoenery  and  animali^  were  well 

VOL.  II.  5  A  * 


370  TINDALE  WARD— E.  D. 

Otikgton  is  an  agreeable  well-biult  village,  on  the  north  side  oiP  the  Tyhe,  dis^nt 
one  mile  west  from  Ovingham.  It  contains  seven  farmsteads,  two  public  houses, 
some  cottages  for  labourers,  and  a  brewery,  carried  on  by  Mr.  James  Burnett.  An- 
other brewe^,  whidi  belonged  to  the  kite  Mr.  Taylor  Winship,  is  discontinued. 
Besides  the  Jjuke  of  Northumberland,  Miss  Hind,  Thomas  Humble,  Esq.  WiUiam 
Surtees^  Esq.  William  Wrightson,  Esq.  and  others,  have  possessions  in  this  township: 

Whittle,  which  stands  above  a  mile  north  by  west  from  Ovingham,  consists  of 
one  large  farm,  the  property  of  Greenwich  Hc»pital.  WhitUe  Dean  is  a  deep  woody 
deU,  which  stretches  south ward»  and  joins  the  Ty^^  ^^^  ^^  Ovington.  The  waters  of 
this  dean  (peculiarly  soft  and  dear)  are  the  most  celebrated  in  the  north  of  Enghnd 
for  whitemng  linen  doth.  Mr.  William  Newton's  bleach-green,  situated  on  this 
stream,  at  the  conflux  of  the  Tyne,  is  known  and  famed  throughout  all  these  northern 
parts.  Among  the  romantic  thickets,  the  projecting  rocks,  and  the  deep  whirling 
pools  of  this  dean,  spots  are  stUl  pointed  out  by  the  adjoining  villagers  as  the  favourite 
retreats  of  weqping  lovers*  and  harmless  fairies.  In  one  of  these  picturesque  situa- 
tions, there  are  the  remains  of  an  andent  building,  not  unlike  a  religious  house,  and 
which  ia  said  to  have  been  the  abode  of  robbers  in  the  reigns  of  Henry  VI.  and  Ed* 

ndspted  to  display  the  beauties  of  wood  engraving.  This  poem  appeared  in  May,  1796^  when  Mr.  Bolmer, 
in  die  preface,  expressed  himself  thus : — "  Unfortunately  for  his  friends  and  the  admirers  of  the  art  of  en« 
graving  on  wood^  I  have  the  painful  task  of  announcing  the  death  of  my  early  acquaintance  and  fKend,  the 
younger  Mr.  Bewick.  He  died  at  Ovingham,  on  the  banks  of  the  T3me,  in  December  last,  of  a  pulmonary 
complaint.  Previously,  however,  to  his  departure  from  London  to  the  place  of  his  nativity,  he  had  prepared^ 
and  indeed  finished,  on  wood,  the  whole  of  the  designs,  excepting  one,  whidi  embellish  the  Chace.  They 
may  therefore  literally  be  considered  as  the  last  effort  of  this  ingenious  and  much  to  be  lamented  ai^st"  And 
it -may  be  added,  they  will  remain  lasting  and  honourable  monuments  to  his  fkme.  Mr.  Thomas  Bewi^ 
executed  his  brother's  designs  in  his  own  masterly  style,  and  which  excited  general  admizatiOD.  Many  indeed 
conceived  it  impossible  that  such  delicate  effects  could  be  produced  from  blodcs  of  wood ;  and  his  late  ma- 
jesty ordered  his  bookseller,  Mr.  George  Nicol,  to  procure  the  blodks  for  his  inspection,  that  he  might  oon- 
▼ince  himself  of  the  fact  Mr.  John  Bewick's  ''  last  effort,"  while  at  Eltringhkm,  tiding  the  elbets  of  his 
native  air,  was  the  execution  of  some  engravings  for  Way's  translation  of  the  Fabfieaux  of  Le  Grand,  part  of 
which  were  finished  under  his  brother's  direction.  His  mode  of  engraving  is  diaracteriaed  by  great  deamess 
and  boldness ;  and  his  designs  are  replete  with  humour,  and  evince  much  accuracy  of  obeervatioQ.  A  small 
oval  st<me  monument  is  erected  to  his  memory  at  the  end  of  Ovingham  church,  arid  bears  the  following  in«^ 
scription :— ''  In  memory  of  John  Bewick,  engraver,  who  died  December  5th,  1795,  aged  S5  years.  His 
ingenuity'  as  an  artist  was  excelled  only  by  his  conduct  as  a  man."  Before  his  death,  he  and  his  firiend,  the 
benevolent  Mr.  Day,  had  agreed  to  publish  a  set  of  school-books,  which  should  convey  clear  views  of  science 
and  morality,  in  elegant  printing,  and  in  improved  engravings  on  wood. 

*  The  old  people  of  Warden,  near  Hexham,  relate  a  curious  story.  A  young  woman,  who  died  of  love, 
was  buried  in  Warden  church-yard,  when  a  singular  and  uncommon  species  of  yellow  flower  grew  on  her 
£^ve ;  and  what  is  still  more  remarkable,  it  never  agaih  appeared  after  the  season  in  which  the  broken* 
hearted  nymph  died.  A  gentleman  of  that  place  describes  it  as  the  nearest  to  the  mustard-flower  of  any  thing 
he  knows.  Several  very  respectable  people  have  attested' the  truth  of  this  relation,  whidi  we  hope  to  see 
improved  by  some  of  our  young  poets,  though  we  are  aware  that  the  cold-blooded  infid^  of  the  piesent  day 
wDl  attempt  to  strip  it  of  whatever  is  wonderful  by  ascribing  the  whole  to  natund  causes. 


OVINGHAM  PABISH.  871 


wird  IV.    There  is  a  starong  sulphureous  spring  near  Whittle,  but  ndiieh  has  not  yet 
been  properly  analyzed. 

Nafferton  stands  pleasantly  in  a  vale  2  miles  north-west  from  Ovin^ham.  Here 
are  a  farmhold  and  a  few  cottages  for  labourers  and  the  pitmen  engaged  in  the  adjoin* 
ing  coUi^y.  It  is  the  property  of  F.  Cholmelly,  Esq.  Bradley  Hall,  county  of  York. 
Spittle,  a  farmstead  on  the  north  side  of  the  Hexham  turnpike  road,  belongs  to 
Robert  Ormstmi,  Esq.  Newcastle. 


Welton,  or  WM4awnf  u  a  the  town  upon  the  wall,  is  a  village  S  miles  north  by 
west  from  Ovingham,  consistii^  of  two  or  three  farmholds  and  a  few  cottages,  the 
property  of  T.  W.  Beiumont,  Esq.  It  is  built  upon  the  line  of  Hadrian's  vaUum, 
and  has  once  been  a  considerable  village,  as  extensive  foundations  are  still  very  appa- 
rent. According  to  Camden,  this  was  the  royal  villa  of  king  Osweo,  which  Bede 
calls  jid  Murum^  and  in  which  Finian,  bishop  of  Lindisfam,  baptized  the  Mercian 
kin^  Penda,  and  Sigbert  king  of  the  East  Saxons,  with  all  their  great  lords  and  at* 
tenoants.  WeUon  Tower  stands  on  a  rising  ground  near  the  village,  but  is  now  fall- 
ing into  ruins.  It  was  the  seat  of  the  ancient  family  of  the  Weltons:  of  Simon  de 
Wekon,  10  king  Henry  IV.  9, 10  king  Henry  V.  and  14  king  Henry  VI. ;  of  Tho- 
mas de  Welton,  25,  85  king  Henry  VI. ;  of  Simon  de  Welton,  5  king  Edward  IV. ; 
of  Michael  Welton,  19  king  Charles  I.  who  was  then  one  of  the  parliament  commis- 
noners  for  sequestering  hnSs  in  Northumberland. 

Harlow  Hill,  a  corruption  of  HareJaxo^  the  hill  or  station  of  the  army,  stands 
on  an  eminence  whidi  commands  an  extensive  prospect*  This  village,  which  adjoins 
the  nulitary  road,  8  miles  north  from  Ovingham,  is  tcderaUy  lar^^  and  well  built,  and 
contains  four  farm-houses,  two  inns,  and  a  few  cottages.  It  is  the  property  of  the 
Duke  of  Northumberland* 

• 

RuTCHESTER  is  distant  S  miles  east  from  Harlow  Hill.  It  was  the  Findobala  of 
the  Romans  (see  vol.  i.  page  184).  The  present  hamlet  is  built  upon  its  ruins.  Rut- 
Chester  Tower  was  inhabited  by  the  family  de  Rutchester  in  the  reign  of  king  Ed- 
ward I.  This  place  was  purchased  for  £S0,000,  of  W.  Fawkes,  Esq.  by  the  late 
William  James,  Esq.  of  Deckam  Hall,  near  Gateshead. 

HoRSLEY,  which  is  distant  above  a  mile  north  from  Ovingham,  is  built  on  each 
side  of  the  Hexham  turnpike  road.  Being  situated  on  the  side  of  a  declivity  sloping 
to  the  south,  the  houses  on  the  north  stand  upon  a  steep  eminence.  Here  are  sevem 
farmholds,  a  public  house,  and  a  good  inn,  which  terminates  the  first  stage  from  New- 
casde.  The  JPresbyterians  have  a  meeting-housie  here.  Most  of  the  village  belongs 
to  the  Duke  of  Northumberland :  the  other  part  is  divided  into  three  small  fred)ol(b« 

Wtlam,  a  populous  village,  is  situated  on  the  north  side  of  the  Tyne,  about  S 
miles  east  from  Ovingham,  and  9  miles  west  from  Newcastie^  Here  is  an  extensive 
colliery,  belonging  to  Christopher  Blackett,  Esq.  in  whidi  a  number  of  workmen  are 
employed.    The  coal  is  worked  on  the  south  side  of  the  Tyne,  conveyed  under  the 


37« 


TINDALE  WARD^Ei  D. 


river^  and  dj!awn  up  Here ;  und  frcxn  henee  sent  by  loeoiDotire  engines*  by  a  noLway 
to  Lemington,  a  distance  of  above  5  miles.  Each  engine  dtfaws  ten  waggpni^  that 
carry  eight  chaldrons  of  coals,  or  21 J  tons,  which  is  above  two  tons  and  one-tenth  to 
each  waggon.  Sometimes  a  do^en:  or  more  waggons  are  dragged  by  one  engine.  A 
stranger  u  sti^ck  with  surprise  and  astoniahmmt  on  seeing. a  looomotiTe  engine 
nlaviAg  majestically  ;dlong  the  road,  at  the  rate  of  4  or  ff  miles  aa  hoiir^  drawing  ^<^ 
fit)ixi  teh  to  fourteen  loa&d  waggons ;  and  his  surprise  is  incredaed  on  Tidtaessuig  the 
extraordinary  facility  with  which  the  engine  is  managed.  This  inyention  H  a  noble 
triumph  of  science.  Here  are  also  a  numoer  of  cinder  ovens,  in  which  the  small  coal 
is  piiepared  for  the  use  of  .mJEtnufactori^.  Wylatn  doal  is  ohkfly  consumed  in  steam* 
engines,  for  which  it  is  found  weH  adapted.  The  village  coirtains  about  140  houses, 
induding  three  public  hoiises.  Most  of  the  inhabitants  are  enpi^ed  in  the  coal-works. 
Wyiam  belonged  to  the  priory  of  Tynemouth,  and  was  i»  the  crown  10  queen 
Elizabeth. 

At  a  short  distance  from  the  colliery  stands  Ploristi'  Holly'-  with  its  extenaite  gar- 
den, containing  near  seven  acres  of  land,  and  which  is  ian^ed  for  producing  the  best 
tod  earliest  strawberries  in  the  noMh.    It  is  the  property  of'Mrs..  Hall,  of  NeWcntle. 

Wflam  Hall  is  pleasantly  seated  at  die  west  end  of  the  viUaga  The  djessuie- 
grounds  have  been  lately  enlarged  and  imfHtyved.  '  This  wad  the  seat  of  John  IBIacketi, 
Esq.  high  sheriff  of  NcNrthumberland  in  1692.  He  was  sucbtode4  by  Jobn  Bladcett» 
Esq.  who  married  ^  a  daughter  of  John  Bacon,  Esq.  of  Staward  Fed.  His  soi^  Jolm 
Blackett,  Esq.  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  17S9*  His  eldest  brother  and 
heir,  Thomas,  left  a  son,  John,  whose  eldest  son,  Christopher,  by  his  second  wife,  is 
the  present  pronnetor.  Christopher  Blaoketf;  Eta.  married^  iFebruary;  1779»  the 
daugnter  of  Willuuh/  Iiigham,  Esq;  surgeon,  of  Whitby,  sister  of  the  late  WiUiaiu 
Ing^m,  Esq.  of  Newcastle,  by  whom  he  \ia&  issue^  1.  Christdpher,  a  captaiii  in  the 
18th  Light  DrsgoctiS)  married  Miss  Burgoine^  dangfater  of  *—  Burgoine,  Esq.  oouBty- 
of  Sussex ;  2.  William  Fenwick ;  3.  Edward ;  4.  John ;.  adso  four  daughters*  t^ 
eldest  of  whom  married  Anthony.Surtees,  Esq.  ^ 


•.-  ' 


I  . 


t 


t  * 


CASTLE     WARD. 


.ASTLK  WARD  is.  bounded  on  the  nortb  hy  M<m>eth  Ward,  on  tbe 
west  by  Tiadala  Ward,,  on  the  south  by  tbe  river  Tyne,  which  ^videa 
it  from,  the  county  palatine  of  Durham,  and  on  the  east  by  the  German 
Ocean.  It  is,,  upon  an.  aveiage,  in  kngth,  from  south  to  north,  13^ 
miles,  and  in.  bceadth,  from  east  to  weat^  15  miles.  Bedlihgtonshirei. 
wfaieh  lies  afc  the  north-east  comer  of  the  Ward,  occupies  about  30 
equate  miles  of  thos  space.  This  Ward  i&  hi^Iy  cultivated,  productive,  and  populous. 
The  soil  is  various,  in  many  parts  poor  and  dayey ;  bat  even  grounds  the  most  un- 
kindly are  rendered  fertile  oy  the  hand  of  industry.  The  Wara  is  well  watlered  with 
the  ri^era  Tyne,  Blyth,  otid  Font,  and  their  tributary  streams^  Several  considerable 
bums  also  contolbiite  to  fertilize  and  beautify  the  lands.  The  turnpikes  and  by-roads 
which  inteiMct  the  Ward  in  every  direction  are  generaUy  kept  in  good  order,  and  are 
oontinuaUy  reeeivin^  desirable  improvements.  The  aspect  of  the  country  is  various ; 
but  the  whole  camea  the  a^)earance  of  comfort,  opulence,  and  prosperity.  The 
heautiea  of  the  romantic  banks  of  the  Blyth.  are  justly  admired ;  and  few  places  afford 
meh  various  and  agreeable  scenery  as  the  vale  of  Tyne.  And  those  who  have  no 
taste  for  the  charms  of  nature  must  yet  be  interested  with  the  numerous  collieries  and 
manufactories^  with  their  vast  and  ingeniously  constructed  machinery^  &c.  which  are 
orowded  on  the  banks  of  the  rtver. 

The  vast  quantities  of  excellent  cool  with  which  this  district  abounds,  are  the 
means  of  communicating  activity  and  happiness  to  a  numerous  and  hardy  population. 
Their  subsistenee  oecasions  a  great  demano,  and  encourages  agricultural  pursuits,  in 
this  Ward  135,000  aiares  are  calculated  to  be  in  tillage,  and  upwards  of  160,000  acres^ 
may  be  appropriated  for  meadow  ground.  There  are  very  few  sheep  bred ;  but  the 
number  ol  cows  kept  for  the  purposes  of  the  dairy  is  very  greati  This  Ward  is  by* 
ftr  the  nH>st  populous  in  tha  county. 

VOL.  n. — (87)  5  B 


n 


874  CASTLE  WARD— W.  D. 


WiSST    DIVISION. 


HEDDON  ON  THE  WALL  PARISH. 

This  parish,  which  is  partly  in  Castle  Ward  and  partly  in  Tindale  Ward,  is  boundei 
on  the  west  by  Ovingham  and  Stamfordham ;  on  the  north  by  Dalton,  a  detached 
township  in  Newbum  parish,  and  by  Ponteland ;  on  the  east  by  the  latter  parish 
and  that  of  Newbum ;  and  on  the  south  it  is  divided  bv  tlie  Tyne  from  the  county 
of  Durham.  It  is  irregular  in  form,  and  is  only  about  'h^  miles  in  extent  from  east 
to  west,  and  4  miles  from  north  to  south.  In  1815,  its  annual  vcdue  was  returned  at 
£7830 ;  and  in  1821  it  contained  158  houses  and  770  inhabitants.  The  poor-rate,  in 
that  year,  amounted  to  £327»  12«.  It  contains  two  day-schools  for  boys  and  girls, 
and  a  Sunday-school,  generally  attended  by  about  50  cnildren.  Robert  Bewick,  in 
1734,  bequeathed  £20  to  the  poor;  and,  in  1672,  Clement  Reed  gave  a  donation  of 
£  5  for  the  same  purpose,  half  of  which  was  lost  in  the  following  year.  In  the  returns 
made  in  1786,  the  following  explanatory  note  is  given : — "  These  two  sums  of  money, 
amounting  to  £22, 10*.  appear  to  have  been  lent  to  Robert  Bewick,  on  note,  in  1732. 
The  present  heir  (Calverly  Bewick)  who  is  in  possession  of  the  note,  but  by  what 
means  is  unknown,  asserts  the  money  must  have  been  paid :  but  no  account  in  the 
parish  books,  or  elsewhere,  can  be  found  of  the  payment  of  either  principal  or  inte- 
rest, since  1732 ;  except  one  year's  interest  by  Sir  Robert  Bewick  in  1760,  who  pro- 
mised to  pay  the  same  for  the  time  to  come,  which  it  is  supposed  he  would  not  have 
done  if  he  had  not  been  convinced  it  was  a  just  debt."  The  Bewick  family  has,  how- 
ever, been  eminently  distinguished  in  this  parish  for  charity  and  liberality,  and  the 
school-house  at  Houghton  was  built  at  their  charge. 

Heddon  on  the  Wall  is  distant  7  miles  west-north-west  from  Newcastle  It 
stands  in  an  open  situation,  on  the  summit  of  a  lofty  hill.  It  is  but  a  poor  viDage, 
belongs  to  different  proprietors,  and  consists  of  one  farmhold,  two  public  houses,  and 
cottages  for  niechanics  and  labourers  employed  in  agriculture.  The  church,  which  is 
dedicated  to  St.  Philip  and  St.  James,  is  an  ancient  edifice,  seated  on  a  high  rock. 
The  east  end  of  the  chancel  is  a  neat  specimen  of  Norman  architecture ;  but  the  other 
parts  of  the  building  are  executed  in  what  is  called  the  Grothic  style.  At  the  west 
end  of  the  church  is  a  stone,  with  the  following  inscription : — "  1777.  This  vestry 
was  erected  at  the  sole  expence  of  Ralph  Spearman,  of  Eachwick,  Esq.  A.  Arm- 
strong,  vicar;  J.  Wales,  J.  Davison,  churcn-wardens."  The  living  is  a  discharged 
vicarage,  of  the  clear  annual  value  of  £85,  arid  is  in  the  gift  of  the  crown.  The  par- 
sonage-house is  a  ^ood  building  with  a  large  garden.  In  the  stone  stairs,  at  the  west 
end  of  the  house,  is  a  stone  with  a  Roman  inscription,  several  of  which  have  been 
found  here.  The  manor  of  Heddon  on  the  Wall,  in  the  reign  of  Henry  III.  was 
part  of  the  barony  of  Bolbeck.  Walter  de  Bolbeck  gave  to  the  church  of  St  Mar- 
garet at  Blanchbuid,  and  to  the  canons  serving  God  there,  the  right  of  patronage  to 
tne  church  of  St.  Andrew  at  Heddon,  with  all  its  appurtenancies,  for  the  good  of  the 


HEDDON  ON  THE  WALL  PARISH.  S76 

• 

will  of  Wis  father  Walter.  The  deed  of  grant  is  witnessed  by  his  mother,  his  brother 
Hugh  de  Bolbeck,  and  others.  Heddon  on  the  Wall  is  well  situated  for  a  military 
station,  and,  from  various  circumstances,  is  supposed  to  have  been  of  importance  in 
the  time  of  the  Saxons.  Reasoning  from-  the  distance  of  12  miles  from  the  sea,  some 
antiquarians  conclude  that  it  must  be  Bede's  \alla  ad  Murum.  Nathaniel  Clayton, 
Esq.  Edward  Collingwood,  Esq.  and  John  Moore  Bates,  Esq.  possess  fine  estates  in 
this  township :  the  two  former  purchased  their  property  of  Lord  Carlisle.  N.  Clay- 
ton, Esq,  claims  to  be  lord  of  the  manor.  The  Hexham  turnpike  branches  off  from  tne 
military  road  at  this  village.  ,  When  forming  the  military  road  through  it  in  1752, 
the  workmen  discovered,  in  the  Roman  Wall  here,  a  large  and  very  valuable  collec- 
tion of  silver  and  copper  Roman  coins  and  medals,  deposited  in  wooden  boxes,  which 
were  much  decayed.     Several  of  the  medals  were  as  fresh  as  if  newly  struck. 

'  West  Heddon,  which  is  situated  above  a  mile  north-west  from  Heddon  on  the 
Wall,  contains  two  farms  and  a  few  qld  cottages.  Heddon  House  is  the  residence 
and  property  of  Mrs.  Peareth.  About  a  mile  eastward  stands  East  Heddon,  the 
property  of  Sir  M.  W.  Ridley,  Bart.  It  contains  three  fanns  and  a  few  cottages. 
Near  this  place  th^e  have  been  some  remarkable  tumuli,  and  from  which  ITeman 
Laivs^  it  is  conjectured,  derives  its  name.  The  tumuli  named  Dewly  Law  was  highly 
curious  when  in  a  more  perfect  state,  and  appeared  like  the  ruins  of  a  quarry. 

On  the  north  side  of  the  turnpike  is  a  place  called  the  FreiichmaiCs  Raw,  having 
been  occupied  by  French  emigrants.  This  row  of  houses,  which  had  been  inhabited 
by  cdlliers  engaged  in  Messrs.  Bell  and  Brown's  colliery  at  Heddon,  was  prepared 
for  their  reception,  and  presented  a  pleasing  spectacle  to  the  passing  traveller.  The 
entrance  to  the  imartments  on  the  second  story  was  by  a  flignt  of  steps  on  the  out- 
side, whidi  landed  on  a  gallery  that  ran  nearly  the  whole  length  of  the  building.  In 
the  front  were  plots  of  ground  for  gardens,  which  were  kept  in  excellent  order  by  the 
respective  possessors.  This  society  of  strangers  frequently  experienced  the  hospitality 
and  benevolence  of  the  neighbouring  gentry.  They  erected  a  large  sun-dial,  with  an 
inscription  upon  it,  expressive  of  their  gratitude  to  the  English  nation.  These  houses 
are  now  partly  used  as  a  work-house  for  the  poor, 

Eachwick,  anciently  caUed  Achewic,  is  seated  above  2^  miles  north  by  west  from 
Heddon  on  the  Wall,  and  contains  three  farmholds  and  about  SO  cottages.  The  hdl 
is  a  large,  old,  turretted  building.  Half  of  this  village  was  given  to  the  church  at 
Hexham,  about  the  year  1140,  by  Robert  de  la  Val  (l)elaval)  and  Richolda  his  mo- 
ther. The  latter  afterwards  confirmed  to  the  church  all  her  right  of  the  other  moiety 
of  the  viUsge :  and  the  priory  held  lands  here,  the  gift  of  others ;  one  parcel  the  do- 
nation of  Thomas  de  Eachwick,  and  another  of  Peter  de  Fawdon.  The  abbiiy  of 
Newminster  also  had  lands  in  Eachwick,  by  the  gift  of  John  de  Mitford,  S  Henry  VI. 
Roger  Fen  wick,  Esq.  of  Bitchfield,  second  son  of  Sir  John  Fen  wick,  of  Wallington, 
by  Margery  the  daughter  and  heiress  of  John  Harbottle,  Esq.  married  Ursilla, 
daughter  of  Sir  John  Heron,  of  Chipchase,  knight^  and  purchased  of  the  crown 
Eachwick  Hall,  with  divers  Imids,  to  be  held  by  fealty  only,  as  of  the  mimor  of  East 
Greenwich,  subject  to  a  certain  fee-farm  rent.    In  the  year  1589»  he  settled  the  same ' 


. » ■. " 


yj*  CASTILE  WARD  — W.  Di 

oa  Aiithotty»*  bid  second  scm,  whose  isatte  m  tibe  male  line  beooraong  extinct;  Hhm 
estate,  about  the  year  1670»  came  te  Ralph  Seusfiekl,  Esgl  of  NewcastLs  upeft  Tyn^ 
ih:  right  c^  hifi  mother^  who  was  the  daughter  of  George  Femwiek^  of  tliat  jdaoe^  mo^ 
chant-adventurer,  yonttger  son  of  AnthiHiy  Faiwick.  Ralph  Seutfield,  of  Eadmidi, 
Esq^  hia  cndy  son»  was  high  sheriff  for  the  county  ef  Northumberiand  in  the  year 
1684:  he  died  September^  17S8|  and  hea  buried  withitt  the  rails  of  the  comimmiea 
table  in.  the  chu^eh  o£  St  Johni  Newcastle.  On  hia  decease  the  estate  AtSGended  to 
Edward  Bell,  Es%  whose  eldest  daughter,  Eliaabelh^  coheir  of  hen  brother^  Edwanb 
Bell»  Esq.  of  £aehwick„  im  the  year  1748  married  George  Spearman,  £si|.  o£  Pseatomf* 
He:  died  November  1,  Jr753v  md  was  succeeded  in  the  Eachwiek  esliate  by  Ua.  sooi 
Ralph)  by  the  above  Elizabeth.  The  late  Ralph  Spearman,  Esq.  bavins  never  imta^ 
ried,  left  hia  sister  Marv  a  life  interest  in  all  his  property.  At  her  deara,  tibe  ertote 
becomes  the  property  of  Mr.  John  Hunter  and  his  male  heirs,  with  other  remainders, 
the  ultimate  one  beiag  in  favour  of  James  Losh,  Esq.  of  Newcastle.  WhMver  eomes 
into-  possession  of  the  estates,  is  directed  to  assume  the  name  and  arms  of  SpeairmaB. 
The  house  and  garden  walls  are  being  repaired  by  Miss  Spearman. 

Each  wick  has  anciently  been  a  place  of  some  consequence,  and  still  oontaina  a  Ibw 
old  landholders.  The  family  g£  Akeiiaide  the  poet  had  lands  bete  foe  aaanT  genets* 
tions.  In  making  a  road  uurough  ai>  old  camp  near  the  village^  sevend  hand^wiH 
stones,  a  sacrificing  knife,  and  a  flint  axe,  similar  to>  the  pattoo  ot  the  South  Sea^ 
Ishmders,  were  diaeovered,  andl  were  in  the  possesion  of  the  late  Ra^  Spearman^  £^4 


*  November  2e,  1^611,  Geprge  and  Fotar  Ward,  grantetaof  theking  (James  L),  Mkito^Mark  Bttif^ftoD, 
of  PonteUmd,  Esq.  trustee  for  Urn  Amfaony  Feawick  and  George  Penwidi  hie  son,  a  menoage  aad  faro  ftnsa 
in  Eackwick.  Eniagtoo  after  aaaignt  the  above  and  ether  kmds  to  George  Fenwick,  a#  Newcagde^  mat*. 
chant,  younger  sen  of  the  said  Anthony  Fenwtck,  and  younger  broAer  of  Jc^n  Fe»wiclE»  of  Bach^rack,  gsott 
The  lastnaned,  with  Ann  his^only  chiM,  seld  the  above  bnda  to  Sir  Thomas  Widdrit^rtei^  hM^;  butiit 
1670,  fialph  ScurfieU,  only  child  of  William  Scurfield,  and  Margaret  hie  wilb,  ^covered  the  siad  lande  Imm 
Thomaa*  Lord  Windsor^  uad  Ursub  hia  wife,  daughter  of  the  abovA^aamed  Sif  Thomas  WiiMriagaMi,— 
Spearmm< 

f  The  Spearmans  of  Preston  claim  to  be  a  branch  fVtnn  those  of  Dnnnington,  near  Newport  in  Shropshire, 
where  they  have  been  seated  since  the  Conquest,  and  who  assert  their  descent  flrom  the  ancient  lords  or 
opiutlsi  of  AepramioiiC,  »  certain  caatle  and  county  on  the  confines  of  Lorrain  and  Bor.  *'  But  whatever  may 
fa|aeaeie  of  this  descent^"  obeervea  Surtees,  <^  which,  as  it  is  not  easy  to  prove,  it  is  also  impossible  to  reftito ; 
the  dpaafmana^  fromi  wbetesoever  they  sprung,  came  into  Northumberland  aa  gentlemen  in  the  time  of 
Henry  YJIl.  ai^  hive  ever  sioee  maiatsined  then  rank  as  sucK" 

{  Mr.  Spearman  was  a  celebrated  local  antiquary,  and  is  said  to  have  been  the  Monkbarns  of  the  popular 
tale  of  the  Antiquary.  He  was  gifted  with  an  excellent  memory,  and  was,  as  Mr.  Surtees  observes,  "  almost 
tk9  seW  depoakory  of  a  vast  mass  of  oral  and  popular  tradition."  Though  not  distinguished  for  d'lsenmina^ 
tlon  or  aeonniey,  his  MS.  notes  are  numerous  ana  valuable.  He  was  most  liberal  ia  hia  communicationa; 
and*  his  eonespondenoe  with  other  antiquaries  would,  if  collected^  be  extremely  carjous.  He  was  for  many 
yean  one  of  his  m^eety's  justices  of  the  peace.  He  died  on  the  ISth  of  Jtily,  1SS5,  aged  7^  years,  and  ia 
bm^ied  in  hia  Ikmily  vault,  hewn  out  of  the  rock  under  the  vestry  of  Heddon  on  tihe  Wall  cfrurch.  His  beir^ 
MVi'  HuBter^  Jnmdi  been  an  old  and  faithftil  servant  (as  steward)  of  the  fkmify ;  an^  as  Mr  Sprearman  had  na 
cfaildwi  of  hia  oun^  he  detennina^  as  he  said,  ''to  Mew  Ifie  example  oP  Abrafaam,  and  te  consider  hia 
Eifoiuar  aa  heir  to  all  hia  house." 


NEWBURN  PARISH-  377 

Whitchxbtbr*  a  farmhold  and  two  cottages,  stands  above  3  miles  west  l^y  north 
from  Heddon  on  the  WaU»  and  a  short  distance  ncNrth  from  the  Roman  Wall.  This 
pkce  was  long  the  seat  ii^  the  Turpins»  a  family  allied  to  the  RatdifFs,  Delavals, 
and  Routchestars.  It  also  formed  part  of  the  large  possessions  of  the  Widdringtons, 
from  whom  it  piuHsed»  by  miiriage  with  Ursula,  daughter  of  Sir  Thomas  Widdrin^- 
ton,  to  the  family  of  Lord  Windsor.  It  is  now  in  the  possession  of  a  Mr.  Thompscm. 
In  a  large  oairh,  on  Turpm's  HiU^  near  this  place,  in  1771>  a  stone  chest  was  fonnd, 
endosing  nothing  but  a  small  quantity  of  ashes  and  burnt  bones.  In  1795>  another 
of  these  chests  was  found  *in  the  same  cairn :  it  contained  two  urns,  and  copper  coins 
of  Domitian^  Antcminus  Pius^  and  Faustina,  which  are  at  ]^achwick  Hall* 

Houghton  lies  west  from  Heddon  on  the  Wall,  and  adjoins  the  Hexham  turn- 
pike. It  consists  of  two  fermholds,  a  few  cottages,  and  a  school-house.  Close  House^ 
which  makes  part  of  tiie  manor  of  Houghton,  stands  on  the  north  bank  of  the  river 
Tyne.  It  was  formerly  a  chapel,  founded  by  the  Ratcliffs  of  Cartington  Castle,  and 
was  endowed  with  the  lands  which  comprise  the  present  estate.  It  reverted  to  the 
Ratdiill^  at  the  Refwmation,  and  was  by  them  sold  to  the  Reeds ;  and  of  the  Reeds 
pui^ha^  in  16S0  by  Robert  Bewick,  Esq.  an  opulent  merchant  in  Newcastle,  who 
had  his  residence  at  Bewidc's  Entry,  in  the  Close.  It  was  possessed  by  Robert 
Bewick,  who  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  1695 ;  and  by  Robert  Bewick, 
£sq.  who  filled  the  same  high  office  in  1726.  Sir  Robert  Bewick  wa$  hiffh  sheriff  in 
lyw),  and  received  the  honour  of  knighthood  on  presenting  the  Nortnumberlalld 
address  at  the  accession  of  George  III.  to  the  throne.  His  successor,  Calverly 
Bewick,  Esq.  served  the  office  of  high  sheriff  of  the  county  in  1782.  He  was,  during 
many  years,  lieutenant-oolonel  of  the  Duriiam  militia ;  and,  at  the  time  of  his  death, 
represented  the  borough  of  Winchester,  for  which  he  had  been  returned  in  three  suc- 
cessive parliaments.  He  died  October  84, 1815.  By  his  wife,  Margaretjudaughtef*  of 
Robert  Spearman,  Esq.  of  Old  Acres,  in  the  countv^Surham,  he  lafLissue.  Mrs. 
Bewick  resides  occasionally  at  Close  House.  Her  sBSfi&llSiL,  Calverly  Bewick,  Esq. 
married  Elizabeth  Philadelphia  Wilkinson,  of  Witton  Castle. 

The  mansion-house,  which  was  built  in  1779>  is  a  large  elegant  modern  structUK, 
and  is  finely  situated  on  a  gently  inclining  lawn,  commanding  a  view  of  the  Tyne, 
which  here  makes  an  elegant  curvature.     The  house  is  surrounded  by  beautiful 

Elantations,  and  the  pleasure-grounds  are  adorned  by  three  fine  sheets  of  water.  The 
ite  Colonel  Bewick  expended  considerable  sums  in  improving  his  residence  here,  and 
they  appear  to  have  been  judiciously  applied.  The.  old  chapel  stood  on  the  scite  of 
the  bow-wipdow, 

NEWBURN  PARISH. 

This  parish  is  bounded  on  the  west  bv  Heddon  on  the  Wall  parish,  on  thp  north 
by  Whaiton  and  Ponteland,  on  the  east  by  Gk)sforth  and  St.  John's,  and  on  the  south 
by  the  river  Tyne.  Its  form  is  extremely  irregular;  but  the  average  length  may  be 
takoi  at  8^  miles,  and  the  breadth  about  the  same.  The  soil,  in  general^  is  very 
productive,  and  the  surface  varied  and  beautiful.  It  is  divided  into  15  townships, 
and,  in  1821,  contained  785  inhabited  houses  and  480S  inhabitants.    In  the  same 

VOL,  II,  6  C 


378  CASTLE  WARD.^W.  D. 

year,  the  poor-rates  amount^  to  £2285,  6^.  One  school  is  endowed  with  £9, 10^,  a 
cottage,  and  garden,  making  together  about  £12  per  annum,  for  which  22  children 
aire  taught.  A  school-house  was  in  1822  erected  by  the  Duke  of  Northumberland; 
and  the  Lemington  Glass  Company  give  to  the  master  £5  a  year,  and  the  Iron  Com- 
pany an  equal  sum.  There  are,  in  aU,  seven  day-schools  in  this  parish^  attended  by 
569  children ;  besides  Sunday-schools  at  Newbum  Hall,  at  Walbottle,  at  Newham, 
and  at  Sugley,  conducted  by  the  Methodists.  The  following  bequests  have  been  made 
by  will  to  the  poor,  viz. — John  Blackett,  in  1701,  land,  which  let  at  £4  per  annum 
36  years  ago;  Edward  Delaval,  in  1741,  the  interest  of  £100;  in  the  same  year, 
Gawen  Stoker,  land,  worth  £l  a  year;  and  Urick  Whitfield,  in  1746,  the  interest 
of  £50. 

Newburn  is  most  delightfully  seated  on  the  north  banks  of  the  Tyne,  5j  miles 
west  from  Newcastle.  It  mostly  consists  of  old  houses,*  irrcmilarly  built  on  uneven 
ground ;  but  every  house  having  a  garden  attached  to  it,  the  whole  has  a  pleasing 
and  picturesque  effect.  This  place  has  long  been  renowned  for  its  early  and  cKcellent 
fruit.  There  are  five  public  houses  here ;  but  the  inhalxtants,  who  are  mostly  fisher- 
men, keelmen,  and  colliers,  are  in  general  very  poor.  The  house  now  occupied  by 
Mr.  Hay,  in  which  Mr.  Hugh  Taylor,  the  Duke  of  Northumberland's  bailiff,  formerly 
resided,  is  a  neat  building,  with  a  parterre  in  front,  and  commands  a  fine  view  of  the 
river.  The  vicarage-hoiise  is  also  a  commodious  building,  with  a  large  garden  in 
ft^nt,  well  stocked  with  fruit  trees.  There  was  formerly  a  water^mfll  on  the  bum, 
about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  north  from  the  village,  whidi  was  called  the  High-mill :  it 
\^s  swept  awiay  by  a  flood  about  the  time  that  Tyne-bridge  fdl.  The  Low  water- 
iiiiU  is  situated  near  the  bridge,  and  is  occupied  by  Mr.  Wmiam  Hedley.  Near  the 
mill^  Mr.  Spencer  has  lately  erected  a  fiile-manufactory ;  and  Messrs.  Pottw  and  Co.  have 
a  ]Mt  here,  from  which  fire-brick  clay  is  extracted,  and  alaio  the  coals  used  in  the  kibs. 

The  diurch,  which  is  dedicated  to  St.  Michael,  is  finely  situated  on  arising  ground, 
at  the  north-west  end  of  the  villi^e :  it  is  in  the  form  of  a  cross^  with  a  square  tower,f 
and  was  thoroughly  repaired  about  four  years  ago.  The  vestry, is  inconveniently 
small.  King  Henry  I.  gave  the  impropriation  and  advowsonof  it,  and  of  the  church 
of  St.  Nicholas  in  Newcastle  upon  Tyne^  to  the  church  and  canons  of  St.  Mary  ki 

* 

*  It  was  once  in  agitation  to  rebuild  the  village  of  Newburn,  so  as  to  combine  utility  with  thepiotuTesqiie; 
and  the  .late.  David  Stephenson^  Esq.  architect^  drew  plans  for  that  purpose.  The  design,  however,  was  for 
some  reason  abandoned. 

f  There  is  a  traditionary  tale  here,  that,  a  great  number  of  years  ago,  the  villagers  wer6  alarmed  at  mitlnight 
by  the  tolling  of  the  church>bell,  as  if  for  a  funeral.  Most  of  the  inhabitants  lay  trembling  in  their  becU,  and 
none  (not  even  the  parson)  had  the  fortitude  to  approach  the  spot,  to  explore  the  cause  of  this  extraordinary  and 
mysterious  circumstance.  At  length,  however,  a  recruiting  party,  who  were  offering  their  orgies  to  Bacchas 
at  the  lower  end  of  the  village,  volunteered  their  services,  on  condition  that  the  priest  would  attend  them ; 
which  proposal  was  agreed  to,  after  some  hesitation :  they  accordingly  marched  towards  the  ditirch,  the  priest 
and  his  clerk  following  close  to  them  in  the  rear,  with  trembling  steps,  and  the  sacred  volume  spread  open. 
They  soon  arrived  at  the  belfry,  where,  instead  of  meeting  with  a  spirit  or  a  witch,  as  was  expected,  they 
fbund  a  poor  iileot,  named  Tom,  who  was  well  known  in  the  Neighbourhood,  and  who  being  fbnd  of  beU- 
mubic,  had  concealecl  himself  there  for  his  own  entertainment. ' 


NEWBITRN  PARISH.  379 

Carlisle.  In  the  chancel,  on  the  north  side  of  the  altar,  and  against  the  wall,  is  a 
tomb  of  blue  marble,  with  the  following  inscription  ^— - 

r  « 

ft   * 

:  *'  Here  lieth  Sir  Johk  Dblaval,  of  North  Dissington^  Knight,  who  died  the  12th  of  August,  1652.  Also 
RoBEBT  Dblaval,  Esq.  his  son  and  heir,  who  died  the  6th  of  February,  1666,  and  gave  to  the  poor  of  this 
parish  £5,  to  be  paid  by  the  lands  of  North  Dissington,  the  Thursday  before  Easter  yearly  for  ever.  Also 
WiLiiiAH  Dblavajl,  buried  August  20,  l6S4.  Gbobge  Dblaval,  buried  March  the  18th,  1694.  Mary, 
wife  of  EnwABD  Dblaval,  Esq.  daughter  of  Sir  Francis  Blakb,  of  Ford  Castle,  buried  Dec.  7>  1711^  aged 
17.  The  aforesaid  Edward,  eldest  of  Gborob  Dblaval,  Esqr/s  sons,  who  died  August  the  dd,  1744r,  aged 
80  years,  left  £50  to  be  distributed  amongst  the  poor  inhabitants  of  the  four  following  parishes,  to  Newbum 
£20,  to  Heddon  on  the  Wall  £l0,  to  SUmfordham  £lO,  and  to  Ponteland  £  10." 

The  Irving  is  a  discharged  vicarage,  valued  in  the  king's  books  at  £l6,  the  bishdp 
pf  Carlisle  patron.  After  the  restoration,  the  living  being  represented  to  the  bishop 
(i)r.  Smith)  as  an  insufficient  maintenance  for  a  minister,  his  lordship  augmented  it 
£  25  per  annum. 

This  was  one  of  the  Northumbrian  churches  held  of  Henry  T.  by  Richard  de  Aurea 
Vaile,  before  that  monarch  gave  it  to  the  canons  of  the  church  of  Carlisle.  It  was 
the  scene  of  a  horrific  tragedy,  so  early  as  the  ides  of  March,  1072.  Osulf,  enraged 
at  being  deprived  of  the  earldom  of  Northumberland,  betook  himself  to  the  woods 
and  mount^ms ;  but  afterwards  collecting  a  few  of  his  associates  in  want  and  disgrace, 
he  besieged  Newburn,  where  Copsi,  his  rival,  was  tumidtuously  enjoying  himself 
vdth  his  firiends.  Copsi  took  refuge  in  the  church ;  but  the  revenge  of  his  antagonist 
was  not  to  be  softened  by  dread  01  heaven  or  ecclesiastical  censure ;  fire  was  applied 
to  the  sacred  edifice,  and  the  earl,  in  attempting  to  escape,  was  seized  and  murdered. 

The  borough  of  Newbum  was  anciently  a  very  flourishing  place,  and  paid  a  fee-farm 
rent  of  £30  a  year  to  Richard  I.  His  successor,  John,  in  1201,  raised  their  rent  to 
£50;  and,  on  accoimt  of  privileges  and  exemptions  they  enjoyed,  imposed  a  fine 
upon  them  of  fifteen  marks  and  two  palfreys.  As  the  tide  flows  past  tnis  place,  its 
commercial  consequence  might  have  be^n  expected  to  have  kept  pace  with  the  times ; 
but  Newcastle,  wnich  in  the  thirteenth  century  paid  only  a  sixth  more  rent  than 
Newbum,  reaped  too  many  royal  favours  for  a  rival  to  thrive  in  its  neighbourhood. 
The  manor^  or,  as  it  is  sometimes  called,  the  barony  of  Newbum,  has  had  the  same 
revolution  of  possessors  as  Warkworth,  from  Robert  Fitz-Roger,  in  the  time  of 
Henry  III.  to  the  present  day. 

On  the  28th  of  August,  164M),  there  was  a  sharp  conflict  here,  between  the  armies 
headed  by  Lord  Conway  and  General  Lesley,  the  famous  Presbyterian  leader,  and  of 
which  a  very  particular  relation  is  preserved  in  Rushworth's*  Collections.    On  the 


*  John  RuahwoTlh,  author  of  the  **  Hirtorical  CcUeetions,"  was  a  native  of  Northumberland,  where  he  was 
bom  aboDt  1607*  AfWr  studying  some  time  at  Ozford«  he  entered  himself  of  Lincoln's  Inn,  and  became  a 
barrister.  But  being  fimd  of  state  affairs,  he  constantly  attended  the  councils  and  courts,  and^  during  the 
ciTfl  war,  travdled  in  pursuit  of  infonnatioii.  In  1640/  he  was  chosen  an  assistant  to  Henry  Elsynge,  Esq. 
derk  of  tiie  Himse  of  Commons,  and  was  frequently  employed  in  carrying  the  most  important  addresses  and 
messageB  to  the  king,  while  at  York.  When  his  i;elation.  Sir  Thomas  Fair&x,  was  in  1643,  appointed  gene- 
ral of  the  parliament  forces,  he  was  made  his  secretary.    He  was  very  active  during  the  siege  of  Oxford  in 


«80  CASTLE  WAHD.-*W.  D- 

'S7th  of  August,  says  this  writer,  ^'  the  Soots  pitched  their  tents  on  Heddon  Law^ 
above  Newtome,  from  whence  there  went  a  continued  descent  to  the  river  of  Tyne. 
In  the  night  time,  they  made  great  fires  in  and  round  about  their  camp,  on  an  open 
moorish  ground  (having  coals  plenty  thereabouts),  so  that  the  camp  seemed  to  be  of 
laroe  compass  and  extent  That  night  and  the  next  morning  they  sufibred  any  Eiig^ 
lisnman  to  come  into  their  camp,  and  made  them  welcome,  with  expressions  c^  great 
love,  and  protestations  of  doing  harm  to  none  but  those  who  should  oppose  them  in 
demanding  justice  of  the  king  against  incendiaries. 

**  The  same  night,  part  of  tne  king's  army,  consisting  of  SOOO  foot  and  1500  horse, 
were  drawn  forth  into  a  plain  meadow  ground,  which  was  near  a  mile  in  length,  close 
on  the  south  side  of  Tyne,  called  Newbome^haugh,  or  Stella-haugh,  to  hinder  the 
Scots  from  passing  the  river  in  the  night  time,  where  were  two  several  sconces  or 
breast-workSft  raised  by  the  English  against  the  two  fords,  which  the  Scots  might  pass 
over  at  low  water,  fbr  tiD  then  they  could  not  pass  the  Tyne,  and  into  each  sconce 
were  put  400  musqueteers  and  four  pieces  of  ordnance.  The  horse  were  drawn  inta 
squadrons  ixK  the  said  haugh,  at  some  distance  froip  the  foot :  in  this  posture  hprsfe 
and  foot  guarded  the  river  all  that  night  and  the  next  day,  tiD  the  engagement. 

"  T!>e  Scots  all  the  forenoon  watered  their  horses  at  one  side  of  the  mrer,  and  the 
English  on  the  other  side,  without  aftronting  one  another,  or  giving  any  r^proacbftil 
language.  The  Scots,  having  the  advantage  of  the  rising  ground  above  Newborne^ 
easfly  discerned  the  posture  and  motion  of  the  Englisli  army  below  in  the  vaDer,  on 
the  south  side  the  river ;  but  th^  posture  of  the  Scots  army  the  EngHsh  could  iiot 
discern,  by  reason  of  the  houses,  nedges,  and  inclo$ures,  in  and  about  Newbome. 

l64id;  and  in  l649,  he  was  created  M.  A.  of  Qoten's  (kUege,  and  acted  as  an  arbiter  between  tbe  citisens  of 
Ox^d  and  the  university.  When  Fairfax  resigned  hia  commission  of  general,  Rushworth  returned  to  Lin^ 
coln^s  Inn;  but,  in  1651-2,  was  appointed  on^  of  the  committee  fbt  the  reformation  of  the  common  law. 
After  the  restoration,  he  presented  to  the  king  several  cf  the  privy  ooapcil  book»,  which  he  had  preserved, 
but  was  only  rewarded  by  thanks.  In  1677,  Sir  Orlando  Bridgmsn,  lord  keeper  of  the  great  seal»  appomted 
him  his  secretary.  He  served  in  five  parliaments  fbr  Berwick  upon  Tweed;  but»  upon  the  dissolution  of  the 
Oxford  parliament,  he  Hved  in  the  utmost  retirement  and  obscurity  in  Westminster.  He  had  many  oppor- 
tunities of  enriching  himself;  but,  either  through  carelessnesa  or  exskntvagance,  he  never  became  master  of 
any  considerable  possessions.  He  dragged  on  the  last  six  years  of  his  fife,  a  prkoiief  for  debt,  in  the  King's 
Bench,  South wark,  having  greatly  lost  the  use  of  his  understanding  and  memory,  pavt^  by  age,  and  partly 
by  drinking  stra>g  Hquors  to  keep  up  hb  spirits.  There  he  died.  May  12>  l69&i  a^Ul  8fl  years  of  age,  and 
was  buried  behind  the  pulpit  in  St.  George's  church.  South  wark.  He  had  several  dlsughters,  one  of  whom 
was  married  to  Sir  Francis  Vane.  His  Hbioricai  CdUctiwt,  ib  eight  volume^  has  been  much  condemned 
by  Tory  writers  ;  and  Charles  II.  engaged  Dr.  John  Nalson,  of  Cambridge,  to  ruin  its  credil  Others  accuse 
Rushworth  of  collecting  much  matter  from  Torolinson  the  bookseller's  grand  collection  of  pamphlets,  which 
conUined  30,000  tracts.  His  Collections  are,  however,  uittqwistionably  of  great  vMy  aii4:  hia  indoslry  in  ob- 
t^ning  information  was  unexampled.  Rushworth,  i^ter  describing  the  fictiona  of  pai«^,  says,  "  Sii«h  pm^ 
tices,  and  the  experience  I  had  thereof,  and  the  impoaribttity  for  any  man,  in  afttii  agsa,  to  groumd  a  true 
history,  by  relying  on  the  printed  pamphlets  of  our  dbys  which  passed  Ae  pwse  while  il  waa  without  <Wb- 
troul,  obliged  me  to  all  the  pains  and  charge  I  have  been  at  fbr  many  years  Ssgether,  to  make  a  great  eoUof- 
tion  ;  and,  whilst  such  things  were  fresh  in  memory,  to  separate  trudi  fk<ein  Hilsehood,  thinga.  letl  ftoM  lIuDta 
fictitious,  or  imaginary."—- i^M^.  Brit*    Chalm^^  Biog.  JXci.  voL  xxvi. 


NEWBURN  PARISH,  881 

The  Soots  brought  down  cannon*  into  Newbome  town,  and  planted  some  in  the 
diuTch  steeple,  a  smaU  distance  from  the  river  Tyne :  their  musqueteers  were  placed 
in  the^church,  houses,  lanes,  and  hedges,  in  and  about  Newbome. 

**  The  skirmish  began  thus  (as  the  author  of  these  collections  was  informed,  being 
then  upon  the  place) :  a  Scottish  officer,  well  mounted,  having  a  black  feather  in  his 
hat,  came  out  of  one  of  the  thatched  houses  in  Newbome,  and  watered  his  horse  in 
the  river  Tyne,  as  th^  had  done  all  that  day ;  an  English  soldier  perceived  he  fixed 
his  eye  towards  the  English  trenches  on  the  south  side  of  the  nver,  fired  at  him 
(whether  in  earnest  or  to  frighten  him  is  not  known),  but  wounded  the  Scotchman 
with  the  shot,  who  fell  off  his  horse,  whereupon  the  Scottish  musqueteers  immediately 
fired  upon  the  English,  and  so  the  fight  begun  with  small  shot,  but  was  continued 
with  ^eat  shot  as  well  as  small. 

**  Tne  English  played  with  their  cannon,  to  beat  the  Scots  out  of  the  church  steeple ; 
thus  they  continued  firing  on  both  sides,  till  it  grew  to  be  near  low  water,  and  by 
that  time  the  Scots,  with  their  cannon,  had  made  a  breach  in  the  greater  sconce,  whidd 
Colonel  Lunsford  commanded,  wherein  many  of  his  men  were  killed,  and  began  to 
retire,  yet  the  colonel  prevailed  with  them  to  stand  to  their  arms ;  but  presently  after 
a  captain,  a  lieutenant,  and  some  other  officers,  were  slain  in  that  work :  then  the 
soldiers  took  occasion  to  coipplain,  that  they  were  put  upon  double  duty,  and  had 
stood  there  cdl  night  and  that  day  to  that  tiitie,  and  that  no  soldiers  were  sent  from 
the  army  at  Newcastle  to  relieve  them ;  but  Colonel  Lunsford  again  prevailed  with 
them  not  to  desert  their  works ;  but  another  cannon-shot  hitting  in  the  works  amongsft; 
the  soldiers,  and  killing  some  more  of  them,  they  threw  down  their  arms,  and  would 
abide  in  the  fort  no  longer. 

*^  The  enemy,  on  the  rising  ground  above  Newbome,  plainly  discerned  the  posture 
of  the  king's  army,  and  how  the  soldiers  had  quit  the  great  work,  and  being  low 
water,  the  Scots  commanded  a  forlorn  party  of  26  horse,  bein^  gentlemen  of  the 
College  of  Justice  Troop,  to  pass  the  river,  which  they  did  with  some  swiftness ; 
their  orders  were  only  to  make  discovery  in  what  posture  the  souldiera  were  about 
the  uppermost  work,  but  not  to  come  to  a  dose  engagement,  but  fire  at  a  distance 
and  retreat. 

'<  The  Scots  playing  at  this  time  very  hard  upon  the  furthermost  trench,  forced  the 
English  foot  to  retreat  from  that  work  also,  which  the  Scots  discerning  on  the  rising 
ground  at  Newbome,  more  horse,  commanded  by  Sir  Thomas  Hope,  and  two  regiments 
of  foot  commanded  by  the  Liord  Crawford,  Lindsey,  and  Lord  Lowden,  waded  Uirough 
the  liver ;  and  General  Lesley,  at  this  instant  of  time,  played  hard  with  nine  pieces  of 
cannon,  from  a  new  sconce  which  they  had  raised  on  a  hill  to  the  east,  and  so  galled 
the  king's  horse,  drawn  up  in  a  plain  meadow  ground,  that  it  much  disordered  them, 
and  sending  more  forces  over  the  river,  a  retreat  was  sounded,  and  Colonel  Lunsford 
drew  off  the  cannon.  Immediately  Commissary  Wilmot,  son  to  Lord  Wilmot,  Sir 
John  Digby,  a  Romish  recusant,  and  Daniel  O'Neal,  an  Irishman,  jcnntly  engaged 
the  enemy,  and  had  a  sharp  encounter  with  their  horse,  they  being  commanded  to 
bring  up  the  rear,  whilst  the  foot  retreated  up  Ryton  and  Stella  banks;  but  the 

*  Bnmett  says  that  these  cannon  were  made  of  bar  iron,  hooped,  like  a  band,  with  cords  and  wet  raw 
bides.    They  were  carried  on  horseback,  and  bore  several  discharges^ 


882  CASTLE  WAKD— W.  D. 

Scots,  with  their  fresh  supply  newly  come  over  the  river,  environed  theae  three  o«ik 
manders,  and  took  them  and  some  others  of  their  troops  prisoners.  Gw^mH  heAsf 
treated  these  commanders  nobl^  in  the  Soots  c^mp,  and  «ftewfMrd9  gave  them  t&eir 
liberty  freely  to  return  to  the  king's  army." 

Loi'd  Cla^ndon  calls  this  defeat  an  irreparable  rout.  Newcastle  we4  irnmedliately 
evacuated,  and  the  English  army  reti^eated  to  Durham.  •  Conwfty  was  accus^  rf 
cowardice  and  treadiery,  and  made  a  most  miserable  defence  against  the  charge. 

Newburn  Hall.— This  township  adjoins  the  village  on  the  east.  The  cdd  build** 
ing  from  which  it  is  named,  now  converted  into  a  farmhold,  is  eoskjeetvun^  to  have 
been  a  religious  house :  the  walls,  in  some  narts,  are  six  or  seven  feet  thick-  The 
populous,  active,  and  flourishing  village  caUed  Leniingt0n^  is  included  in  this  town- 
ship. It  is  conveniently  situated  on  the  banks  of  the  river,  wha^  it  m^k^  a  curious 
flexure,  about  one  mile  east  from  Newburn.  It  oontaina  seva»l  extensive  manufac- 
turies,  and  represents  Shefiidd  in  miniature.  Viewed  from  a  distance,  espeeaally  at 
night,  the  \viiole  place  seems  enveloped  in  smoke ;  while  the  curling  flames  whidi 
dart  upwards  from  tbe  numerous  furnaces  present  the  appeiiranee  of  a  eily  on  fire. 
Till  the  year  1787»  this  village  was  \&ry  inconsiderable,  consisting  ma?>ely  of  the  eoal* 
staiths,  and  a  few  houses  attached.  About  that  time,  a  company  of  iwtn|ririiig 
gentlemen  entered  into  the  glass  trade  in  Newcastle,  under  the  firm  oi  the  Narthun^ 
terland  Glass  Company ;  but  the  jealousy  exdted  by  their  well'-known  taknts  for 
business,  o'eated  an  ungenerous  opposition,  and  prevented  them  fixrni  proeurinff 
ground  to  build  on,  until  at  last  they  ai)plied  to  the  late  Duke  ot  Northumberland, 
from  whom  they  acquired  convenient  scites  for  building^  at  this  pUce«  In  A  abort 
time,  tiiere  appeared  four  large  glass-houses,  one  of  wmdi  is  particularly  loflly  and 
beautiful,  bunt  of  brick,  and  of  the  most  excellent  wwkmanship.  The  wia«house& 
dnd  oflices  attadied  to  the  glass-woiics  are  very  extaisive  and  convenient ;  and  the 
whole  is  allowed  by  traveUenre  to  constitute  the  most  complete  glasa-miuiiifactory  in 
England.  In  the  year  1797,  the  Tyne  Iron  Works,  a  very  large  ircm  munufaetory, 
was  begun,  and  which  is  conducted  with  much  spirit  and  suooess.  The  ooal^,  us  was 
before  observed,  are  conveyed  from  Wylam  colliery,  a  distance  of  six  miles,  upon  m 
inclined  plane,  to  a  staith  here.  Ther^  is  also  another  staith,  belonging  to  HoljTwell 
colliery.  The  iron-works  are  under  the  inspection  of  Mr.  Bulmer,  an  epuncnt  mefr 
chant  from  Hull,  who  purchased  them,  in  conjunction  witii  some  other  gentli^eii, 
some  years  ago.  There  are  few  instuuies  in  the  north  of  England  of  my  pb^ee  having 
risen  so  rapidly  in  size  and  consideration ;  nor  one  where  business  is  carried  cm  with 
more  liberality  and  spirit.  (Saa  vol.  i.  p.  16S.)  Lemington  contains  som^  good 
houses.  It  has  three  public  houses :  the  principal  one  is  kept  by  Mr.  Cotheek ;  but 
they  all  do  a  great  deal  of  business.  The  country  adjoining  the  village  is  vcsry  rich 
and  productive,  and  several  plots  are  neatly  laid  out  in  gardens.  At  a  ^hori  4i$tan6e 
west  from  this  village,  and  near  the  bottom  of  a  fine  eminence,  stands  IieiningiM 
House,  the  residence  of  Joseph  Lamb,  Esq.  It  commands  a  pleasant  vi^w  ^  the 
river,  Newbom-haughs,  and  a  well  cultivated  country  in  the  county  of  Durhaip. 

SuoLEY  consists  of  two  rows  of  houses,  on  a  ri^ng  grovni),  at  the  nprth-east  end 
of  Lemins^n.    They  are  inhabitM  by  wwfanoiejiQ  employ^  in  the  neiffhbpurimr 


NEWBURN  PARISH.  88S 

manufaetories ;  and»  in  order  to  avoid  the  effects  of  the  dense  columns  of  heated  smoke 
which  frequently  proceed  from  the  viUage  below^  the  houses  face  northwards. 

JBeW^  Close  is  an  irregular  built  village,  and  occupies  a  high  bank  on  the  margin 
<xf  the  river,  a  short  distance  east  from  Lemington.  It  is  the  property  of  George 
Baker^  Esq.  of  Elemore,  and  consists  of  a  number  of  cottages,  including  one  pubfic 
house,  inhabited  partly  by  people  employed  in  the  Lemington  iron- works.  Here  is 
an  extensive  brick  and  tile  manufactory,  belonging  to  Mr.  Thomas  Forster.  Close 
to  the  river  is  a  tallow*manufactory.  Lord  Dundonald  first  commenced  bis  coal  tar 
works  here.    Bell's  Close  Dean  extends  for  some  way  up  the  country. 

Wallbottle. — This  place  stands  about  a  mile  north-east  from  Newbum,  and  a 
short  distance  south  from  the  Hexham  turnpike.  It  is  a  pleasant  pit-village,  and 
contains  one  public  house.  At  the  north  side,  and  near  the  quarry^  William  jPotter, 
Esq.  has  a  good  house,  from  which  is  a  fine  prospect  to  the  south.  Mr.  James  Hun- 
ter, colliery  viewer,  has  also  a  pleasant  residence  adjoining*  The  colliery  here  is 
wrought  with  great  spirit  by  the  lessees,  Messrs.  Jelling,  Potter,  and  Lamb.  Both 
the  soil  and  royalty  of  this  township  belong  to  the  I)uke  of  NortJiumberland.  Wal- 
hotde  Dean^  which  terminates  at  tne  east  end  of  Newbum,  presents  in  some  parts 
very  interesting  scenery.  Near  the  bottom  of  the  dean,  a  powerful  steam-engine  has 
been  lately  erected  for  draining  the  colliery. 

Throckley  is  situated  above  a  mile  west  by  north  from  Newbum.  It  consists, of 
one  large  farmstead,  and  houses  for  labourers ;  but  is  now  rebuildiag  on  a  regular  a^d 
commodious  plan,  by  the  tmstees  of  Greenwich  Hospital,  to  wl^ch  cbadty  tibe  estate 
belongs.  There  is  a  landsale  colliery  opened  at  a  short  distance  eastward.  TkreeUet^ 
Fell^  which  lies  north  of  the  Hexluun  road,  containing  600  acres,  is  now  mostly  en-^ 
dosed ;  an  act  for  that  purpose  having  been  obtained  m  the  year  1816.  At  JOewlejf^ 
Bum,  west  of  Throckley  Fell,  are  seveoral  cottage  houses,  mostly  inhabited  by 
coUiers. 

South  Dissinoton  stands  about  8^  miles  north  by  west  from  Newbum.  It  was 
a  manor  and  seat  of  the  Delavals  soon  after  the  Conquest.  It  was  part  of  the  posses- 
sions erf  Tynemouth  Priory  (most  likely  by  gift  of  the  Ddavals  of  Seaton  Delaval)  in 
the  reign  of  James  I.  1613.  Delavcd,  who  married  a  Bowes,  as  appears  by  the  arms 
€»  painted  glass,  taken  from  the  hall  here  hy  Edward  Delaval,  Esq.  the  late  owner^ 
was  a  younger  branch  of  Horsley,  alias  iJelaval,  and  became  extinct  during  the 
latter  part  of  the  reign  of  Charles  II.  The  estate  then  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
Seaton  Delaval  branch,  from  whom  it  descended  to  Sir  Jacob  Astley,  Bart  who  has 
sold  it  to  ]^dward  ColUngwood,  E$q.  of  North  Dissington.  In  the  garden  here  are 
two  figures  of  Hercules  and  Flora,  which  have  stood  very  perfect  since  1700,  tritb 
••  Fd.  £)elaval,  Esq.''  on  the  pedestal. 

NoBTH  Dissington  stands  on  th^  opposite^  or  north  sid^  of  the  Pont  It  he* 
longed  to  a  junior  branch  of  the  South  Dissington  family ;  and  Edward  DelavaJl, 
who  was  page  to  Charles  II.  lived  here.    This  wa6  also  the  tdrtbrpboe  of  Adwinil 


884  CASTLE  WARD— W.  D. 

Sir  Ralph  Delava]^*  who  sold  it  to  Mr.  Collingwood,  of  Byker,  an  attorney 
in  Newcastle.  From  this  family  it  descended,  by  bequest,  to  tlie  late  WaL 
ter  Spencer  Stanhope,  Esq.  of  Cannon  Hall,  Yorkshire,  whose  third  son,  Edward 
Collingwood,  Esq.  high  snerifiP  of  Northumberland  this  year  (1824),  is  the  present 
possessor.  There  was  a  chapel  h&re,  subject  to  Tynemouth.  The  Ddavals  were 
acquitted  of  the  Irthes  of  North  Dissingtcm  for  a  small  modus.  The  vicars  of  New. 
bum  and  the  CoUingwoods  had  long  disputes  on  this  subject ;  but  at  l^igth,  it  ap- 
pears. Vicar  Head  was  persuaded  to  t&e  the  modus,  and  to  give  receipts,  in  consequence 
of  which  the  old  daim  of  maintaining  a  chaplain  was  u)st  The  present  vicar  of 
Newburn  occasionally  attends  at  the  hall,  to  impart  religious  instruction.  The  adjoin-^ 
ing  mill  is  built  in  the  form  of  a  chapel,  with  a  mock  Mlfiy. 

Dalton. — ^This  township  is  locally  situated  in  Tindale  Ward,  and  is  distant  above 
5  miles  north-west  from  Newburn.  It  is  a  mere  stripe  of  land,  which  forms  the  road 
of  communication  with  the  southern  parts  of  the  parish.  The  mincipal  proprietors 
are,  Edward  Collingwood,  Esq.  the  Rev.  W.  B,  Moises,  vicar  of  Feltop,  and  the  heirs 
of  —  Addison, 


*  Sir  Ralph  DeUval^  knt.  entered  very  early  into  the  navy,  and,  under  the  patronage  of  the  Duke  of  York^ 
ro»e  regularly  in  rank,  until  he  became  captain  of  the  York,  a  third-rate  man  of  war,  which  station  he  held 
at  the  Revolution.  Concurring  heartily  in  this  change,  king  William^  who  had  much  penetration,  soon  raised 
him  to  the  rank  of  rear-admiral  of  the  blue,  and  conferred  upon  him  the  honour  of  knighthood.  Shortly 
alter^  he  served  under  the  Eari  of  Torrington,  in  the  battle  of  Beachy  Head,  in  which  the  English  and  DutcK 
fleets  were  beat  by  the  French,  on  the  dOth  of  June,  l690.  But  neither  the  conduct  nor  courage  of  Sir  Ralph 
was  impeached  by  this  affiur^  as  appears  by  his  being  appointed  president  of  the  eourt-martia}  that  tried  ^e 
earl,  and  by  being  also  declared  vice-admiral  of  the  bhie.  In  109^,  be  was  promoted  to  be  vioe-admiral  of 
the  red,  and  entrusted  with  a  large  squadron  of  English  and  Datch  ships,  for  the  pvotectioQ  of  the  Medker* 
ranean  fleet ;  which  service  he  performed  with  great  skill  and  success.  In  the  glorious  battle  of  La  Hogue^ 
on  the  1 9th  of  May  this  year,  he  did  his  duty  with  great  reputation,  and  destroyed  some  of  the  enemy's 
largest  ships.  The  gallant  Admiral  Russell,  who  had  the  chief  command  of  the  fleet  in  this  action,  being 
recalled  by  court  intrigue.  Sir  Ralph  Delaval,  Henry  Killigrew,  Esq,  and  Sir  Cloudesley  Shovel,  were  ap^ 
pointed  joint  admirals  of  the  fleet,  which  consisted  of  70  ships  of  the  liine,  IS  frigates,  and  ]9  fire-ships^  be*. 
sides  brigantines,  bomb-vessels,  and  hospital  ships.  Yet  diis  mighty  naval  armament>  from  being  badly 
victualled  and  manned,  and  from  the  impracticable  and  contradictory  orders  of  the  ministry,  effiscted  nothing*. 
Bishop  Burnett,  who  blames  the  admirals  for  inactivity,  acknowlec^es  that  they  strictly  obeyed  their  orders^ 
which  were  weakly  drawn,  ambiguous,  and  defective.  Now,  as  honest  Campbell  observes,  it  may  be  ques- 
tioned how  bad  orders  can  be  successfully  executed.  However,  party  intrigues  prevailed,  and  Sir  Ralph 
Delaval  was  laid  aside;  after  which,  he  lived  privately  as  a  country  gentleman.  He  died  in  January,  1707* 
and  was  buried  in  Westminster  Abbey ;  and,  notwithstanding  the  violence  of  party  prejudice,  be  descended 
to  the  grave  with  the  reputation  of  a  great  and  gallant  officer,  and  of  a  generous  and  an  hospitable  man.  Hit 
biographer  says,  *'  The  greatest  men  are  liable  to  be  sacrificed  to  clamour,  and  innocence  is  not  always  a 
security  against  the  shafts  of  envy."  This  was  the  case  of  Sir  Ralph  Delaval,  "  who,  in  the  short  space  of 
one  single  summer,  was  in  the  highest  credit,  lost  it,  and  was  actually  laid  aside  :  so  fluctuating  a  thing,  ia 
human  happiness ;  so  fickle  a  possession  is  popuburity ;  and  so  Ufitle  to  b^  depended  on  a  prince's  fkvour  l''^^^ 
Campielts  Naval  Hi$i.j^Greai  Britain,  vol  w. p.  I. 


NEWBURN  PARISH.  385 

Black  Calleeton  stands  3^  miles  north  by  east  from  Newbum,  and  consists  of 
three  farmholds  and  a  few  cottages.  It  belongs  to  Matthew  Bell,  Esq.  Thomas 
Henry  Graham,  Esq.  and  Miss  Bonner,  who  enjoys  the  property  in  consequence  of  her 
brother  removing  to  America,  by  which  act,  according  to  his  fttther's  will,  he  forfeited 
all  his  rights  to  the  family  inheritance.  At  CaUerton  Stables^  there  is  a  public  house ; 
and  an  old  pit  has  been  re-opened,  which  supplies  th^  neighbourhood  with  fuel 

Whoelton  is  situated  8  miles  north-east  from  Newbum,  and  8^  miles  north-west 
from  Newcastle  East  Whorlton  contains  one  farmhold  and  four  cottages ;  and  West 
Whorlton,  or  WhorUon  House^  and  the  farm,  are  occupied  by  Archibald  Reed,  Esq. 
This  township  belongs  to.  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  as  does  also  the  small  one 
cdUied  Buttertam^  which  adjoins  this  on  the  north. 

WoLSiNGTON  is  di&taut  5  miles  north-north-west  from  Newcastle,  and  nearljr  as 
far  north-east  from  Newbum.  It  was  anciently  a  manor,  and  part  of  the  possessions 
of  the  priory  of  Tynemouth.  In  Elizabeth's  reign,  it  became  the  property  of  the 
Jennisons,  the  last  of  whom  sold  it  to  James  Dagnia,  Esq.  of  Cleadon  Hall,  in  the 
county  of  Durhana,  '^a  cdebrated  amateur  in  painting,"  and  who  sold  it  to  the  Bell 
family,  of  Newcastle,  Matthew  Bell  married  a  daughter  of —  Salkeld,  Esq.  by  whom 
he  had  an  only  son,  Matthew  Bell,  Esq.  who  was  sheriiF  of  NewcasUe  in  1786,  and 
mayor  in  1757.  He  bought  the  Wolsington  estate,  and  married  Jane,  daughter  of 
Richard  Ridley,  Esq.  His  son,  Matthew  Bell,  Esq.  was  colonel  of  the  Northumber- 
land militia  during  the  riots  in  London.  He  married  Dulcebella,  daughter  of  Sir 
Robert  Eden,  Bart,  of  Windle^tqne,  in  the  county  of  Durham,  and  had  issue,  1.  Mat- 
thew ;  2.  Stephen,  dead ;  8.  Robert,  mayor  of  Newcastle  in  1822 ;  4.  Henry,  of  New- 
biffin  House.  His  eldest  son,  Matthew  Bell,  Esq.  married  Sarah  Frances,  daughter 
of  the  late  Charles  Brandling,  Esq.  of  Gosforth.  He  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumber- 
land in  1797*  He  died  in  1811,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  the  present  Matthew 
BeU,  Esq.  who  married  the  daughter  of  Henry  Utrick  Reay,  Esq.  of  Eillingworth. 
He  was  also  high  sheriff  of  this  county  in  181 6. 

The  mansion-house  is  a  neat  building,  tastefully  ornamented  with  fine  plantations. 
"  The  prospect  over  this  part  of  the  county,'*  says  Hutchinson,  "  at  the  turnpike  Iwur,  is 
so  extraoroihary,  that  I  cannot  forbear  pointing  it  out  to  future  ramblers.  Ponteland 
is  seated  in  the  depth  of  the  vale,  shrouded  with  a  pretty  grove ;  Esland  Hall  crowns 
the  ri^ht  hand  eminence,  beyond  which  the  elegant  house  of  Gosforth,  surrounded 
by  rising  plantations,  fills  the  more  distant  landscape ;  the  neat  Kouse  at  Beanridge  to 
the  left,  contrasted  by  Berwick  town,  of  Scotch  aspect,  whose  black  thatched  cottages 
stretch  alons  the  neighbouring  hill.  One  of  the  wings  of  Mr.  Ogle's  house  at  Kirk- 
ley  is  seen  through  the  trees ;  the  white  front,  and  deep  coloured  shade  of  the  plan- 
tations, forming  an  ^eeable  mixture.  The  town  of  Ogle  stands  on  an  eminence  in 
front,  over  which  Whalton  is  seen,  and  the  whole  bacK  eround  is  formed  by  the 
rugged  rocks  of  Rothbury,  which  give  a  rou^h  and  distant  norizon/' 

^EWBiGGiN  stands  west  of  the  Pontekuid  road,  above  3  miles  from  Newcastle. 
Newhiggin  House  is  the  residence  of  Henry  Bell,  Esq.  unde  to  Matthew  Bell,  £sq« 
of  Wolsington,  to  whidi  family  this  township  belongs. 

VOL.  II.  .  5  E 


886  CASTLE  WAHD—W.  D. 


East  Denton,  a  village  seated  on  the  Hexham  road,  8  miles  west-north-west 
from  Newcastle,  containa  two  farmholds,  a  public  hdiise,  and  cottli^  riibMiy  dd[^|>ied 
by  pitmen.    Denton  wm  afinanor  of  (the^  baiony  of  Whakon  fai^'th^  Ijiine  of 'HeiDy 
III.    In  1380,  it  was  gisKen,  'Witk ''  Redwood  near  NeW^ume,"  >to  i^  pAbr  bf  Tftte^ 
mouth,  by  Ada  d0.  JF^ntother.   ;8oo&  after  the  Reformatian,  we  fiiifd;  Hi^thb  list  df 
grand  jui:ors,f,a  ^a«iily  of -Erringtons  residing  here.    From  theitf  it  "{Mssed  to  fh^ "Ro- 
gers, thq  las^t  of  Ti'ihiidi^  ;John  £k)gers,  Esq.'  married  the  only  ^ughter  aML  heiress^bf 
Sir  John  Delayed,  of  Seaton  Delaval  Lodge ;  and  she  dying  withm  a  year  after  mar^ 
rji^e^.witl^Ut issue,  and  be  some  time  afterwards  being  dedared  a  lutiatici,'  ahd  dying 
sopji  after^  his  whoje  testate  of 'Denton, -Rutohetter,  £c.  was,  iabout  the  year  1790; 
divided  aipongst  the  representatives  of  the  female  heirs,  viz.  the  Hon.  Edw^ird  Mon^ 
tagiie^,  Esfl^  Anthony  iWcson,  of  NewoBstle,  and  William  Ardideftcon,'  Esq.*    Ed- 
ward Montague,  Esq.  whose  mother  was  a  Rogers,  was  grandson  to  the  first  Earl  of ' 
'  Sandwich.     He  was  a  man  eminent  for  his  acquirements  in  science,  particularly  in 
matbgnatics.    He  mwried,  in  174S,  EUzabetfa,  eldest  daughter  of  Matthew  Robin- 
son, Esq*,  of  West  Lay ton»  Yorkshire,  whose  extraordinary  talents  and  beauty  have 
bj^n  much  extolled.    Her  Esaay.^an^Ae  Writings  and  Gentug  iff  Shakespeare^  in  an- 
swer to  the  frivolous  objections  of  Voltaire,  must  always  rank  with  the  best  illuisftrai- 
tipna  bf  our  .English  poet.    Her  conversation  was  sought  by  all  who  were  ^stiriguished 
for  lewning,  f or  pohteness,  or  for  any  of  t;he  qualities  wmch  give  IttsfiM,  dignity,  or 
ii^Vience.    Her  inimitable  letters  have  been  published  in  4  vo£.  Svo.f    She  fitted  up 
the  old,  heavy  hall  of  Dentop^  in  the  Goduc  style.     This  distinguished  lady  died 
August  25,  1800^  in  the  eightieth  year  of  her  age,  having  survived  her  husband  25 
years.  .  She  left  this  estate  to  her  nephew,  Matthew  Robinson,  who  had,  by  her  de* 
sif^  taken  the  namci  of  Mcntague.    He  is  younger  brotlier  to  the  pi^esent  liOi^* 

Itokebyv;  '   '  •  -  ...    "'" 

.jK^^ges  of  a  chapel  and  a  cemetery,  as  also  a  sepulchral  stone  inscribed  with  a 
sword  and  flowered  gdoh^,  were  founct  here  about  40  jeriM  ago.  In  descending  the  ' 
hill  near  Denton  Bum,  .and  a  fewi  yards  from-  Thorn-tree  House  (a  fitrmsteadoh  thi^^^' 
south  side  pf  ^  ro(»d),  is  pieserved  a  curious  fragment  of  the  Romfth  Wklll  tt' 
-measures  about  nine  feet  in  breadth,  many  of  .the  fftdng  stones'  still  Temia{n,^a!hd  ^^^ 
appterrtree  grows  out  of  the  middle  of  it'  About  fiOOyardft  of  this  cdeb^kted^dU  ^^ 
wa^,  some  years,  ago,  razed  here,  wheivtwo  oenturial  dtones  wa:^  dugu^/'^SSrin-' 
scpiped,  **jc.  ivjui  avw,"  i.  e.  Cewtutio  Ju&JRufl.  Hadrian's  work  inay' be' tra<ic?d'ori\ 
thefW^gt^sidf  of  Denton  bridge.       •  •  .^  »  *  »'» 

*  Mr.  Archdeacon  sold  Ruichester  to  the  Folkes.    This  place  wasj  1  Edward  1. 127S>  possessed  by  a&mily 
that  took  the  local  nsme  ^f  RutcheBter,     It  afterwards  was  nianj  yairs  the  estate  of  the-  Rotherfords^  ohe^of  ^ 
whom  was  r^markaUe  fpr  having  .30  children  bv  one  wift.    From  the  Rutherfordsit  passed  td  the  Roger's   ' 
of  East  t>enton.    Seep.  377.  ,  ^  ., 

t  It  is  very  singular,  that  the  wives  of  the  two  first  cousins  of  the  Montague  family  should  stand  at  the 
head  of  the  nation  for  epistolary  genios.-  The^tsknts,  wit,  literlvy  genius,  ahd  eccentricities,  bf  Lady  Mary 
Wortley  Montague,  have  made  her  fame  as  extensive  as  the  English  language.  A  genuine  and  complete 
coIl^Qi^  of  ber  LtftteiB,  Poena,' and  o^her  fiSsirary-Relics,  was  pubKsfaed  in  1S03,  itt  SyoIb.  by  tiie  Kev. 
James  9a)Uwi^..      i  .. t.  ..i —    »-  •       .   •    .    i      .-.  -    '  -  ... 


PONTEI.AKD  PAEI&H.  S87 

West  Denton  lies  west  fmm  M^mtague  Hxill^  on  the  soMh  side  of  the  Hexham 
raacl^  and  about  S^miles  east  bv  north  from  Newburn.  It  is^  abo*  the  fmperty  of  Mat- 
thew Montague,  £m.  The  hhll,  which  is  pleasant  and  oominodibiis,  is  inhalnted  by 
Mr.  Thpmas  Crawhall.  The  Roman  barriers  seem  to  bare  passed  near  to  it,  where 
some  remains  like  a  castellum  have  been  discovered. 

PONTELANB  PARISH. 

.  Thi3  parish  14  bounded  on  the  npi^th  bv  the  parishes  of  Whalton  sutid  Staimingti^, 
on  the  east  by  Long  Benton  and  GQsforth»  on  the  south  by  Kewbum,  and  on  the 
west  by  the  latter  pansh^  Stamfordham,  and  Whalton.  It  extends  about  S  miles  from 
east  to  west,  an/i  6*  miles  from  north  to  south.  It  contains  both  coal  and  lilme ;  and 
the  soil^.  being  st^ng  and  rich,  is  weU  adapted  for  the  growth  o{  wheat :  some  parts 
consist  of  fine  old  grass  lands.  In  1821,  it  contained'  299  houses^  >  and  1575  inhabit- 
ants;  and  the  poor-rates  ainpunted  to  £7B9»  16^.  In  Ponteland  is  a  school,  contain- 
ing 25- children,  who  are  admitted  at  seven,  .and  taught  and  partly  dothed  till  eleven 
years  of  ace.  The;  master  receives  £30  a  year.  There  is  anotm^r  day-school  and  a 
Sunday-school  iq  this  village ;  also  a  scbool  at  Berwick  Hill,  one  at  Dinnington,  and  * 
another  at  MilbiuUr  John  Coulter,  in  1748,  left  the  int^'est  of  £30,  and  George 
Sharper,  iii  1780,  an  annual  rent-charge  of  £l,  to  the  poor  of  this  parish. 

PoNTELAKD  is  dls^^^  7^  miles  north-wcst  from  Newcastle.  Its  name,  which  is 
derived  from  its  moist  situation  on  the  river  Pont,  led  Camden  to  mistake  it  for  the 
Roman  statioq.  Pans  EUL  It  contains  about  50  houses,  including  three  pul^c 
houses,  and  a  brewery,  which  belongs  to  Mrs.  Burt,  of  Newcastle.  The  church,  which 
is  dedicated  to  St.  Majy,  is  in  the  form  of  a  cross  4  the  tower  broad  and  heavy,  the 
west  dpor-way  of  Norman  architecture,  and-  the  arches  in  the  inside  pointed.  In 
1810,  the  north  wall  fell ;  but  the  whole  structure  has  since  that  time  been  Tepi^red. 
In  the  chancel  are  the  burial'-places  and  stone?  inscribed  to  the  memon''  of  the  Groftons 
and  Wilkies  of  Eland  Pall,  the  Hofsleys.  of  Milburn  Grangei  the  Ogles  of  Kirldey, 
and  the  Carrs  of  Dunstan ;  amongst  which;  the  following  deserves  notice : — "  richd* 

NEWTON  OGJ.E,  ESQ.   CAPT..70  REG.   AlD-DE-CAMP  TO  GEN.  GREY,   WHO  DIED  NEAR  • 

MARTH^IQITE,  17d4,' AGED  25  YEARS.*'  Abo,  the  inscription  to  the  memory  of  John 
Canf,  'Esq.  of  l>unstan,.  who  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumbeiland  in  1818,  and  died 
January  12,  1817: — 

*'  In  ^eexemplaxy. fulfilment  of  every  public  ^d  domestic  duty,  his  life  was  emineiitily  distingniahed.    He  - ' 
waf  a  leaxned^.impaitial^  and  enlightened  magintoate,  watchful  for  the  true  interasts-of  socieCy.    The  protector' 
of  the  poor  in  tim^  of  peculiar  difficulty^  and  of  much  civil  disunion.     The  piety  and  integrity  of  his  ehaiac* 
ter  aoj^uife^  end  preserved  the  confidence  and  esteem  of  the  community  in  which  he  lived.     In  filial  gratitude ' ' 
to  the  most  deserving  parents  he  was  constant  and  ardeiit,  a  most  affectionate  husband,  a  kind  and  anidous 
h&^y  and  a  sealons  and  unchangeable  friend." 

.  At  the.  west  ^d  of  the  ebwcbis  a  gallery^  v  On  the  front  is  the^  foU(ta?uig  inMk^-^ 
tion,  in  gold  letters :-— 


388  CASTLE  WARD— W.  D. 

"  Mr.  RICHARD  COATES  died  Janmry  8d,  1719» 
And  left  his  whole  effects,  at  or  about  £70  per  aimum^  to  thje  parish  of  Pont  Island  for  a  cluar]lj.«chool ;  the 
Rey.  Mr.  Bjne^  vicar  of  Pont  Isknd,  the  Rev.  Mr.  Forster  of  St  John's  in  Newcastle,  and  Mr.  Chariea 
Clark,  attorney  in  Newcastle,  being  (with  their  sucoessors)  left  trustees  for  ever  to  see  it  justly  applied." 

» 

On  the  south  end  of  the  gallery  is  another  inscription,  in  black  letters*: — 

r 

''  Mrs.  BARBARA  COATES  built  the  schooUhonse,  and  erected  diis  gallery,  at  her  own  charge,  after  her 

husband's  decease. 

On  the  north  side  of  the  chancel  is  a  flat  sepulchral  stone  over  Cuthbert  Ogle,  of 
Kirkley,  Esq.  who  died  14th  January,  1655.  On  the  west  side  of  the  church-yard  is 
a  sarcophagus,  or  stone  coffin,  digged  up  in  making  a  grave :  it  is  six  feet  and  four 
inches  in  length  within,  and  seventeen  inches  over  at  the  shoulders.  The  appropria* 
tion  and  advowson  of  this  church,  which  was  formerly  collegiate,  belong  to  Merton 
College,  Oxford.  The  Lincoln  taxation  values  Ponteland  rectory  at  £30,  1*. ;  the 
prebend  of  Lord  Charles  de  Ballemont  in  it  at  £  23 ;  and  that  of  Philip  de  Wyleby 
at  £20,  10*.     There  was  a  chantry  in  this  church,  dedicated  to  St.  Mary.* 

A  peace Jbetween  England  and  Scotland  was  negotiated  at  Ponteland  in  12|Jj  arid 
both  tbe  town  and  castle  was  burnt  by  the  Scotch  army  on  ifTmafcH  ffohi^^Newcastle 
to  OtteAum.  The  villa  of  Ponteland,  in  1567,  belonged  to  one  Sentynns;  and  the  .^ 
Erringtohs,  of  Errington  Castle,  had  an  extensive  estate  here  from  1597  to  1774, 
when  it  was  sold  to  George  Silvertop,  Esq.  whose  grandson,  Gecarge  Silvertop,  Esq, 
sold  it  to  Edward  CoUingwood,  Esq.  George  Dunn,  Esq.  and  others. 

Prestwick  stands  above  a  mile  east  fix)m  Ponteland.  Prestwick  Ijodge^  a  neat 
modan  mansion,  is  the  property  of  Percival  Fenwick,  Esq.  A  little  northward  is 
Prestwick  Carr,  **  which,"  says  Wallis,  •*  in  summer  covers  about  ten  acres,  but  much 
more  in  winter.  In  a  very  dry  summer,  it  has  so  little  water,  that  many  roots  of  trees 
were  visible,  and  in  some  the  marks  of  the  axe  were  easy  to  be  distinguished.*'  It 
has  been  famed  for  its  abundance  of  pikej  and  for  being  a  favourite  resort  of  water- 
fowl. Much  of  the  land  was  lately  gained,  by  cutting  a  drain  froiji  the  lake  into  the 
river  Pont.  The  Mitfords  had  formerly  large  possessions  here,  and  the  present  Ber^ 
tram  Mitford,  Esq.  has  established  his  rights  as  lord  of  the  manor.  Matthew  BeU^ 
Esq.  of  Wolsington,  is  the  principal  proprietor  in  this  township.  Inland  JlaU^.  near 
the  village,  belongs  to  Mr.  Uemswood,  grandson  of  Mr.  Wilkie,  the  late  proprietor,, 

DiNNiNGTON,  a  township  2  miles  east  from  Ponteland,  is  the  property  of  Mat- 
thew  Bell  and  John  Bray,  Esqrs.  Mason,  an  adjoining  township,  is  possessed  by 
Ralph  Bates,  Esq.  Brinkley  lies  above  8  miles  north-east  from  Ponteland,  and 
nearly  a  mile  west  of  the  great  post  road.  It  belongs  to  John  Bray  and  T.  H.  Bij 
Esqrs.    Horton  Grange  stands  nearly  8  miles  north  by  east  from  Ponteland^ 

*  15th  May,  1579«  Umphrie  Hancock,  of  Ponteland,  yeoman,  desires  his  funeral  sermon  to  be  preached  by 
'*  Maister  John  Magbray,  vicar  of  NewcaStell,  or  els  the  godly  and  learned  man,  Maister  Francis  Bunny,  pa^^ 
son  of  jRiton,  upon  the  texts,  'Blessed  are  the  dead  wh.  dat  in  the  Lord,'  or  els  to  intreat  of^^  te9U]irectjon ; 
unto  the  parties  soe  preaching,  one  peace  of  gold  of  lOt." 


PONTELAND  PARISH.  S89 

proprietors  are,  Lord  Decies,  Mrs.  Alder,  William  Bentham,  Esq.  London,  Robert 
Ormston,  Esq.  Newcastle,  and  the  Rev.  F.  Ekins,  Morpeth.  Berwick  Hill  stands, 
as  its  name  indicates,  upon  a  hill,  which  overlooks  the  adjoining  country.  It  is  a 
small  village,  consisting  of  four  farmholds  and  a  few  old  cottages,  including  one  pub< 
lie  house.  This  township,  which  forms  a  large  estate,  is  the  propaiy  of  Thomas 
Stapleton,  Esq.  of  Richmond. 

KiRKLEY  stands  2i  miles  north  by  west  from  Ponteland.  Thomas  Burgilon,  in 
the  reign  of  Henry  III.  held,  in  soccage  tenure,  of  the  barony  of  Mitford,  60  acres  of 
land  in  Kirkley,  by  the  payment  of  half  a  mark ;  Hugh  Belle  had  60  other  acres,  by 
the  same  service ;  and  "  Marieria  de  Cirkelaw"  held  a  fourth  part  of  the  village,  by 
paying  a  mark  and  a  half.  The  family  of  Eure,  who  were  lords  of  Kirkley  and 
barons  of  Witton,  in  the  county  of  Durham,  held  this  manor  in  Edward  II.'s  reign, 
by  annually  presenting  a  barbed  arrow  at  the  manor  court.  They  had  other  valuable 
possessions  in  this  neighbourhood.  The  lands  of  Sir  John  de  Eure  were  seized  by  the 
crown,  35  king  Edward  III.  because  his  father,  John  de  Eure,  had  aided  the  Scotch 
in  the  preceding  reign.  They  were  afterwards  restored  to  his  family,  and  possessed, 
by  Sir  Ralph  de  Eure,  a  representative  in  parliament  for  Northumberland,  5  king 
Richard  II.  with  Adomar  de  Valence,  Earl  of  Pembroke,  who  died  10  king  Henry 
V. ;  by  his  son.  Sir  William  de  Eure,  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  16  king 
Henry  VI. ;  by  Sir  Ralph  de  Eure,  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  19  king  Henry 
VII.  .  He  was  Lord  Warden  of  the  East  Marches,  28  king  Henry  VIII. ;  his  pow» 
and  authority  were  eminent ;  the  Scots,  for  20  miles  on  the  Borders,  paying  him  the 
utmost  deference,  and  living  in  peace  and  order  the  whole  time  of  his  government. 
It  is  recorded  of  him,  that  before  his  appointment  to  it,  he  defended  the  castle  of 
Scarborough  with  such  valour  and  resolution  for  six  weeks,  that  he  preserved  it  from 
being  taken  by  the  northern  rebels,  with  the  help  only  of  his  friends,  tenants,  and 
servants,  out  of  duty  and  affection,  living  for  twenty  days  on  bread  and  water.  He 
,bumt  the  town  of  Jedworth  in  1544 ;  and  re-entering  Scotland  with  4000  men,  S7 
Henry  VIII,  1545,  was  slain  at  HaUdon  Hill.  His  son.  Sir  William  de  Eure,  was 
raised  to  the  peerage  in  the  same  reign.  He  was  Deputy-warden  of  the  East 
Marches,  6  king  Edward  VI. ;  and  one  of  the  generals  of  the  army  sent  against  Scot- 
land under  the  Earl  of  Sussex,  12  queen  Elizabeth,  1570,  commanding  the  rear  ward, 
His  successor,  William  Lord  Eure,  succeeded  Sir  John  Forster  in  the  government  of 
the  Middle  Marches.  His  lordship  finding  himself  abused  by  his  offtcers  whom  he 
trusted,  and  that  the  thievish  Borderers  did  just  what  they  pleased,  and  he  could  not 
correct  these  disorders,  he  obtained  leave,  on  bis  solicitation,  to  resign. 

Kirkley  afterwards  became  the  seat  of  a  branch  of  the  noble  family  of  Ogle.  Gawen 
Ogle  Esq.  occurs  5th  Charles  I.  The  famed  Sir  Chaloner  Ogle,  knight,  was  born  here, 
and  was  a  younger  brothw  of  Dr.  Ogle,  a  physician  at  Newcastle  upon  Tyne.  Being 
destined  to  try  liis  fortune  in  his  majesty's  navy,  he  was  Very  early  advanced  by  his 
personal  merit  and  courage  to  the  command  of  the  Swallow  ihan  of  war,  wherein  he 
took  Roberts,  the  famous  pirate,  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  February  5,  1782.*    Having 

*  Mr.  Campbell,  in  his 'Naval  History  of  King  George  I.  has  thus  related  this  bold  hat: — '/  There  was 
mnong  the  pirates  on  the  coast  of  Africa,  one  Roberts,  a  man  whose  parts  deserved  better  employment;  he 

VOL.  II.  5  F 


890  CASTLE  WARD—W.  D. 

I 

been  knighted  and  raised  to  the  highest  naval  rank»  he  continued  long  an  active 
officer,  and  died  in  April,  1750.  Sir  Chaloner  belonged  to  a  younger  branch  of  the 
Kirkley  family.  His  first  wife  was  sist^  of  John  Isaac^n,  Esq!  recorder'of  New- 
castle. His  widow,  Lady  Ogle,  in  July,  1751,  married  Lord  Kingston,  an  Irish  peer. 
Sir.  C.  Offle  left  the  Copeland  estate  to  the  Earkley  family ;  and  Nathaniel  Ode, 
Esq.  sold  it  in  1806  to  Matthew  Culley,  Esq.  After  the  admiral's  dei^h,  Eirldey 
came  into  the  possession  of  his  nephew,  the  late  Dr.  Newton  Ogle,  prebendary  of 
Durham.  It  is  now  the  property  of  the  Rev.  J.  S.  Ogle,  of  Durham.  The  mansion- 
house  is  a  handsome  sc]^uare  building,  which  is  now  receiving  additions  and  imder- 
going  repairs;  and  adjoining  are  convenient  offices.  The  view  ftom  the  east  is 
extensive  and  picturesoue.  In  the  small  village  of  Kirkley  v  a  Presbyterian 
meeting-*hous£^^ASSS^%'^n«r^^  Moor,  at  the  northern  extremity  of  the  parish^  belongs 
to  the  Rev.  F.  lEkins. 

Hicham  Dykes  is  situate  on  the  Kirkwhelpington  road,  about  3  miles  north- 
west from  Ponteland,  and  consists  of  two  farmholcU  and  three  cottages.    The  pro^ 
Srietor,  William  Batson,  Esq.  has  a  pleasant  mansion-house  here^  weu  sheltered  by 
ourishing  trees. 

waa  an  able  seaman,  and  a  good  commander,  nod  had  wkh  him  two  very  stout  Axps,  one  coomuuided  hf 
himself,  of  40  guns,  and  15d  men;  the  other  qf  30  guns,  and  132  men;  emA,  to  complete  his  squdroo,  he 
soon  added  a  third,  of  24  guns,  and  90  men. 

*'  Captain  Ogle  was  in  the  Swallow,  and  was  cruizing  off  Cape  Lopez,  when  he  had  intelligence  of  Bbberts 
heing  ivot  fiir  from  hin^  of  whom  he  went  immediately  in  search,  and  soon  after  discovered  them  in  a  very 
commodious  hay,  where  the  largest  and  the  least  ship  were  upon  the  heel,  scrubbing.  Captain  Ogle  talcing 
in  his  low^r  lire  of  guns,  and  lying  at  a  dUtanoe,  Roberts  took  him  for  a  merchantman,  and  immediatdf 
ordered  his  ooi^Bort,  Skrymx  to  slip  his  cable,  and  run  otit  after  him.  Captain  Ogle  crowded  all  the  sail  he 
could,  to  decoy  the  pirate  to  auch  a  distance,  that  his  consorts  might  not  hear  the  guns^  and  then  suddenly 
^Qke^  run  out  Us  lower  tire,  and  gave  the  pirate  a  broadside  by  which  their  cap^iin,  Skr3rm,  was  killed ; 
which  9o  discouraged  his  crew,  that,  after  a  brisk  engagemeiit,  which  lasted  about  an  hour  and  a  half^  they 
sqrrendered.  Captain  Ogle  then  returned  to  the  bay,  hoisting  the  king^s  colours, under  the  pirate's  Mtaek 
flag  with  a  death'f  head  in  it.  This  prudent  strat^^em  had  the  desired,  effect;  fbr  t^e  pimles,  seeing  the 
black  flag  uppermost,  concluded  the  king's  ship  had  been  taken,  and  came  out  ftill  of  joy  tp  eongraiolale  their 
consort  on  the  victory.  This  joy  of  theirs  was,  however,  of  no  long  continuance,  flv  Ci^taai  Ogl»  gaupe  them 
a  very  w^urm  recq;>tjon ;  luid  though  {toberts  fbught  with  the  utmost  bravery  Ibr  near  twa  hasrs,  yaat  being 
then  killed,  the  cQurage  of  his  men  iro^mediately  sunk,  and  both  diips  yielded. 

"  For  this  service.  Captain  Ogle  was  knighted  in  Ma}^  following,  17^,  and  afterwards  rose  tii  the  highai 
stationf  in  the  navy ;  being  appointed  rear-admiral  bf  the  bine  in  July,  173Q ;  rear-^Aniral  of  ^vt  red  in 
March,  1742;  vice-admiral  of  the  blue  ik  August,  1743;  admiral  of  the  bhie  in  Jane,  17>44;  admisal  of  the 
white  in  July,  1747;  and  admiral  and  oomiaAander-in.chkf  of  his  m^^joBty's  fleet,  on  the  death  of  9ip  Jdto 
Norcis.  As  he  was  a  brave  eommauder  himself  and  owed  hia  own  advancement  chieflji  to  his  merits  m  he 
was  usually  fbrward  to  distinguish  it  in  others,  and  pvomoto  it  To  him  we  are  indcMed  for  diacemii^  it  in 
a  nephew  of  the  late  Ook>nel  Bladen,  oon^niaBitoer  of  tri^e,  and  kit^  owner  of  the  estate  of  BarmoKo  ia  this 
county,  and  raising  him,  to  the  ^oniiBiaQ^  of  the  Flamborough  maiiof  war  a^  Jamaica,  bis  oommisston  bearing 
date  20th  March,  1733.  This  was  the  present  great  admiral.  Sir  Edward  Hawke,  Knight  of  the  Bath,  whose 
Co^rage  and  C9nduct  h^  CQiitributed  so  vtush  tQ  the  glory  of  tke  Sritiab  armaby  sea,  th^t  his  mj^eety  baa 
settled  i^2060  pi^r  WQum  o^pi.  hm  (or  h^s  qnn.  liiS?«  «nd  the  Uv^^s  ojt  his  tijro.sQns^" 


WHALTON  PARISH.  891 

MiLBXJBN  was  a  member  of  the  Morpeth  baronj^,  and  held  of  it  by  knights'  ser- 
vice by  Robert  de  Meneville.  The  Bate^  of  HaUiwell  were  possessed  of  it  in  1567. 
One  of  this  family  was  supervisor  of  aueen  Elizabeth's  property  in  this  county,  and 
another  member  of  parliament  for  Moipeth  in  1558.  Milbum  HijfMe^  the  family 
residence,  was  Ikiilt  in  I809»  by  the  late  Jbtalph  Batea,  Esq.  from  designs  by  Mr.  Pat- 
terson, of  Edinburgh,  architeGt  ^'  The  rooms  are  all  oval,  and  elegance  »id  utility 
Ittve  beei  happily  united  through  the  whole  structure."  Ralph  Bates,  Esq.  who  died 
June^  1818,  was  Ueuteiant-eoloiiel  cracunandant  of  the  Southern  Regiment  of  North-* 
umbcrland  Local  Militia^  high  sherilFaf  the  county  in  1812,  and  one  of  his  majesty's 
justices  of  the  peace.  He  is  succeeded  by  lus  son,  Ralph  Bates,  Esq.  There  are  both 
coal  and  Ume  on  this  estate.  The  village  ecmtains  four  farmholds, 'and  seven  or  *  ^ ' 
cottages. 

MiLBUKN  Grange. — ^North  Milbum  was  held  of  the  barony  of  Mitford,  in  the 
ragn  of  Henrr  til.  by  Simon  de  Diveliston,  who  grmted  it  to  tbe  ehurdr  at  Hex- 
ham. Affcer  the  dissolution,  Bartram  Anderson,  of  MUhume  Gnutg^^  pvocuted  pos- 
sessiona  hcare  of  Edward  VI.  and  conveyed  them  to  Edward  Horsley,  whose  descend- 
ants  have  possessed  the  ^operty  ever  since.  The  old  hall  of  the  Horsley  family  is 
entirely  desMJisbed,  and  its  sdte  occupied  by  a  farm^-house.  One  <^  the  Horsleys 
was  bwied  in  the  adjmning  plantation.  This  tovmship,  which  contains  three  farms, 
is  the  property  c^  Lord  Decies. 

CoLBcoATEs. — ^Thia  tovmsMp,  which  lies  a  short  distance  noiih^west  from  Pontes 
land,  hdoTim  to  differaott  proprietors.  Weist  and  Middle  CMeoatM  ore  the  property 
of  Ralpb  &tes;  Em.  East  Coldcoates  belmgs  to  the  Rev.  J.  S.  O^;  and  Sm^ 
CMcoatea  to  Edveard  CoUingwood,  Es^ 

Low  Callerton  lies  on  the  south  side  of  lire  Pont,  near  Pontehmd,  and  is  the 
pvopeffty  of  Geovge  IXmn,  Esq.  High  CALLERfo^f  stands  above  a  mile  south  from' 
the  church.  Miss  Bonner  has  landa  here.  The  baH  of  Thomas  Bonner,  Esq.  the 
former  proprietor,  la  ki  a  state  of  dilapivlEition.  Miss  Alder,  the  ReV.  F.  Eldns,  and 
others,  nave  also  prw«ty  in  this  township.  Bimef  HaU  belongs  to  William  Lin« 
skill,.  Esq.  JLadifs  Lani^  containing  9  acres^  belongs  to  Morpeth  Free  School.* 
Dasrxs  Hall  adjoins  this  township  om  the  west  Th4l  building  from  which  thk 
^hce  is  natned  has  long  been  in  rains.  It  is-  the  pr^ierty  of  John  Qrd,  Thomas 
Shadforth^  and  Edward  CoUingwood,  Esqrs. 

0  m 

RiVEEGREEN. — ^This  cxtra-parochial  district,  which,  in  the  official  returns,  is  joined 
toi  Fonteland  parish,  is  situated  on  the  south  side  of  the  Wansbeek,  aboi^e  8  miles 
north  from  Ponteland,  and  4^  miles  west  from  Morpeth.  It  contains  two  fanmiiolds^ 
a  few  cottages,  a  ganlen,  and  a  null,  and  is  the  pwperty,  of  Sir  M.  W.  Itidley, 
Bast  ^ 


*  Two.  tetKiMnts  and  a  close  in  Poitdand  vSkfft^.  and  a  ridga-of  land  iman  a^ainkig'fialn  ia;  fttmMt 
township,  belongs  to  the  eame  charity. 


39a  CASTLE  WARD— W.  D. 


WHALTON  PARISH. 

Whalton  parish  is  bounded  on  the  west  by  Bolam  and  Statnfordham  parishes ;  on 
the  north  by  Meldon,  Rivergreen,  and  Mitford ;  on  the  east  by  Morpeth,  Stanning- 
ton,  and  Ponteland ;  and  on  the  south  by  the  latter  parish.  It  is  6  miles  in  lengui 
from  north  to  south,  and  the  average  breadth  exceeds  S  miles.  It  is  but  thinly  peo- 
pled, as,  in  1821,  it  contained  only  107  houses  and  534  inhabitants.  The  poor-rates, 
in  that  year,  were  £S80,  8*.  A  school  at  Whalton  was  endowed  with  £20,  be- 
queathed by  Margaret  Moor  in  1720,  and  which  sum  being  laid  out  in  land,  the 
master  received  £2,  2*.  a  year;  but  the  land  having  been  lately  sold,  the  fund  is  so 
augmented,  that  the  chUdren  of  the  poor  are  educated  for  one  penny  a  week*  Ther& 
is  another  day-school  at  Ogle,  well  attended. 

Whalton  is  situated  about  6  miles  south-west  from  Morpeth,  and  5^  miles  west 
by  north  from  Stannington.  It  contains  many  good  houses,  and  is  considered  one  of 
the  cleanest,  neatest,  and  mo6t  pleasant  villages  in  the  coYinty.  The  best  houses  have 
palisades  before  them,  and  the  plots  in  front  are  tastefully  ornamented.  Here  are 
two  public  houses,  and  several  mechanics'  work-shops.  Thomas  Meggison,  Esq.  of 
London,  has  a  seat  here,  and  considerable  possessions  adjoining.  The  church  is  very 
ancient,  and  several  of  the  Ogles  have  been  buried  in  its  chancel.  It  was  repaired  in 
1783,  and  parapets  and  pinnacles  added  to  the  tower.  The  living  is  a  rectory,  valued 
in  the  king*s  books  at  £18,  8*.  1^.  Ralph  Bates,  Esq.  being  patron.*  The  barony  of 
Whalton  was  given  by  the  Conqueror  to  Walter  Fitz-William,  one  of  his  followers. 
It  was  held  by  service  of  three  knights'  f^es.  King  John,  in  the  7th  year  of  hi» 
reign,  took  it  from  Robert  de  Crammaville,  and  gave  it  to  Roger  Fitz-Roger.  John 
Fitz-Robert,  Lord  Clavering,  the  last  of  the  line,  dying  without  legitimate  issue, 
settled  great  part  of  his  estate  on  Edward  I.  It  was  afterwards  in  the  possession  of 
the  Scropes  of  Masham ;  of  Sir  Henry  le  Scrope,  20  Edward  III. ;  of  Sir  Stephen  le 
Scrope,  m  the  reign  of  Richard  II. ;  of  Sir  Henry  le  Scrope,  8  Henry  IV. ;  of  Sir 
John  le  Scrope,  in  the  reign  of  Henry  V. ;  of  Sir  Thomas  le  Scrope,  his  son  and  heir, 
25  Henry  Vl.  It  was  a  possession  of  the  crown  in  the  reim  of  James  I. ;  but  was 
afterwards  granted  to  the  Meggisons  of  Whalton,  and  others.  Frederick  Ekins, 
A.  M.  rector  of  Morpeth,  has  possessions  here,  which  he  obtained  by  his  marriage 
with  the  daughter  and  coheir  of  Mr.  Tyler,  of  Whalton.  There  is  a  remarkable 
camp,  a  little  to  the  east  of  this  village,  from  which,  it  is  conjectured,  the  term  WhaU 
ton,  or  Walton,  may  have  originated. 

Ogle  stands  on  the  south  side  of  the  river  Blyth,  If  mile  south  from  Whalton. 
The  Ogle  family  was  seated  here  before  the  Conquest.  Humphrey  de  O^le  had  his 
manor  and  seat  confirmed  to  him,  with  all  its  ancient  privileges,  by  W  alter  Fitz^ 
William,  baron  of  Whalton,  for  the  service  of  one  knight's  fee  and  a  half.    Thomaa 

"  In  a  MS.  book  in  Bishop  Barnes'  hand-writing,  the  Rectory  of  Whalton  is  returned  value  £lS,5s.  Patron^ 
Thomas  Bate,  Arm*  Depuiaiit  a  Dom.  Regina.  John  Sh^w,  author  of  certain  works  against  Popery,  and 
several  times  a  member  of  the  convocation,  was  rector  here  in  1645^ 


MELDON  PARISH.  9es 


de  Offle  adhering  to  the  barons  in  their  rebellion  against  Henry  III.  hia  estate  was 
extended  by  the  crown,  and  not  returned  till  the  reign  of  £dwara  III.  who,  in  1840, 
granted  licence  to  Sir  Robert  dp  Ogle  to  convert  his  manor-house  into  a  castle^  and  to 
Save  free  vramia  tbrouffh  all  this  demesne.  He  was  high  bailiff  of  the  dominion  of 
Tynedale,  as  attested  by  his  patent,  bearing  date  11  Edward  III.  This  Roger,  by 
marriage  with  the  only  daughter  of  Sir  Robert  Bertram,  of  Bothal,  became  posseued 
of  that  barony.  His  broths,  Sir  Alexander  Ode,  knight,  was  slain,  39  Edward  III. 
in  defence  of  the  castle  of  Berwidc  upon  Tweed,  of  which  he  was  captain.  His  lady, 
Eleanor,  baroness  of  Bothal,  survived  him,  and  married  John  de  Hatfield.  £Qs 
grandson,  SHr  Robert  de  Ogle,  by  his  scm  Sir  Robert,  succeeded  him,  and  had  the  bo* 
rony  of  HeppeU,  as  was  found  by  an  inquisition,  47  Edward  III.  The  barony  ot 
Bothal  and  the  lordship  of  Ogle  were  possessed  Ify  his  posterity  till  the  year  1809, 
when  O^  was  sold  to  Thomas  Brown,  Esq.  an  opulent  ship-owner  in  London,  for 
£180,000.    The  reqtal,  a  few  years  ago,  was  estimated  at  £4000  par  annum.* 

After  the  battle  of  Nevilk*s  Cross,  aoeording  to*Fr<Hsart,  John  Copeland,  with 
eight  companions,  rode  off  with  David,  Idng  of  Scotland,  and,  after  carrying  him  25 
miles,  arrived  about  vespers  at  O^  Castle,  on  the  river  Biy  th.  This  cartle,  whidb  was 
strong,  with  two  moats  around  it,  is  now  demolished.  It  was  thus  described  about 
40  vears  ago* — ^^  Fart  of  a  drcolar  tower  adjoins  to  the  east  of  the  present  fiurmJiouse, 
which  stands  on  tine  sdte  of  the  castle:  the  windows  of  this  tower  are  very  small, 
topped  with  pointed  ardies,  the  whde  remains  carrying  a  eountenmioe  of  voy  remote 
antiquity.  The  ground  wherein  the  chief  part  ci  me  castle  has  stood  is  square, 
gtt»ded  by  a  double  moat,  divided  by  ft  breast-work  ci  mason-woric.  The  wans  am 
quite  kvelled  with  the  ground,  «id  the  moat  almost  grown  up/'  The  viUage  con* 
tains  two  fmnholds  and  a  few  oottages  for  meehmiics  and  labourers.  Matth^w  !Uch-* 
ardson  died  here  in  September,  1766,  at  tiie  great  age  of  111  years. 

Newham  is  above  4  miles  south-west  from  Whalton,  and  consists  of  different  ham* 
lets,  called  East  Newham,  West  Newham,  and  Newham  Edge.  It  belongs  to  Lord 
Dedes  and  others.  Riplinoton,  which  contains  two  farmnolds,  lies  alK>ve  a  mile 
west  by  north  from  Whalton* 

MELDON  PABISH 


Is  of  very  sn^dl  extent.  It  lies  on  the  south  ode  of  the  Wansbeek,  and  forms  the 
north-west  comer  of  Castle  Ward.  By  the  returns  in  1881,  it  contained  but  S8 
houses,  and  156  inhabitants.  The  poor-rates  that  ^ear  were  £95,  Ss,  Meldon  viL 
laffe  is  51  miles  west  from  Morpetfay  The  church  is  dedicated  to  St.  John  the  Evan- 
gdist  The  living  is  a  discharged  mStSSgi,  valued  in  the  kin^  books  at  £4,  7s.  lid. 
and  is  in  the  gift  of  the  dean  and  chapter  of  Durham.  The  Kev.  James  Raine^  the 
present  incumbent,  is  distinguished  for  his  skill  in  antiquarian  lore,  and  which  to  him 
has  proved  neiihar  '<  stale"  nor  ''  unprofitable ;"  for,  in  the  prosecution  of  his  studies^ 


*  By  a  tcirvey  made  in  1734,  Ogle  lerdhhtp  cenCainady  of  indeeed  gemmii 
0ate,  common  to  all  the  tenants  of  the  temi,  18  a.  Or.  l€  p. ;  and  the  kmimg 
Total,  2082  a.  S  r,  9  p, 

vol..  II.  5  6 


S94  CASTLE  WARD^W-  D. 

he  discovered  certain  old  manuscripts,  from  which  he  deduced  his^  dahn  to  the  tithes 
This  discovery  he  communicated  to  the  trustees  of  Greenwich  Hospital,  who,  after  liie 
necessary  enquiries,  admitted  his  claims  to  the  fullest  extent.  ' 

Meldon  was  anciently  a  member  of  the  barony  of  Mitford,  and  seems  to  have  been 
a  place  of  some  consequence.  There  are  vestiges  of  a  large  strong  buflding,  with  es> 
tensive  gardens ;  and  in  Meldon  Park  the  traces  of  several  erections  have  been  latdy 
discoveied.  In  the  40th  of  Elizabeth  (1598),  the  queen  granted  to  Alexander  Heron 
the  manor  and  village  of  Meldon,  to  hold  with  half  the  village  of  Riplington ;  the 
first  as  one  knighf  s  fee  of  the  manor  of  Mitford,  the  last  as  one  knigfaf  s  fee  of  the 
manor  of  Whafion.  The  manor  was  afterwards  held  by  the  Fen  wicks.  Sir  William 
Fenwick,  of  Meldon,  was  second  son  of  the  house  of  Stanton.  A  portrait  at  Ford 
Castle,  much  defstced  by  rain,  was  said  to  be  this  Sir  Wilham ;  and  another,  in.  the 
same  place,  was  called  Meg,  his  lady.  There  was  also  a  portrait  of  this  famous  cba* 
racter  preserved  at  Seaton  Delaval,  she  having  been  related  to  til^e  Delaval  family.* 
She  is  represented  in  the  costume  of  a  witch,  with  a  high  pointed  hat ;  her  nose  is 
crooked,  her  eyes  penetrating,  and  her  whole  countenance  indicates  that  supericor 
acuteness,  inteUigence,  and  strength  of  mind,  which  being  so  uncommon  among  an 
ignorant  and  barbarous  people,  acquired  her  the  diaracterby  which  she  is  distinguished. 
The  infernal  machinations  of  Meg^  long  continued  the  teitor  c^  the  neighbouring 
villagers.  Iir  fact,  few  in  the  last  age  were  so  fool-hardy  as  to  vulture  through  Met> 
dbn  wood,  where,  it  is  reported,  she  made  her  dreadful  exit,  when  the  sun  was  below 
the  horizon ;  but  the  present  unbelieving  race  of  rustics  have  begun  to  question  .the 
powers  of  Meg's  wandering  spirit.  KAtheiine,  eldest  daughter  and  coheir  of  Sir  John 
Fenwick,  married  Francis,  first  Earl  of  Derwentwata:,  and  carried  this  and  othec 
valuable  estates  into  the  RatdifFe  family.  On  the  attainder  of  James^  third  Earl  of 
Derwentwater,  Meldon  was  given  to  Greenwich  Hospital. 

STANNINGTON  PARISH. 

This  parish  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Morpeth  parish,  on  the  widst  fay  .WhaHim 
and  Ponteland,  on  the  south  by  the  latter  parish,  and  on  the  east  by  Bedlmgtonshire 
and  the  chapelries  of  Horton  and  Cramlington.  It  is  above  4^  miles  in  len^h  from 
north  to  south,  and  in  breadth  from  east  to  west  above  4  miles.  The  population  has  lately 
decreased  much  in  this  parish,  which  is  explained  by  the  foUoWing  extracts  from  a 

*  There  was  anodier  portrah  at  Ford  Castle  (and  called,  by  the  people  of  the  house,  Admiral  George  De« 
laval),  in  a  white  vest,  playing  with  a  monkey,  painted  oji  wood. 

t  Meg  was  not  the  only  witch  in  this  neighbourhood.  Mrs.  Pye,  the  owner  and  occupier  of  the  Queen's 
Head  Inn,  Morpeth,  in  l65S,  was  also  supposed  to  possess  supernatural  powers.  Mr.  Ralph  Spearrnban  says, 
^*  She  was  a  sensible  and  respectable  person,  and  regarded  so  by  the  wiser  and  better  part;  but,  during  the 
reign  of  the  enthusiastic  wrong-headed  Puritans,  incurred,  from  her  less  informed  neighbours,  imputations 
of  witchcraft^  and  was  executed  aeoordingl^n  Her  son  was  after  a  surrogate  at  Durham,  and  his  daughter  or 
nieoe  married  the  Rev.  Major  Allgood,  rectoc  of  Simonbum."  The  Pyes  were  old  landholders  at  imkI  aboof 
Morpeth,  of  which  John  Pye  was  rector  in  1645. 


STANNINCrrON  PARISH.  893 

letter,  sent  by  the  vicar,  with  the  offibiid  returns  in  18S.1  :-^'>The  parish  of  Stanning- 
ton  naturally  forms  itself  into  two  divisions,  viz.  north  and  south,  the  river  Blyth,  as 
nearly  as  may  be,  running  through  the  middle  of  it.  It  is  then  subdivided  into  8 
townships.  The  North  liivision  comprises  the  2  townships  of  Stannington ;  that  of 
Bella^s  and  Bogghall,  Saltwick,  Duddo  and  Whinny  Hill,  Clifton  and  Cddwell ; 
total  6.  The  ^uth  Division  consists  of  S  townships,  viz.  Blagdon  and  Stumpy 
Riggs,  and  that  of  Plessey  and  Shotton.  The  population  of  the  Morth  Division,  as 
returned  to  me  by  the  overseer  thereof,  consisted  of  males  S65,  females  289 ;  making 
an  aggregate  of  504.  This,  subtracted  from  the  total  amount,  968,  as  returned  to 
you,  will  leave  for  the  South  Division  469,  which,  I  dare  say,  may  be  a  very  correct 
account  of  the  population.  *  *  *  For  the  great  decrease  in  the  population  of  the 
parish,  as  compared  with  that  of  the  last  census  in  1811,  I  can  very  satisfactorily  ac- 
count. About  8  years  ago,  a  very  extensive  collierv  in  the  South  Diviaon,  and 
township  of  Plessey,  was  (what  is  technically  called)  taid  in — ^that  is,  discontinued  to 
be  worked  or  carried  on ;  from  which  circumstance,  about  300  pitmen  removed  from 
the  parish  to  the  chapelry  of  Cowpen,  where  a  fresh  pit  or  colliery  was  opened,  and 
where  they  continue  to  dwell.  This  statement  will  account  for  the  great  decrease  in 
the  population  of  the  parish  of  Stannington,  and  also  in  that  of  inhabited  houses,  and 
satisfy  you  that  no  part  of  the  parish  has  been  omitted  in  taking  the  population, 
which  might  naturally  enough  appear  to  have  been  the  case,  without  the  explanation 
in  question."  The  poor-rates  have  not,  however,  decreased  with  the  population.  In 
1808,  they  amounted  to  £677, 18*.  7rf.  and  in  1821  to  £  792, 6*.  Mrs.  Grcy,  in  1720,  left 
by  wiU  a  rent-charge  of  £2,  for  teaching  six  poor  children.  The  vicar  says,  that  the 
master  now  receives  £11  per  annum,  ror  which  eleven  children  are  taught.  About 
70  or  80  children  attend  the  schools  in  the  village ;  but  the  poor  do  not  possess  sufB- 
<dent  means  of  educating  their  children. 

Stankingtok. — ^This  village,  which  stands  on  the  great  north  road,  is  above  4^ 
teiles  south  from  Morpeth,  and  10  miles  north  from  Newcastie.  It  is  an  irregular 
built  village,  consisting  of  three  farmsteads,  three  public  houses,  and  cottages  for  la-^ 
bourers  and  mechanics.  The  church  is  dedicated  to  St.  Mary.  The  living  is  a  vicar- 
age, valued  in  the  king's  books  at  £5,  13^.  ^d.  and  is  in  the  gift  of  tl^  bishop  of 
Durham.  The  advowson  of  the  vicarage  was  granted  to  the  abbey  of  Newminster, 
by  Rogfflf  de  Sumerville,  in  18S3.  The  third  Koger  de  Merley^  baron  of  Morpeth, 
who  died  in  1264,  founded  a  chantry  in  this  church,  in  honour  of  the  Blessed  Virgin, 
for  one  diaplain,  to  be  chosen  by  the  archdeacon  of  Northumberland,  for  the  tune 
being.  He  gave  to  it  one  toft  and  croft  on  the  south  side  of  the  church,  with  com- 
mon of  pasture  for  four  cows,^  and  thirty  ewes  with  their  followers  of  one  year  old. 
He  also  gave  to  it  ten  acres  of  land,  and  half  of  a  plough-land  in  Clifton,  and  twenty 
acres  of  knd  in  ColdweU,  to  hold  of  the  priory  of  Hexham,  by  the  annual  rent  of 
1^.  6d  to  be  paid  on  the  feast  of  St.  Peter  de  Vincula,  and  answering  to  the  prior's 
court  He  gave  to  it  three  oxgangs  of  land  in  Coldwell,  with  common  of  pasture  in 
Clifton  and  ColdWeU,  to  hold  of  Gilbert  de  Corners  and  his  heirs  by  tiie  annual  rent 
of  one  shilling.  He  gave  to  it  a  silver  chalice,  gilt  within,  of  the  value  of  23«.  also 
vestments  for  the  use  of  the  chaplain.  In  Vn%  the  Gothic  windows  of  the  chancel 
were  decorated  by  the  late  Sir  M.  W.  Ridley,  Bart,  with  some  curious  painted  glas6» 


B»6  CASTLS  WAXD.^W.  D> 

fiecij  ariomed,  of  various  floipturd  derigns,  «nd  aims  of  idJigiovs  houses,  and  widdi 
fvepe  evidentlj  serend  centuries  (dd. 

Stannington  wn  a  member  of  the  bsroiiy  of  Roger  Merky  ui  tiie  reign  of  Henry 
IIL  At  ids  deadi,  it  was  divided  by  the  nuniageof  his  daughter*  Mwy,  to  William 
Lord  Cii^stock,  and  of  Johanna,  to  Robert  de  Somervilie.  The  motely  whkh  fell 
to  the  Greystodu  descended  to  l^e  Dacr^  and  from  tlience  to  the  Howards.  The 
other  half  went  from  the  Somervilles,  in  the  S9th  cf  Edwaid  UL  to  Sfir  <' Rhese  i^ 
Grifidi/'  by  hu  marriage  with  Joan,  eldest  daughter  and  coheiress  of  Sir  Philip  S<^ 
merviUe;  and  to  Maud,  his  grand-daughter  by  jSlindieth,  the  wife  of  John  Stanbrd. 
The  Griffiths  for  some  tkne  had  a  foiffth  part  of  the  manor ;  but  the  whole  of  the 
SonerviUe  moiety  was  in  the  hands  €s£  the  Tnomtons,  of  Netherwitton*  in  1567. 

At  the  loot  of  the  hill  on  which  Stannington  is  built,  and  near  the  north  end  oi 
the  bridge  which  crosses  the  river  Blvtfa,  stands  a  pleasant  seat,  belonging  to  the  rdict 
of  the  kte  W.  Hall,  Esq.  and  whi^  has  an  air  of  neatness  and  snugness.  From  ite 
low  situatioo,  the  prospect  is  necessarily  confined;  but  that  is  compensated  by  the 
fine  vale  which  extends  to  the  right  and  left.  An  unsuccessful  attempt  was  madhe; 
aome  years  ago,  to  establish  a  mannfrctory  of  printed  cottons  here*  It  nas  now  been 
ooBverted  into  a  manufactory  for  spinning  hnen  yam,  by  Messrs.  nroctots,  of  New- 
castle, who  have  procured  new  and  improved  machineiy ,  and  carry  on  the  buriness  to 
a  coBsiileiiUe  extent. 

Blagdon  stands  on  the  west  side  of  the  post  road,  above  a  mile  south  from  Stan- 
nington.  It  was  held  of  the  barony  of  Morpeth  by  John  de  Plessis,  in  the  time  of 
Henry  III.  In  lff67>  it  belonged  to  the  Fenwicks,  who,  after  disposing  of  Little 
Harie,  had  their  residence  here,  until  they  sold  it  to  the  Whites. 

The  family  of  White  was  originally  of  the  county  of  Durham.  Matthew  Whiter 
Esq.  was  an  eminent  merchant,  and  alderman  of  Newcastle  upon  Tyne :  he  married 
*  Jane,  dausfater  of  Nicholas  Fenwick,  Esq.  an  alderman  of  that  town,  by  whom  he 
had  severed  children,  who  lived  to  matiuity.  Margaret,  the  ddest  daughtar,  was  wife 
of  Richard  Ridley,  of  Newcastle  and  Heaton,  in  Northumberland,  Esq.  by  whom  he 
had  several  children.  Elizabeth,  the  second  daughter,  was  wife  of  Robert  Dougks^ 
Esq.  who  died  wilibout  issue ;  Martha,  the  third,  died  unmarried ;  and  Isabella,  the 
feurth,  was  wife  of  Thomas  Waters,  Esq. ;  Jane  died  unmanied. 

Matthew,  only  surviving  son,  matiied  Elizab^h,  daughter  and  coheiress  of 
John  Johnson,  Esq.  of  BebsMle,  county  of  Northmnborland,  m  whom  he  had,  1.  Mat- 
ihew,  who  dial  an  infant ;  8.  John ;  S,  Elisabeth,  wife  of  !Md;thew,  son  of  Richard 
Ridley  aforesaid,  Esq.  by  whom  she  had  several  children;  4.  Nichdas;  A.  Geoige; 
fi.  Mirtthew,  who,  serving  the  office  of  high  sheriff  of  the  county  of  NorthumberlMMl, 
was  created  a  baronet,  Mav  6, 1756 ;  7.  Jane ;  8.  Charies ;  and,  9.  Maiy.  They  all 
died  unEBiarried,  except  Ehzabeth. 

The  femily  ik  Ridley  has  been  of  long  standing  in  Northiunberiand,  and  possessed 

.  <tf  extoisive  estates,  as  appears  from  divers  recordU.    Hardriding,  near  Haitwhistle,  i^ 

the  ancient  seat  of  the  Ridley  family :  above  one  of  the  old  doOTS  there,  a  date  earlier 

than  the  Conquest  appears,  and  the  initial  letters  of  the  builder,  N.  R.    This  was  a 

Jounger  branch  of  the  Ridlevs  of  Willimoteswicke ;  of  which  branch  was  John  Rid^ 
js  a  mi^or  in  th^  service  of  Charies  I.  in  the  Duke  of  Newcastle's  army.    Of  thk 


STANNINGTON  PARISH.  897 

family  was  Nicholas  Ridley,  bishop  of  London,  who  was  burnt  in  the  reign  of  queen 
Mary.    (See  page  821.) 

This  family,  after  flourishing  in  opulence  for  many  ^Derations,  became  united  with 
that  of  White,  by  the  second  marriaee  of  Matthew  Ridley,  Esq.  (died  April  6, 1778) 
wiUi  Elizabetiii  (died  May  4,  1764),  eldest  daughter,  and  at  length  heiress,  of  Matthew 
White,  Esq.  November  18,  1742,  by  whom  he  had  seven  sons  and  four  daughters : 
1.  Matthew  White,  the  second  baronet ;  2.  Edward,  who  died  an  infant ;  8.  Nicholas, 
of  Gray's  Inn,  Esq.  who  married,  1790,  Letitia,  daughter  of  Hugh  Atkins,  Esq.  a 
Russia  merchant,  imd  died  January  1, 1804,  a  bencher  of  Gray's  Inn,  and  a  master  in 
chancery ;  4.  John,  captain  in  the  28th  regiment  of  foot,  died  at  New  York,  in  1776 ; 
5.  Henry,  D.  D.  Tectot  of  Whippinffham,  in  the  Isle  of  Wight,  of  Kirby  Underdale, 
in  Yorkdure,  and  prebendary  of  Gloucester;  he  married  Frances,  a  daughter  of 
Aubone  Surtees,  Esq.  of  Newcastle,  sister  to  Baroness  Eldon ;  6.  Edward,  who  died 
an  infant;  7.  Charles.  The  daughters  were,  1.  Elizabeth  Christiana;  2.  Margaret, 
dkd  unmarried ;  8.  Jane,  married,  July  22,  1 777,  Arthur  Shakespeare,  Esq.  of  Step- 
ney,  and  died  in  February,  1804 ;  4.  Mary,  who  died  in  October,  1797.  Sir  Matthew 
White  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  1756,  in  wfaich  year  he  was  made  a 
baronet.    He  died  March  21,  176S. 

Sir  Matthew  White  Ridley,  Bart,  suoceeded  his  maternal  uncle.  Sir  Matthew 
White,  by  virtue  of  a  limitation  in  the  patent,  March  21,  1768;  married,  July  12, 
1777,  Sarah  Colbume,  daughter  and  heiress  of  Benjamin  Colbume,  Esq.  of  Bath ;  by 
whom,  who  died  August  3,  1806,  he  had  issue,  five  sons  and  one  daughter:  1.  Mat^ 
thew  White  (the  present  baronet),  bom  August  18,  1778 ;  2.  Nicholas  William,  who 
succeeded  to  the  property  of  his  maternal  unde,  William  Colburne,  Esq.  has  assumed, 
the  name  and  arms  of  Colburne,  in  addition  to  that  of  Ridley,  M.  P.  for  Appleby ; 
8.  Henry  Colburne,  rector  of  HamMedon,  county  of  Bucks ;  4.  Richard,  also  in  holy 
orders;  5.  Charles  John;  6.  Henrietta  Elizabeth,  married,  August  20,  1804,  the 
Hon.  John  Scott,  who  died  December  24, 1805,  eldest  son  of  John  Lord  Eldon,  Lord 
High  Chancellor  of  Great  Britain,  leavmg  one  son,  bom  December  10,  1805.  He 
died  April  16, 1818,  m  the  67th  year  of  his  age  ♦ 

■ 

*  Sir  Matthew  White  Ridley,  Bart  was  elected  member  for  the  borough  of  M<Mpeth  in  176S,  and  for 
Newcastle  upon  Tyne  in  1774>  after  a  contest  which  lasted  eight  days;  and  so  highly  did  he  possess  the 
esteem  and  confidence  of  his  constituents^  that  he  was  returned  one  of  their  representatives  in  eight  successive 
parliaments^  which  included  the  long  period  of  5S  years.  He  was  also  mayor  of  New^astle^  in  the  yeara 
1774,  17S2>  and  1791.  He  frequently  received  the  thanks  of  different  incorporated  companies^  accompaniect 
by  tokens  of  their  grateful  approbation  of  his  conduct  in  parliament ;  and  continued  governor  cf  the  mer-i 
chants'  company  from  the  year  177S  to  the  time  of  his  death.  During  die  alarm  arising  from  the  threatened 
invasion  m  179S^  he  became  colonel  of  the  Newcastle  Loyal  Associated  Volunteers.  This  fine  and  efficient 
oorps^  in  IS\%,  presented  their  respecfeeSd  commander  with  a  very  elegant  silver  vase^  of  the  Etruscan 
form,  tastefully  ornamented,  and  valued  at  £350.  In  the  same  year.  Sir  Matthew  retired  fitNn  his  public 
duties;  when  his  brother  burgesses  testified  their  esteem  by  electing  his  son  to  the  important  office  of  repre* 
senting  tiiem  in  parliament.  He  died  in  the  following  year,  at  his  Viouse  in  Portland  Pboe,  London,  and  was 
interred  on  the  Sd  of  May,  in  tiie  fiimily  vauH  of  St.  Nicholas'  diurch,  Newcastle,  amidst  the  generous  and 
manly  grief  of  a  large  assemblage  of  bis  fellow  townsmen.  The  remarks  on  this  worthy  character  which  ap- 
peered  in  the  first  edition  of  this  work,  are  toa  just  to  be  emitted:-^** He  does  not  figure  in  the  house  as  a 

VOL.  II. — (38)  5  H 


398 


CASTLE  WARD.~W.  J). 


Sir  Matthew  White  Ridley,  the  present  baronet,  married,  August  18,  1808,  Laura 
Hawkins,  youngest  daughter  of  George  Hawkins,  Esq.  by  whom  he  has  issue,Sarah, 
born  July  15,  1804;  Laura,  born  June  11,  1806;  Matthew  White,  bom  September 
9>  1807 ;  Nicholas  Henry,  second  son,  born  September  10,  died  September  22,  1808 ; 
Louisa,  third  daughter,  born  September  25,  1809 ;  Marianne,  fourth  daughter,  born 
October  23,  1810 ;  Charles  William,  third  son,  born  January  25,  1812 ;  Janetta  Maria, 
fourth  daughter,  born  April  28,  1814;  Henry  Richard,  fourth  son,  bom  June  12, 
1815;  WiUiam  John,  fifth  son,  bom  June  15,  1817;  George,  sixth  son,  bom  October 
20,  1818 ;  and  Mary,  sixth  daughter,  born  October  8,  1820,  died  January  1,  1821. 
Sir  Matthew  was  lieut.  col.  of  the  Newcastle  Loyal  Associated  Volunteers,  and  was 
esteemed  an  able  and  active  officer.  He  has  continued  to  be  returned  as  one  of  the 
representatives  in  parliament  for  Newcastle  since  the  resignation  of  his  father. 

The  mansion-house,  which  was  built  by  Matthew  White,  Esq.  is  a  handsome  and 
convenient  structure,  with  many  excellent  rooms;  and  the  pleasure-grounds  are 
beautiful  and  extensive,  and  are  ornamented  by  some  fine  sheets  of  water.     The  late 

J)roprietor  made  great  improvements  in  planting  and  decorating  the  place.  The  two 
odges,  each  surmounted  oy  a  finely  executed  bull,  at  the  chief  entrance,  have  a  noble 
appearance.  The  Cale  Cross,  which  formerly  stood  at  the  foot  of  the  Side  in  New- 
castle, now  forms  a  striking  ornament  at  the  north  end  of  the  plantation,  adjoining 
the  post-road.  The  lion  couchant,  that  adorns  this  structure,  was  originally  a  present 
from  the  late  Sir  Matthew  White  Ridley,  Bart.  A  neat  villa  has  been  lately  erected 
on  the  east  side  of  the  road  here,  for  Mr.  Turner,  the  steward  of  the  estates ;  and  a 
few  handsome  cottages,  separated  from  each  other  by  gardens,  extend  northward  to- 
wards the  summit' of  the  hill  above  Stannington  bridge. 

BeUasis  stands  on  the  north  side  of  the  Blyth,  above  a  mile  south-west  from  Stan- 
nington.  This  ancient  villa  and  manor  was  held  in  the  reign  of  Henry  II.  by  Robert 
de  Sellasise,  for  a  third  part  of  a  knight's  fee.  The  Sommervilles  and  Griffiths  had 
possessions  at  it ;  but  a  !Bellasise  held  half  the  manor  in  the  17th  Henry  VI.  It  was 
for  several  generations  the  residence  of  a  family  of  Bells.  Part  is  now  held  by  Mr. 
Crow,  a  block  and  mast  maker  at  North  Shields,  the  representative  of  the  old  Mimily 
of  Crows ;  and  part  by  Mr.  R.  Fenwick. 

Saltwick  lies  above  2  miles  west  by  north  from  Stannington,  and  is  the  property  of 
Thomas  Brown,  Esq.  of  London.  East  and  West  I>uddoes  are  situated  between 
Saltwick  and  Stannington.  This  property,  which  belongs, to  the  WUson  family,  is 
now  for  sale. 

Clifton,  which  stands  upon  the  post-road,  2  miles  north  from  Stannington,  and 
ColdweU,  another  hamlet,  are  thef  property  of  the  Earl  of  Carlisle,  who  possesses  all 
the  northern  part  of  this  parish.  The  district  called  the  Ecist  Division  is  the  property 
of  Sir  M.  W.  Ridley,  Bart,  and  Ralph  Carr,  Esq.  a  barrister,  and  brother  of  the  late 
John  Carr,  Esq.  of  Dunston.  The  latter  is  the  proprietor  of  four  farms  and  several 
tenements  in  this  parish. 

speaker^  but  in  solidity  of  judgment  and  independence  of  principle  he  is  inferior  to  none.  He  haa  expended 
his  time  and  his  fortune,  and  exposed  his  health  to  injury,  in  the  faithful  discharge  of  his  public  duties ;  nor 
has  he  sought  reward  in  the  smiles  of  the  court,  or  the  plaudits  of  a  party."  The  beautiful  monument  which 
has  been  erected  to  his  memory  will  be  noticed  in  the  History  of  Newcastle. 


ST.  JOHN'S  PARISH.  39d 

Plesset  stands  above  a  mile  east  by  south  from  Stamiington.  It  gBYB  name  to 
the  ancient  family  of  Plessis,  and  was  the  manor  of  John  de  Plessis,  1  Edward  I.  h)^ 
the  service  of  one  knight's  fee.  In  1668,  it  was  the  property  of  Charles  Brandling, 
Esq.  who  married  the  daughter  and  sole  heir  of  Ralph  Pudsey,  Esq.  of  Plessey  Hafi. 
It  now  belongs  to  Sir  M.  W.  Ridley,  Bart.  The  old  mansion-house  is  occupied  by  a 
farmer.  Great  part  of  Plessey*  has  been  demolished  since  the  colliery  was  abEUidoned. 
At  Plessey  Checks,  near  the  village,  are  three  farmsteads,  a  public  house,  and  several 
cottages ;  and  at  Plessey  Newhouses  is  a  good  farmhold,  and  near  it  a  landsale  colliery. 

Shotton  is  pleasantly  situated  on  a  rocky  eminence  which  overlooks  the  great 
north  road,  above  one  mile  south-west  from  Plessey.  It  contains  two  good  farm- 
houses, and  in  front  of  one  of  them  is  a  well-enclosed  garden,  sloping  to  tlie  south. 
ShotUm  Edge  is  a  well-known  inn  on  the  road  side,  rebuilt  a  few  years  ago  by  Sir  M. 
W.  Ridley,  a  short  distance  south  from  the  scite  of  the  old  house,  and  where  a  relay 
of  horses  are  now  kept  for  the  Royal  Mail. 

ST.  JOHN'S  PARISH, 

This  parish  is  mostly  in  the  town  of  Newcastle  upon  Tyne ;  but  the  townships  of 
Benwell,  Elswick,  and  the  Westoate,  are  situated  without  the  liberties  of  that 
town.  In  1821,  they  contained  508  dweUing  houses  and  3120  inhabitants ;  but,  since 
that  time,  the  population  has  been  much  increased. 

Benwell. — ^The  annual  value  of  property  in  this  important  township  was,  in 
1815,  returned  at  £11,780.  The  land  is  peculiariy  fertile  and  pleasant,  and  rises 
boldly  from  the  river.  In  1821,  it  contained  286  houses  and  1296  inhabitants,  and 
the  poor-rates  amounted  to  £S79»  10^.  The  population  had  increased  845  during  the 
preceding  20  years. 

BenweU  is  distant  2^  miles  west  from  Newcastle.  Richard  de  Benwell  held  a  me- 
diety  of  the  ville  of  Benwell,  and  Robert  de  Whitchester  and  Henry  De-la-val  the 
other,  by  service  of  each  a  fourth  part  of  a  knight's  fee,  of  the  barony  of  Bolbeck,  in 
1272.  The  Delavals  had  possessions  here  for  some  generations.  William  Delaval 
of  Benwell  occurs  so  late  as  the  14th  Henry  VI.  (1436).  Robert  Shaftoe,  Esq.  of 
Little  Bavin^gton,  had  lands  at  Benwell,  10  queen  Elizabeth,  which,  with  the  ancient 
tower  and  capital  mansion-house,  were  m  the  possession  of  Mark  Shaftoe,  Esq.  a  re- 
presentative in  parlian^ent  for  Newcastle  upon  Tyne,  1659,  and  a  younger  branch  of 
that  ancient  family.  Robert  Shaftoe,  Esq.  of  Benwell  Tower,  and  alderman  of  New- 
castle, died  in  1670,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  grandson,  Robert  Shaftoe,  Esq.  He 
married  Dorothy,  fourth  daughter  of  Sir  Thomas  Heselri^ge,  of  Nosely,  county  of 
Leicester,  Bart.  He  was  hi^  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  8  William  III.  (1696). 
At  his  death,  in  1714,  he  was  succeeded  by  his  son  and  heir,  Robert  Shaftoe,  Esq. 
who  was  high  sheriff  of  this  county,  4  George  I.  (1718).     He  married  Mary,  daugh- 

*  Weddell^  a  shoemaker,  is  the  viHage  poet^  and  is  highly  esteemed  by  the  neighbouring  rustics  for  his 
poetic  genius.  Some  of  his  humble  rhymes  have  been  published,  and  certainly  disf^y  some  spirit  and  hnmoar. 
April  20^  IS  1 7^  died^  at  Plessey,  Margaret  Stafford^  aged  106  years. 


400  CASTLE  WARD.— W.  D. 

tet  of  'Ralph  Jennison,  Esq.  of  ELswicIr,  and  sister  and  at  length  sole  heir  of  Ralph 
JennisOnv  Esq.  of  Elswick^  and  of  Walworth,  county  of  Durham.  He  died  in  1735, 
when  the  estates,  on  the  decease  of  his  elder  brother,  Jennison  Shaftoe,  Esq.  descend- 
ed to  Robert  Shaftoe  Esq.  of  Ben  well,  and  of  Wratting  Park,  county  of  Cambri^Lze, 
who  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  27  George  II.  (1754).  He  married  Ca^ 
milla,  daughter  and  coheir  of  Thomas  Allen,  of  the  Flatts,  county  of  Durham.  He 
died  in  1780,  and  left  issue,  1.  Robert  Shaftoe,  Esq.  only  surviving  son  and  heir,  who 
died  1781,  unmarried,  in  the- 21st  year  of  his  age,  at  Wratting  Park;  2.  Camilla, 
daughter,  and  at  length  sole  heir  of  her  brother,  and  who  in  1784  married  Hugh, 
otherv/ise  William  Adair,  Esq.  a  obtain  in  the  fi5th  regiment  of  foot,  a  gentleman  of 
much  learning  and  elegant  manners. 

Miss  Shaftoe's  fathe?*^  sold  all  that  part  of  the  Ben  well  estate  laying  north  of  the 
military  road,  to  William  Ord,  Esq.  of  Fenham,  grandfather  of  William  Ord,"  Esq. 
of  Whitfield.  On  Mr.  Shaftoe's  death,  his  daughter  sold  Ben  well  Hall,  and  the  east 
part  oi  the  estate,  to  William  Archdeacon,  Esq. ;  and  afterwards  BenweU  Lodge,  and 
that,  part  of  the  estate  laying  west  of  the  village  towards  Denton  Bum,  to  William 
Ord,  Esq.  of  Fenham,  father  of  the  present  gentleman  of  that  name.  About  the  year 
1779,  the  noted  Andrew  Robinson  Bowes,  Esq.f  bought  BenweU  Hall  and  grounds 

*  Mr.  Shaftoe  was  distinguished  fmr  his  literary  taste,  ooUoquial  powers,  and  great  hospitaNty.  His  valaa^ 
ble  library,  lo  which  the  late  Dr.  Hutton  was  so  deeply  indebted,  was  soM  24th  March,  17S1. 

t  As  the  character  of  this  man  is  almost  without  parallel^  except  in  romance,  we  will  here  offer  a  brief  me-» 
moir  of  his  eventAil  life.  Mr.  Bowes,  then  Mr.  Stoney,  eame  to  Neweastle,  an  eangn  in  the  SOth  r^gknacit  of 
foot,  where  he  had  the  address  to  miany  Miss  Newton,  only  child  of  \l^b'am  N«wtori,  of  Buitiopfieki,  Esq.  with 
a  fortune,  it  is  said,  of  £30,000.  In  17^>  the  regiment  was  disbanded,  and  Mr.  Bowes  retifed,  on  half  pay» 
to  Cold*pig«hill,  the  seat  of  his  wife's  ancestors.  Mrs.  Bowes  was  not  at  all  handsome,  being  short,  and  very 
dark ;  but  she  bore  an  excellent  character.  After  suffering  much  cruel  treatment,  she  died,  and  left  no  issue. 
As  an  instance  of  Bowes'  cniel  treatment  of  tins  lady,  it  is  said  that  he  once  locked  her  up  in  a  closet  which 
would  barely  contain  her,  for  three  days,  in  her  chemise  (some  say  without  it),  and  fed  her  with  one  egg  a  day. 

Shortly  after,  the  Countess  of  Strathmore  attracted  Bowes'  attention,  her  lord  having  just  then  died  at  Lis- 
boI^  leavhig  her  in  the  possession  of  immense  property.  She  was  then  scarcely  30  years  of  age,  possessed  of 
a  very  pleasing  enbonpoini^  her  breast  uncommonly  fine,  fingers  small,  and  hands  exceedingly  delicate.  Her 
stature  was  rather  under  the  middle  class ;  her  complexion  particularly  clear,  her  hair  brown,  her  eyes  light, 
small,  and  she  was  near-sighted;  her  face  was  round,  her  lower-jaw  rather  under-hanging;  her  neck  and 
shoulders  graceful,  while  an  elegant  and  loose  dress  generally  displayed  her  person  to  advantage.  Her  intel- 
lectual acquirements  were  of  the  first  order ;  she  knew  a  great  many  languages,  courted  the  muses,  excelled 
in  several  of  the  sciences,  and  was  the  most  intelligent  female  botanist  of  the  age.  Educated  in  the  patjis  ^ 
virtue  ahd  innocence,  and  untutored  in  those  arts  and  deceptions  so  familiar  to  'coaits,  her  mind  was  easfly 
poisoned  with  flattery,  so  deiicioirs  to  all,  but  particularly  to  IcMiied  ladies^  Imtnedisftefty  aftdr  the  £wl's 
death,  the  Countess  was  addressed  by  Mr.  Oray,  a  gentlennm  frost  India,  against  whom  Bowes  entered  the. 
Usts ;  and  there  was  no  antiquated,  dissipated,  impudent,  and  profligiite  nabob  a  match  for  tiim.  He  directal 
his  attack  upon  the  Countess  with  every  stratagem  that  coald  be  devised.  Rie  made  aii  the  tnelm  literati  la 
her  house  his  fHends,  and  secured  the  smiles  of  the  females.  £qually  mischievous  and  successful,  he  had 
procured  the  inwrtran  df  the  nrost  outrageous  abuse  agaittat  the  CeunteSB  in  l^e  Morning  Bost,  and  then,  as 
her  champion,  ^ghrt  a  duel  with  the  ^tor,  tn  whieh  he  Iras  wounded.  This  conspleted  the  pfet,  and  ia 
four  days  (January  17^  1777)  after  this  tmom^ret  Boweft  ati4  die  Countess  were  married.    But  Hyinea'% 


ST.  JOHN'S  parish:  401 

of  the  Archdeacon  family,  when  Mrs.  Adair  sold  him  the  remainder  of  the  estate,  he 
paying  (or  rather  promising  to  pay,  for  he  himself  never  paid  any  cash  upon  the  pur- 
chase) the  sum  of  £  28,000.    Airs.  Gibson,  wife  of  the  late  town-derk  of  Newcastle, 

torch  burnt  not  Gkar,  and  after  a  few  pablic  dinners,  the  scene  changed,  and  the  females  that  had  been  first 
dishonoured  were  next  discarded ;  his  other  instruments,  the  male  literati,  were  sent  adrift  also,  and  Grosve- 
nor  Square  soon  beeame  deserted. 

Within  a  month  of  his  marriage,  Sir  Walter  Bladcett,  a  member  for  Newcastle,  died;  Bowes  ofiered  him- 
self as  a  candidate,  assigning  ill  health  for  not  personally  canvassing  the  voters.  He  stood  the  contest  against 
Sir  John  Trevelyan,  and  he  petitioned  the  House  of  Commons,  but  finally  lost  his  election. 

Bowes,  in  May,  took  a  secluded  house  at  Hammersmith,  where  he  retired  with  the  Countess  and  his  phy- 
sician. At  the  expiration  of  three  months,  they  came  down  to  Gibside,  where  the  Countess  was  delivered  of 
a  son.  Before  Bowes  left  town,  he  sold  Chelsea  House,  and  took  the  family  plate  into  his  .own  possession. 
He  raised  £30,000  upon  annuities,  £  12,000  of  which  was  paid  to  Mr.  Gray,  to  avoid  an  action  for  damages. 
He  cut  down  the  rich  plantations  at  Gibside ;  but  as  his  neigbours  would  not  buy  the  felled  timber,  it  lay 
upon  his  hands.  He  served  the  ofiice  of  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  1780,.  and  in  the  month  of  Sep- 
tember, the  same  year,  was  chosen  a  representative  in  parliament  fbr  Newcastle.  He  kept  an  open  house  at 
Gibside ;  his  dinners  were  good,  and  his  table  enriched  with  massive  plate ;  but  there  was  always  a  smack 
€»f  mean  splendour  about  him.  He  meant  to  obtain  an  Irish  peerage  by  his  parliamentary  seat ;  bat  finding 
the  administration  recoiled  at  it,  he  turned  sulky  and  abusive.  4t  Gib^e  he  avoided  his  London  creditors ; 
but,  in  17S3,  he  was  dbliged  to  remove  to  London,  to  avoid  his  creditors  in  the  north. 

''  When  the  Countess,"  says  Foote,  ''  returned  to  London,  ahe  appeared  wonderfully  altered  and  dejeeted. 
She  was  pale  and  nervous,  and  her  imder  jaw  constantly  moved  from  side  to  side.  If  she  said  any  thing,  she 
looked  at  him  first.  If  she  was  asked  to  drink  a  glass  of  wine,  she  took  his  intelligence  before  she  answered. 
She.  was  bat  a  short  time  at  dinner,  and  then  was  out  of  sight  All  the  delight  of  the  fond  heart  of  a  womaii 
oCfiuhion,  posaessing  an  immense  fortune,  high  education,  and  strong  propensities  for  figuring  in  ^e  beau 
momde,  and  for  displaying  the  resistless  ornamental  appendages  of  exalted  rank,  was  by  Bowes  suppressed. 
The  rich,  the  gay,  and  fashionable  equipage,  the  well-disciplined  and  flirting  fan,  the  proud  and  nodding 
plumage,  the  brilliant  and  superb  diamonds,  the  oonspicoous  opera»box,  the  love-exciting  dance,  the  soft  and 
eztatic  endearmenU  of  the  Italian  song,  which  was  better  tasted  by  the  Countess  than  most  ladies,  from  her 
perfect  knowledge  of  the  language  and  of  music,  were  all  compressed,  and  totally  obliterated.  Her  pers(m, 
aocostomed  only  to  distress  and  confinement,  found  no  alleviation  of  the  bitterest  sorrow.  Mind  and  body 
jointly  submitted  to  receive  the  pressure  which  Bowes,  like  a  mangle,  daily  rolled  upon  them,  and  both  wem 
grievoasfy  ooUapsed." 

Bewes,  by  stratagem,  got  Lady  Anna  Maria,  one  of  the  Countess's  daughters  by  Lord  Strathmore,  into  his 
possession,  and  carried  her  off  to  Paris.  This  was  a  master-piece  of  villainy ;  but  the  guardians  of  the  young 
lady  applied  to  the  Court'of  Chancery,  and  also,  through  Lord  Carmarthen,  to  the  court  of  France,  to  have 
her  given  up :  Bowes  was,- therefore,  obl%ed  to  return.  Within  three  months  after  their  return,  the  Countess 
eloped  in  a  hackney  coach,  attended  by  Mrs.  Morgan.  Near  Bemer's  Street  they  saw  Bowes  in  a  hackney 
coach  also,  driving  very  fiist,  with  his  head  out.  Mid  without  his  hat  He  saw  them  not;  but  the  escape  Was 
flo  narrow,  that  the  Countess  fell  juito  hysterics.  She  was  conducted  to  Mr.  Shuter^s,  the  barrister,  in  Cursitor 
Street ;  and  an  apartment  was  taken  for  her  in  Dyer's  Buildings,  where  she  remained,  and  where  Bowes  at 
length  discovered  her,  but  not  till  she  had  exhibited  articles  of  the  peace  in  the  Court  of  King^  Bench  against 
hup,  and  was  protected  by  one  of  the  tipstaffs  of  the  court.  The  proofs  which  were  soon  afterwards  preferred 
against  him  in  the  Commons,  of  the  cases,  which  consisted  in  beating,  scratching,  biting,  pinching,  whipping, 
kicking,  imprisoning.  Insulting,  provoking,  tormenting,  mortifying,  degrading,  tyrannizing,  cajoling,  deceiving, 
lying,  starving,  forcing,  compelling,  and  a  new  torment,  wringing  of  the  heart,  evinced  a  miserable  sort  of 
energy,  and  would  be  offensive  in  their  particulars  to  the  tender  and  delicate  eye  of  chastity.    After  the  trial, 

VOL.  11.         .  5  I 


403  CASTLE  WARDv— W.  D. 

advanced  the  money  for  the  purchase  made  of  Mrs.  Adair,  on  raortgi^ ;  ioid  the 
Archdeacx)ns  allowed  part  of  the  purchas^money  to  remain  on  mortgage  of  their  parL 
In  May,  1785,  Bowes  offered  the  estate  for  sale  by  auction,  but  did  not  sell  it.    The 

Bowes  took  coDvauent  ledgiogi^  and  meditated  upon  the  last  tffoitt  he  was  ever  pemitted  to  make  iipM  the 
person  of  the  Countess. 

Bowes  at  last  matured  a  plan  for  seizing  the  Countess;  and^  in  spite  of  every  precaution,  she  was  carried 
off  from  the  midst  of  her  servants,  and  while  under  the  fttotecttem  of  a  friend.  He  iaamediately  hastened 
with  his  prey  into  the  north.  Though  the  windows  of  the  coach  were  broken,  and  the  Udy  in  the  ooadi 
appeared  in  great  dist2«8S,  yet  not  the  least  effort  was  ntade  to  interrtqpt  their  progress.  Bov^es  endeatonred 
to  persuade  her  tq  sign  a  paper,  to  stq)  proceedings  in  the  eodesiaatiGal  oourt,  and  to  consent  to  live  under 
the  name  and  character  of  his  wife,  both  which  she  positively  refused  to  doi  he  then  beat  her  oh  the  &ce 
and  body  with  his  clenched  fists;  and  when  she  endeavoured  to  cry^out,  he  thrvBt  a  handkerducf  into  her 
mouth.  On  the  most  trifling  cootriidiction  while  on  the  totA^  be  beat  her  with  the  dudn  and  iefth  of  his 
watch  on  the  naked  breast ;  and  when  provoked  by  her  firmness,  he  preaented  a  leaded  pistol  to  her  head, 
and  threatened  her  life  if  she  did  not  instantly  ngn  the  pspm,  but  this  she  waa  determined  never  to  <k>.  Be« 
ing  arrived  at  Streatlam  Castle,  and  finding  the  Countess  firm,  he,  in  a  glow  of  passion,  pv^ad  out  a  piMol, 
bid  her  say  her  prayers,  and,  with  a  trembling  hand,  presented  it  at  her  head  This  too  hSUaog  of  effect,  he 
violently  beat  her,  then  left  her^  and  she  saw  no  more  of  him  for  a  whole  day ;  wbw  ooming  op  to  her  leom 
rather  more  calm  than  usual,  he  asked  her,  if  she  was  not  yet  reconciled  to  a  datifnl  domeotie  fifir?  and  beiDg 
answered  with  some  asperityi  he  fiew  into  a  more  violent  passiaD  than  she  had  eyer  yet  seen  him,  puUed  out 
the  pistol,  bid  her  say  her  ladt  prayers ,«-— she  did  say  her  prayers,  and  thoB  bid  him  ffafe  1 

By  this  time  the  whole  country  began  to  be  alarmed  for  her,  and  he  for  hici  e^ra  safety.    He,  Iherefere,  in 

order  to  cover  his  escape,  ordered  ti^o  of  his  domestics  to  be  dresaod  so  as  to  personate  himsdf  and  her  lady« 

ship,  and  to  shew  themsfdves  occasionally  before  the  windows,  to  appeaae  the  popnhMe,  and  to  dcoave  Us 

pursuers    This  stratagem  had  its  full  effect;  the  people  were  qinet;  while  Boweo  took  her  out  by  a  back 

"Way,  dngged  her  between  ten  and  eleven  o'clock,  in  the  dark,  to  a  little  cottage  in  the  neighbovrfaood,  where 

they  spent  the  renainder  of  the  n%ht,  and  where  he  behaved  to  her  in  a  maiimA  shockii^  to  the  deHeacy  of 

civil  \ke,  by  reiterating  his  threatenings,  and  finding  threats  in  vain,  throfwi^g  her  on  the  bed,  and  fiof  ging 

her  with  rods.    On  leaving  the  cottage  in  the  mornings  he  had  her  set  on  Iiorsobidi  behind  hiai,  without  a 

pillion,  and  took  her  over  dismal  heaths  and  trackleea  wilds  covered  with  snow,  ttH  they  cami^  to  DarGegton, 

to  the  house  of  Mr.  B-— ,  an  attorney,  where  siie  w^  shut  op  in  a  dark  room,  and  where  she  was  thiraaienod 

(a  red-hot  poker  being  held  to  her  breast)  with  a  mad  doctor  end  stnet  wsotooat ;  but  ail  in  vdm.    The 

hour  of  deliverance  drew  near.     Here  they  had  been  traced,  and  here  it  was  no  longer  sef^  for  Bowert  to  roi»i 

tinue ;  he  therefore  set  out  with  her  before  day,  in  the  sitme  manner  that  he  had  b nooght  her,  takkig  her  over 

hedges  and  ploughed  fields,  till,  being  se&n  by  the  hodbandmen  at  Work,  he  was  so  dosely  hefmaed  in,  tint 

an  M.  countryman  taking  hold  of  his  horse'd  bridle,  and  Bbwes  presenting  his  pistol  to  iHgfaten'hMn,  he  Was 

knocked  down  by  a  constable  that  was  in  pursuit  of  him,  and  feUed  to  the  gnmnd.  with  a  large  hedg»«take. 

Seeing  him  in  that  situationy  her  ladyship  put  herself  under  the  protection  of  the  peaeei^fficer,  and  beiiig  on 

horseback,  in  a  kind  of  womanish  exultation,  bid  him  fiuewell,  anld  noend  his  hfo,  and  so  left  him  wekaing 

in  his  h)ood ;  while  the,  with  the  whole  country  in  her  favour,  made  the  best  of  her  way  to  London,  atieuded 

only  by  her  deliverers,  where  she  arrived  safe. 

Articles  of  the  peace  were  again  exhibited  against  Bowes  and  several  others,  in  consequehee  of  which  he 
was  brought  up  to^the  King^s  Bcstch,  and  committed  to  prison,  notwithstanding  he  employed  many  dta|»-lsMl 
stratagems  to  avoid  it  He  wae  finally  sentenced,  June  26,  1787>  to  pay  a  fine  g£  £SO0  to  his  majosfy ;  ta 
be  confined  in  the  King's  Bench  prison  for  three  years,  and  at  the  expiration  thereof  to  find  security  for  14 
years,  himself  in  £  10>0(X>,  and  two  sureties  of  £5000  each.  The  oiher  conspiratDrs  were  also  pumsfaed,  sod 
left  by  their  master  to  their  fate. 


ST.  JOHlff'S  PARISH.  46S 

lUMtgdgees  sooh  after  got  into  possession ;  and  N.  Clayton,  Esq.  tras  apjioiftted  re* 
oeiver  on  behalf  of  Mrs.  Gibson ;  and,  latterly,  Robert  Pern-son,  Esq.  on  behalf  of 
Mrs.  Archdeacon  and  family.  The  estate,  fix>m  an  accurate  survey  made  by  Mr. 
John  Bell,  of  Newcastle,  in  August,  1808,  contained  514  acres  and  23  poles^  In 
ITSfi,  when  Bowes  proposed  to  sell  the  estate,  the  annual  rent  was  £1950;  but  Mr. 
Bell  valued  it  as  worth  to  be  let  at  £2441  per  annum,  at  which  rent  it  was  immedi- 
artely  tdcefi  by  the  old  tenants.    After  Bowes'  death,  the  estate  was  sold  by  auction, 

Soon  after  Bowes  was  married  to  the  Countess,  he  discovered  that  she  had  made  a  setdement  of  the  estates 
which  had  been  willed  her  by  her  father,  so  as  to  place  them  at  her  own  disposiil,  whether  sii^le  or  married. 
This  obnoxioas  deed  he  got  revoked  by  an  instrument  under  the  hand  and  seal  of  the  Countess,  four  months 
after  the  marriage.  But,  in  1785,  the  Court  of  Common  Fleas  declared  this  instrument  a  nullity,  being  ob- 
tained by  violent  means,  and  established  the  ante-nuptia]  deed.  After  this  decision,  Bowes  began  to  sink 
into  the  most  complete  state  of  despondency.  Another  deadly  blow  followed  also.  The  sentence  of  separa- 
tion and  divorce  now  issued  from  Doctors  Commons,  and  he  was  stunned  with  the  thunder  of  excommunica- 
tion. He  Was  charged  with  the  sums  he  had  unjustly  received  from  these  estates,  and  they  were  entered  on 
the  Marshal's  books.  Thus  mauled,  stripped,  disgraced,  and  blasted,  the  prison  bolts  flew  open ;  all  of  a 
sadden  he  bade  adieu  to  the  outer  state-rooms,  and  entered  within  the  walk,  in  a  pickle  n6t  unmerited,  arid 
in  a  state  to  which,  with  some,  death  would  have  been  comparativdy  an  Elysitmi. 

About  the  year  1797>  Bowes  mustered  up  a  little  courage,  and  commenced  a  suit  in  Chancery,  claiming 
the  surplus  rents  €f  the  estotes  set  apart  to  pay  the  annuities  which  the  Countess  had  joined  Bowes  in  grant- 
ing, the  House  of  Lords  decided  in  his  favour.  Ekted  by  this,  he  recurred  to  the  Cdurt  of  Chancery ;  but 
4fter  the  death  of  the  Countess,  whidi  huppened  on  the  iSOth  of  April,  1800,  his  dttms  wese  resisted  by  th^ 
Bari  of  Stratbmore,  and  kll  his  petitions  were  eventually  dismissed. 

Bowes,  in  his  acts  of  seduction,  refined  above  all  others:  he  considered  all  ftmales  as  nstund  gsaw,  anct 
hunted  them  down  as  so  many  Fefae  Naturae.  Periiafw  no  man  Jiad  ever  so  numerous  a  race  of  ilkgitiiuie 
duldren.  One  of  his  vietims  was  a  girl  of  perfed:  symmetry,  fidr,  lively,  and  innocent,  who  caught  his  ^e 
while  she  attended  her  fiither  in  the  prison,  who  soon  died.  This  young  lady  had  five  children  by  Ima^, 
which  proved  to  be  ties  of  such  strong  affection  as  to  soften  all  the  hardships  and  severities  she  so  long 
endured ;  for  she  had  been  literally  a  prisoner  in  his  house  from  the  year  1 787  to  the  day  of  his  death*  He 
hired  a  room  for  her  in  the  same  staircase,  where  she  was  excluded  from  the  sight  of  every  body,  not  being 
seen  even  at  bis  dinners,  nor  morniiig,  noon^  nor  night.  She  "  went  in  a  maid,  but  out  a  maid  neret  departs 
more,"  not  even  to  revisit  the  glimpses  of  the  moon.  Upon  the  death  of  the  Countess,  Bowes  moved  oat  of 
the  priete,  and  took  all  his  family  with  him,  this  lady^  the  children,  all  his  dags  and  cats^  of  which  he  had 
mmy,  md  #hleh  he  kept  very  poor. 

His  amutfemerlts  and  his  habits  of  life  grew  baser  m  he  grew  <^lder.  He  not  only  dnmk  hit  wine  MUify, 
bst  afeatodk  to  spirituous  liquors.  He  never  read;  bdt  sptat  all  his  leiMiffe  tkne  in  devisii^  plMi  and  ia^ 
trigues  over  the  bottie.  One  of  his  tricks  was  to  fall  sick  whenever  it  appeared  conveiSient  He  eonld  «€adt» 
spit  blood,  lose  hie  memory  and  his  hearings  and  take  fits  with  amaaing  ^ilify,  and  as  natuzil  as  lifb.  Thte 
deceptions  were  so  ingeniously  executed,  as  in  some  instances  to  elude  the  detection  of  his  medical  atttUdiAts. 
He  kfept  no  servant,  sind  would  neither  buy  brudies  nor  brooms;  the  two  daughters  W€nt  dowii  on  (h^lr 
knees,  «nd  gathered  the  dust  with  thdr  hands.  He  scarcely  evdr  saw  or  spcke  to  their  mother  ft#  neak-ly  flW 
l«8t  eight  years  of  his  life,  and  allowed  her  but  one  meal  a  day :  the  did  get  a  litde  supply  fVom  her  fkthef'i^ 
frienda.  On  the  l6th  of  January,  1810^  the  mortal  scene  of  Andrew  Robinson  BoWes  dosed.  Hia  biogra^ 
pher  sums  up  hie  diai^acleir  thus :— ''  He  f^as  a  viUain  to  the  back-bone  I"  His  son  by  the  Countess  was  td 
have  been  his  heir ;  but  in  .his  will  there  were  no  other  legacies  than  those  to  hit  childien  by  the  d>o^e^ 
mentioned  lady,  to  whom  he  was  rductantiy  persuaded  to  bequeath  iClOO  pet  annikm. 


404  CASTLE  WARD~W.  D. 

before  a  master  in  chancery,  in  ten  lots,  for  £64s,906,  of  which  £5391  was  the  value 
of  the  wood  upon  the  estate,  and  which  was  taken  at  a  valuation  * 

The  mansion-house  at  Benwell,  being  united  with  the  old  tower,  retained  the  name 
of  Benwell  Tower.  The  tower  belonged  to,  and  was  the  summer  residence  of  the 
priors  of  Tynemouth,  contiguous  to  which  they  had  a  small  domestic  chanel.  Bourne 
says  that  the  chapel  was  kept  open,  for  the  good  of  the  villagers,  by  Mr.  Shaftoe ; 
the  service  being  performed  by  the  curate  of  St.  John's.  A  Mr.  Dalgamer  occurs  as 
minister,  A.  D.  1680.  It  was  at  length  pulled  down,  it  is  said,  in  consequence  of  in- 
tercepting the  prospect  of  the  mansion-house.  A  vault  and  a  few  grave-stones  still 
continue  to  mark  the  scite  of  the  burying-ground.  One  of  the  grave-stones  is  dated 
so  late  as  the  year  1759 ;  but  the  register-book  of  the  chapel  ends  in  1742.  This 
book,  when  Mr.  Brand  published  the  History  of  Newcastle,  was  in  the  possession  of 
Mr.  Rutter,  attomey-at-law. 

Bowes  dung  to  the  Benwell  estate  with  peculiar  fondness,  and  could  not  be  pre- 
vailed upon  to  diiippse  of  it.  The  mansion-nouse  was  therefore  neglected,  and  fell 
into  decay.  The  furniture  was  purloined,  the  floors  torn  up,  the  staircases  removed,  . 
the  lead  upon  the  roof  carried  on,  and  the  fine  marble  chimney-pieces,  the  grates,  and 
every  thing  of  value,  successively  disappeared.  One  of  the  best  upper  rooms  was 
ev^n  converted  into  a  pig-sty.  The  h&xe  outer  walls,  which  are  all  that  remains  of 
this  stilictvre,  are  now  tottering  to  their  base.  The  pleasiure-grounds  have  not  been 
extensive,  but  disposed  in  good  taste.  To  the  east  was  a  park,  with  small  clumps  of 
trees ;  before  the  south  front,  a  grass  area ;  and  on  the  west  and  north,  a  shrubbery  ' 
and  plantation.  The  situation  is  remarkably  fine,  commanding  a  view  of  the  Tyne 
and  its  rich  borders,  with  the  island  called  the  King's  Meadows ;  the  more  distant 
prospect  is  graced  with  Ax  well  Park,  and  the  hanging  woods  of  Gibside  towering 
above,. and  fmely  relieved  by  a  lofty  obelisk. 

Benwell  vilhge  i&  extremely  rural,  and  the  situation  is  high,  pleasant,  and  healthy, 
conimanding  a  beautiful  and  extensive  prospect.  These  advantages  render  it  a  de- 
sirable summer  residence  for  genteel  families,    A  row  of  good  houses  stands  on  the 

*  Sale  of  Benwell  estate,  October  11, 1811 :— Lot  I,  Benwell  and  the  Old  Park,  105  a.  1  r.  88  p.  sold  to  Mr. 
A.  Donkin,  for  Robert  Pearson,  E^q.  for  £12,500.  At  this  time,  Uie  scite  of  the  mansion-house,  paddock, 
and  burial-ground  (the  last  containing  1  r.  18  p.),  were  in  the  possession  of  Mr.  Roger  Dove,  plumber, 
in  Newcastle,  as  yearly  tenant  thereof.  Lot  2,  A  fiinn,  occupied  by  William  Cuthbert,  Anthony  Hop- 
per, and  Thomas  Ingo,  45  a.  2  r. '26  p.  sold  to  Mr.  Mitchinson  for  £4800.  Lot  3,  held  by  the  banner, 
18.<U'0*r.  14  p.  sold  to^  Mr.  Thomas  Anderson,  for  Anthony  Clapham,  Esq.  for  £8080.  Lot  4,  A  fiurm^ 
39**^  r.  9  p.  sold  to  Mr.  John  Hogg,  of  Newcastle,  for  £4680.  Lot  5,  Pit  houses,  two  quays,  limekiln^ 
and  parcels  of  land,  108  a.  0  r.  10  p.  sold  to  Mr.  J.  Crozier  (now  the  property  of  John  Buddie,  Esq.)  for 
£10,500.  Lot  6,  Boat-house,  Paradise  House  and  garden,  with  parcels  of  land,  sold  to  Mr.  Donkin,  of 
Duiham,  for  Mr.  Dawson,  of  Biddick,  (now  the  property  of  John  Walker,  Esq.)  for  £9000.  Lot  7,  A  farm, 
)18  a.  0  r.  15  p.  sold  to  Mr.  James,  of  Deckham  Hall,  for  £  12, 150.  Lot  8,  A  mansion-house  and  garden^ 
1  a.  1  r.  7  p«  sold  to  Mr.  Alexander  Kelty  (now  the  property  of  the  Cuthbert  family)  for  £l480.  Lot  9, 
FarQsls  of  land,  1  a.  0  r.  5  p.  sold  to  Mr.  A.  K^lty  (now  the  property  of  Mr.  James  Grey)  lor  £525.  Lot  10, 
Two  houses  and  garths.  It.  10  p.  resold,  according  to  the  regulations  of  the  Court  of  Chancery,  January  25, 
1812,  for  £825,  and  now  belongs  to  the  proprietor  of  the  former  lot.  The  royalty  was  retiined«  md  9tiU 
|)^n^  to  the  heirs  of  the  )at9  Robert  Shaftoe,  ]Esq. 


ST.  JOHN«  PARISH.  405 

ft 

east  side  of  the  village ;  but  one  of  them;  belonging  to  Miss  Cuthbertson,  is  in  a  sad 
state  of  dilapidation.  At  the  west  end  of  the  viU^e  is  a  handsome  brick  house,  sur- 
rounded by  rich  scenery,  the  residence  of  William  Cuthberts,  Esq.  The  village  itself 
contains  some  good  houses,  including  two  public  houses,  and  cottages  for  labourers. 
Mr.  J^mes  Grey  has  a  pleasant  house  at  the  south  side  of  the  villaffe.* 

Ben  well  is  the  Condercutn  of  the  Notitia  (see  vol.  i.  p.  183),  and  was  probably  the 
first  place  where  coals  were  wrought  in  Great  Britain.  The  rail-road  passes  through 
the  north  side  of  the  station,  which  crosses  the  road  into  that  part  of  Benwell  estate 
called  the  little  park.  The  inequalities  in  the  ground  between  the  road  and  the  vil- 
lage,  on  the  top  of  Benwell  hill,  which  have  misled  many  antiquarians,  have  been 
occasioned  by  a  quarry  which  was  formerly  wrought  there.f 

On  the  south  side  of  the  road  leading  from  Newcastle  to  Benwell,  and  at  a  short 
distance  south-east  from  the  ruins  of  Benwell  Tower,  John  Walker,  Esq.  has  just 
finished  a  commodious  and  elegant  mansion.  Three  sides  of  this  handsome  house  are  of 
polished  stone.  The  entrance  is  from  the  east,  and  opens  into  the  hall,  which  is  ele- 
gantly decorated,  and  the  floor  laid  with  beautiful  marble.  Perhaps  the  windows 
miglit  have  been  better  proportioned ;  but  the  style  of  the  building  has  an  agreeable 
air  of  simplicity.    The  north  end  of  the  house  forms  the  side  of  an  oblong  square, 

••  The  Rev.  Cuthbert  Ellison,  M.  A.  curate  of  All  Saints,  Newcastle,  wrote  "  a  most  pleasant  descriptioa  of 
Benwell  village,  called,  '  A  Trip  to  Benwell,'"  17^6,  Svo.  The  work  does  not  possess  much  literary  merit, 
buty  being  now  scarce,  has  become  an  object  of  value  to  the  collectors  of  local  curiosities. 

On  November  24,  1786,  Mrs.  Sparke,  of  Benwell,  who  formerly  kept  the  Black  Bull  ale-house,  in  the 
Flesh  Market,  Newcastle,  was  found  dead  in.  her  bed.  From  her  neck  being  black  and  swelled,  and  other 
circumstances,  the  jury  returned  a  verdict  of  Wilful  Murder  against  her  own  son.  But  at  the  assizes  in  1787, 
he  was  acquitted ;  it  appearing  that  he  had  been,  at  the  time  oi  his  mother's  death,  in  a  state  of  insanity, 
arising  from  intoxication. 

t  Mr.  Edward  Woodhouse,  of  Scotdiwood,  found  an  ancient  am  in  a  field  a  quarter  of  a  mile  south-west 
of  the  Roman  WaU,  and  almoat  in  a  direct  line  to  the  same  point  from  Denton  Hall.  **  A  large  stone  had," 
says  this  gentleman,  '*  for  several  years  obstructed  the  plough ;  and  on  raising  it,  I  found  thm  endoenres, 
about  two  feet  in  length,  and  from  twelve  to  eighteen  inches  in  breadth.  They  were  each  eoraposed  of  four 
Bag  stones,  set  oh  edge,  about  eighteen  inches  deep ;  the  uppermost  edge  of  eadi  stone  level  with  the  surfiice 
of  the  ground.  The  longest  stones  ranged  south-west  and  north-east  There  was  a  space  of  about  twelve 
inches  between  each,  filled  up  with  tumbling  stones,  apparently  to  support  the  flags,  and  keep  them  upright : 
the  same  occurred  at  the  extremities.  The  centre  enclosure  contained  the  urn,  the  bottom  of  which  was 
about  the  same  depth  as  the  edge  stones :  the  remaining  space  within  was  filled  up  with  very  fine  soft  yellow 
sand,  almost  to  tl)e  surface.  The  urn  contained  a  substance  very  much  resembling  (what  is  commonly  called) 
shag  tobacco.  The  easternmost  one  was  quite  full  of  bones ;  the  greatest  part  of  them,  from  time,  reduced 
to  white  powder.  I  found  many  pieces  from  a  quarter  of  an  inch  to  an  inch  in  length.  The  whole  were  so 
much  decayed,  as  to  render  it  impossible  to  ascertain  whether  they  were  human  or  not.  There  was  nothing 
found  in  the  westernmost  division,  but  the  same  kind  of  sand  as  that  in  which  the  um  was  placed :  it  was 
quite  of  a  different  nature  to  any  of  the  soil  in  the  field."  The  capacity  of  this  um  is  about  a  quart,  wine 
measure.  A  learned  antiquary  suggests,  that  the  eastern  division  might  contain  the  bones  and  ashes  o£  a 
hero,  4nd  the  um  a  manuscript  roll  on  papyrus,  relating  the  conflict  in  which  he  fiell ;  or  that  the  person 
interred  might  be  a  priest,  and  the  oantents  of  the  urn  a  book  on  religious  matters.  It  is  easy  and  harmleea 
to  multiply  such  fanciful  conjectures. 

VOL.  II.  5   K 


406 


CASTLE  WARD.— W.  D. 


oontaining  the  kitc1iai8»  servants'  apartments,  &c.  The  whole  is  to  be  enclosed  by  b 
ha-ha.  The  garden  is  large,  and  tastefully  laid  out»  with  a  fountain  and  j>^  d'mu  in  the 
centre ;  and  the  hot-houses,  which  are  extensive,  uid  the  flues  erected  on  an  im^yed 
plan,  are  in  a  flourishing  state.  When  the  young  plantations,  which  are  spnnging 
up  with  great  rapidity,  attain  their  growth^  this  maoe  will  have  a  luxuriant  and  pic- 
turesque appearance.  The  situation  is  remarkabfy  fine,  being  sheltered  on  tHe  east 
and  north  oy  rising  grounds,  and  commanding  a  most  extensive  and  charming 
prospect. 

Benweil  Lodge^  which  was  built  by  the  kte  Robert  Shaftoe,  Esq.  is  a  low  house, 
situated  a  short  distance  south  from  the  ^  military  road,  prettily  embowered  m  trees. 
The  west  front  opens  upon  a  fine  view  of  Axwell  Park  and  the  woods  at  Gibside. 
This  house  is  the  residence  of  Robert  Pears(Mi,  Esq.  a  keen  and  skilful  sports- 
BentoeU  Cfrave,  which  also  stands  on  the  south  side  of  die  Hexham  turn- 


man. 


{Hke,  and  above  Benweil  High  Cross,  is  a  new  handsome  house,  the  residence  of 
Anthony  Clapham,  Esq. ;  and  which,  with  the  garden  and  pleasure-grounds,  have  all 
the  quaUties  of  elegance,  convenl^oe,  and  comfort,  so  characteristic  of  the  taste  of 
the  community  of  Friends,  to  which  this  gentleman  bdongs. 

Benweil  Htgh  CrcM^  so  called  from  a  cross  that  formerly  stood  here,  stands  at  some 
distance  east  from  the  village*  It  consists  of  one  farmstead,  belonging  to  the  heirs  of 
the  late  Mr.  J.  Hogg,  linen  draper,  in  Newcastle^  and  a  row  of  houses  tenanted  by 
thepitmen  employed  in  the  adjoining  coal-works. 

Tne  pit  called  Adair^s  Main  is  north  of  the  Hexham  road,  and  west. of  fhe  emi- 
nence on  which  the  Roman  station  stood.  Adjoining  are  a  few  pit-houses,  and  a 
nublic  house  at  the  side  of  the  road.  The  rml-way  passes  Benweil  High  Pit,  and 
toems  an  inclined  plane  to  the  staith  at  Paradise.  Ijow  Benweil  CoRi^  is  distant 
about  half  a  mile  from  the  village,  and  is  surrounded  by  houses  occupied  by  pitmen, 
and  other  people  engaged  in  the  works.  The  house  occupied  by  the  agent,  and  one 
or  two  others,  are  very  pleasant,  and  have  neat  gardens  adjoining.  These  coal-works* 
b^ng  to  William  Surteet,  Joseph  Crozier,  John  Buddie,  and  George  Dunn,  Esqrs. 

East  from  Low  Behwell  is  a  salmon  fishery,  which  has  been  long  rented  by  Mr. 
Ralph  Hopper ;  and  at  a  short  distance  up  the  river  stands  the  pleasant  little  village 
callisd  Pamdi^i  where  there  is  an  extensive  colour  manufactory,  belonging  to  Mr. 
Taylor  Gibson,  of  Newcastle.  The  summer  residence  of  Mr.  Gibson^  alining  the 
works,  commands  a  fine  view  of  the  windings  of  the  Tyne,  and  has  a  good  garden  in 


*  A  ooal-inine  near  Benweil  took  fire  at  a  candle  during  the  l6th  centary,  and  burned  near  30  years.  The 
progress -was  so  small  at  first,  that  the  owners  refused  to  give  a  person  half  a  crown,  who  offered  to  go  down 
and  extinguish  it ;  but  it  afterwards  acquired  so  great  strength  as  to^spread  into  the  Fenhiun  grounds,  and 
burst  out  in  the  manner  of  a  yolcano  in  near  twen^  places.  It  covered  the  furze  with  flowers  of  sulphur, 
and  cast  up  pieces  of  sal  ammoniac  six  inches  broad.  Dr.  Lucas  Hodgson,  in  the  Philosophical  Transactions, 
Na  180,  p.  762,  mentions  this,  saying,  no  salt  ^rings  were  near,  and  that  the  neighbouring  soil  had  neither 
common  salt  nor  nitre  in  it;  and  proves  that  coal  will  produce  a  volatile  salt,  from  the  action. of  fire,  as  he 
gathered  sal  ammoniac  firom  a  burning  brick-kiln,  where  nothing  but  day  and  coal  are  burnt  together.  The 
doctor  visited  this  mine,  which  was  then  on  fire,  in  1676.  The  present  inequalities  in  the  ground,  on  the 
town-moor  adjoining  the  Fenfaam  estate,  were  occasioned  by  this  fire,  which,  in  consequence  of  the  coal 
coming  near  the  surfiice,  ran  nearly  to  the  day. 


ST*  JOHN'S  PARISH.  40T 

front  which  readies  to  the  margin  of  the  water.  Mesors.  Thomas  H^ple  aikd  Robert 
Lister  have  a  miU  at  the  east  end  of  the  village^  for  preparing- xnateriab  for  tlieir  fire- 
brick manu&citory  at  Low  Benwdl.  A  little  distance  west  from  Paradise  is  a  puUic 
houses  <»Ued  the  Bo(U  Heu9e^  which  John  Walker,  Esq.  has  just  rebuilt  on  a  com- 
modious plan.  An  old  engine4iouse  near  this  place  has  been  converted  into  tene«* 
ments,  and  whiclu  with  a  few  adjoining  cottages,  are  mostly  inhabited  by  people 
employed  in  the  coal-works. 

SeotcJkwood. — ^This  is  a  long,  straggling,  pleasant^  and  pc^ulous  village,  which 
stretches  along  the  banks  of  tne  river  towarw  Bell's  Close.  At  the  east  eid  of  the 
village^  and  close  to  the  river,  stands  a  large  paper  manufactory,  bdonging  to  Messnk 
G^raee  and  Co.  The  paper  is  made  by  machinery,  and  the  surplus  power  of  the  en* 
gine  is  ^aoployed  in  grinding  onm^  and  in  crushing  bones.  Nathttiid  6raoe»  Esq. 
occupies  a.snug,  pleasant  house,  on  an  emineoce  above  the  mill,  and  which  is  adornm 
Inr  a  fine  garden  sloping  to  the  south.  On  the  levd  green  bdow  stand  twrive  or 
thirteen  neat  cottages,  whidi  are  occupied  bjr  the  work-people  belonging  to  the  mill. 
West  fn»n  this  pl^,  and  adjoining  the  road  from  Benwell,  is  a  wide,  deep,  romantic 
dean,  at  the  termination  of  which,  and  upon  an  abrupt  hillock,  stands  a  house,  occu-^ 
pied  by  Mr.  John  Hair,  who  has  here  alar^e  lamp-black  manufactory.  Newmarsh 
staith  is  also  erected  here.  Passing  the  public  house,  another  large  paper  manufactory 
appears,  called  the  High  Mill,  and  belonging  to  Mr.  Thomas  Ramsey,  who  occupies 
a  pleasant  house  on  the  bank  above,  amidst  finely  diversified  grounds,  and  which,  fn»n 
the  river,  presents  a  cheerful  and  pleasing  scene. 

Elswick. — ^This  township,  like  the  preceding,  is  singularly  fertile,  and,  rising 
boldly  from  the  river,  affords  some  very  pleasing  and  extensive  views.  In  1881,  it 
ccmtained  77  dwelling  houses^  and  464  inhabitants,  of  which  282  were  males,  and  28fi 
fmiales.  The  rental  m  1809,  was  £8866, 15^. ;  and  the  poor-rates,  in  1821,  amounted 
to  £li(S^  14if.  It  was  one  of  the  possessions  of  Tynemouth  priory.  There  were  coU 
Ueries  at  Heygrqve,  Westfield,  and  Oallowflat,  near  Elswick,  in  1884.  In  1880,  the 
priory  let  Ebwidk  colli^y  at  U>e  yearly  rent  c€  fivte  pounds :  but,  in  1580,  it  was  let 
for  twenty  pounds  a  year,  on  condition  that  not  more  thasa  twenty  chaldrons  should 
be  drawn  in  a  day ;  and  eight  years  aft^,  at  fifty  pounds  a  year,  without  restriction 
cm  the  quantity  to  be  wrought* 

JShwtck  Hall  is  distant  about  one  mile  west«north-west  from  Newcastle.  Soon 
after  the  Reformation,  it  was  purchased  by  William  Jennison,  Esq.  an  alderman  of 
Newcastle,  and  a  representative  in  parliament  for  that  town  in  the  reign  of  queen 
Elizabeth,  from  the  year  1571  to  1601.  Ralph  Jennison,  Esq.  who  was  high  sheriff 
of  Northumberland  in  1717»  and  a  representative  for  it  in  parliament  during  many 
years,  sold  the  lordship  of  Elswick  to  John  Hodgscm,  Esq.  oi  Newcastle.  His  grand* 
son,  the  late  John  Hodgson,  Esq.  married  the  daughter  of  Dr.  Huntiey,  of  New* 
castle,  and  has  left  issue  three  sons  and  two  daughters.  He  pulled  down  the  old  seat, 
and  erected  the  present  one  after  a  modem  and  beautiful  design.  The  situation  is 
peculiarly  fine :  tne  majestic  steeple  of  St.  Nicholas,  the  artificial  ruin  on  Byk»  Hill, 

*  The  tay^Jtj,  containing  SOO  acres,  was  sAnrwaids  sold,  by  Mr.  Hodgson's  snocaessar,  tatbe  Hon.  JtliiSS 
Stuart  Woitl^  M'Kensie,  and  James  Ord,  Esq.  of  Weetwood. 


40»  CASTUE  WARD.— W.  D. 

and  the  church  and  town  of  Gateshead,  are  in  view  to  the  east ;  while  the  grounds  on 
the  south,  sloping  gradually  to  the  Tyne,  open  upon  the  vale  of  Ravensworth,  which 
abounds  in  picturesque  beauties.  The  late  proprietor  adorned  his  elegant  mansion 
with  new  plantations  and  walks ;  two  neat  porter-lodges  were  erected  at  the  entrance 
from  Elswick  lane ;  and  the  whole  of  the  improvements  were  conducted  with  taste 
and  judgment.  There  are  seven  farmholds  upon  the  estate,  some  of  which  have  been 
rebuilt  on  a  commodious  plan,  and  the  rest  have  been  repaired  and  improved. 

Low  Elswiek  is  distant  about  half  a  mile  south  by  west.  It  is  usually  called  the 
Blue  HauseSy  from  a  manufactory  for  preparing  the  prussiate  of  iron,  but  which  was 
removed  in  1810  to  the  south  side  of  the  river,  at  Heworth  shore.  The  premises  are 
now  occupied  by  Messrs.  Arundel  and  sons,  and  converted  into  a  glue  manufactory. 
Between  these  works  and  the  river  is  a  farmstead,  and  a  few  other  houses  placed  on 
the  top  of  an  eminence.  Near  this,  a  pit  has  lately  been  sunk,  and  some  neat  houses 
erecteo,  mostly  of  wood,  for  the  colliers.  The  ccwils  are  delivered  at  a  new  'staith,  a 
short  distance  south  from  the  pit.  Towards  the  west  is  a  public  house,  well  known 
by  the  sign  of  the  Crooked  Billet;  and  at  a  short  distance  east,  a  large  copperas  ma- 
nufactory, which  is  carried  on  under  the  firm  of  Messrs.  Bilton  and  Co.  A  little 
further  eastward,  and  close  to  Elswick  Dean,  is  the  bleach-field  and  ghie-house  of 
Mr.  James  Proctor. 

There  is  another  village  called  Low  Elswick,  which  is  distant  about  half  a  mile  west 
from  Newcastle.  This  ^village  owes  its  origin  to  an  extensive  manufactory  of  white, 
red,  and  milled  lead,  which  was  established  here  several  vears  ago.  The  process  of 
the  manufactory  was  simplified  and  much  improved  by  tfie  attention  and  scientific 
skill  of  Mr.  Richard  Fishwick,  who  superintended  the  works  for  a  considerable  time. 
Messrs.  Walker,  Ward,  Parker,  and  Co.  are  the  proprietors  of  this  valuable  ooneem. 
The  manufactory  stands  on  the  summit  of  an  emmence  that  overlooks  the  river :  on 
the  east  side  are  a  few  good  houses;  the  one  occupied  by  Samuel  Walker  Parker, 
Esq.  is  particularly  commodious  and  pleasant.  The  houses  which  the  workmen  inha- 
bit have  a  very  clean  and  neat  appearance,  which  is  greatly  improved  by  a  number  of 
small  gardens,  which  range  on  each  side  of  the  road  northward.  But  the  most  strik- 
ing and  remarkable  object  in  this  village  is  a  patent^hot  tower,  built  in  1796,  and 
which  is  175  feet  4  Inches  in  height.  It  is  a  circular  brick  building,  with  a  stone 
cupola,  terminated  by  a  chimney,  and  is  ascended  by  a  winding  staircase  in  the  inte^ 
rior.  This  singular  edifice  presents  itself  to  travellers  about  two  miles  north  of 
ChesterJe-Street,  and  never  fails  to  excite  their  curiosity.*  About  20  years  ago, 
a  coal-pit  was  opened  at  a  short  distance  to  the  north-west  of  the  lead-works.  Much 
ingenious  machinery  has  been  erected  at  this  colliery,  which,  from  its  vicinity  to  the 
town,  is  firequently  visited  by  the  curious.  A  few  houses  for  the  workmen  have 
been  erected  adjoining  the  works,    Elswick  colliery  at  present  belongs  to  W,  Ms 

*  Sir  John  Carr,  in  his  Caledonian  Sketches,  relates  the  following  extraordinary  story  of  this  shot- tower  >— 
''  At  Newcastle  there  is  a  patent-shot  tower  of  great  height,  with  which  the  following  extraordinary  anecdote 
is  connected.  Some  time  since,  it  sunk  on  one  side,  and  was  alarmingly  out  of  its  perpendicular,  which  it 
recovered  by  the  enterprizing  ingenuity  of  the  persons  employed,  who  dug  awny  the  evtii  from  its  opposite 
and  more  elevated  side,  until  it  recovered  its  leveL*^ 


Lwdbs  Efq,    The  coal^  ^re  npme^  ii>  tbe  iniirket,  El§w|pk,  Wortjey  Wj^in,  K»»g^s 
M^^W,*  ?»ncl  Ord's  Jl^d  Jleugh, 

Westgate. — ^This  extensive  township,  being  f^ypuvaUy  situ^t;^  in  th^  immediate 
vicinity  of  Newcastle,  is  iv^idly  incpeasing  iyx  vplue  and  populatjop.  It  extends  from 
ib^  river  at  Skinnei^s  Qurq  northwards  to  Gloucester  Lodge,  and  eastward^  to  the  Bar- 
imek  Square,  and  is  divided  from  the  liberties  of  the  town  a  few  feet  lycst  of  the  !^Q^8e 
CaFpentev§'  Hall.  In  1821,  it  contained  195  inhabited  hpuses,  ^nd  1360  inhabitants,  of 
which  H67  were  n^ales,  and  798  females.  The  poor-rates,  ip  1815,  amounted  to  £041 ; 
in  1831,  to  i5367;  awl  in  1888,  to  £255.  In  1663,  Mp.  WiUiam  Swinbujm,  of 
K^wcastje,  was  the  principal  proprietor  o£  the  Westgate  estate,  w})ich  ^^  purchas^ 
pf  Qnp  pf  the  Swinburn  famUy  oy  the  late  M r.  peorge  4^^^ spn.  The  propf^rty 
oall^  N(^h  EkwicH  was  bought  of  the  father  of  the  late  John  Hodg^q,  £^.  ]^y 
Mr*  St^h^son,  m^^tcr  mariner,  at  wbpse  de^th  ^j^  descended  U>  h\p  peph^W9  and 
fme^  who  0t  l^gth  a^fM4  to  fell  it.  Qne  lot,  c^i^sisting  of  22  acres,  2  riopds,  5  pdLe^ 
W19S  «pld  to  Mr,  I)^y^l  I^d}^,  9(  Newcastle,  for  £^Q00,  and  wjip  ha9  e^ect^  ^ 
handaome  ptxwe  hpMs^,  c^Jed  QJ^cnusfi^^r  fjqdgf,  qs\  jthe  north  side  of  the  iCarlisle  road. 
A  w^  ^i^eeut§d  Bpfticp  ]^  l^^^y  ^(^^  ^4^ ;  l^it  ^t  appears  too  sm^l,  and  too 
hi^ly  Qmmm^,  tQ  «Wt  Ifie  #tyJo  ap4  ^ijze  pf  the  vf^m  h»iWing.  Th^  ^joining 
pleasure-grounds  are  kept  in  exQ»l]ent  (^Aier  {  and  wh^  the  fJantations  attaj^  theijr 
growth,  this  will  be  a  most  delightful  residence.  The  situation  is  the  loftiest  in  the 
neighbourhood  of  Newcastle,  and  cain<n»nds  a  most  extensive  and  interesting  pros- 
pect. Another  lot,  containing  20  acres,  3  roods,  18  poles,  was  sold  to  Mr.  John  Kus- 
seU,  of  Heworth,  for  £2910.  BfiB'^  Close,  qon^tiwg  oi  9  acres,  8  roods,  4  poles,  was 
sold  to  Mr.  Forster,  for  £1610.  The  public  house  at  the  toll-bar,  irarden,  and  land, 
containing  14  acres,  2  roods,  16  poles,  were  sold  to  Mr.  Thomas  Anderson  for  £2650 ; 
and  Moat's  garden,  stadL-yard,  &c,  oomtaining  7  acres,  0  rood^,  80  poles,  to  George 
Dunn,  Es^.  for  £  8840.  Adonis*  Grove,  the  Quarry  Field,  &c.  have  since  been  sold 
by  private  contract  to  Mr.  William  Knox,  miHer.  The  otiier  parts  of  this  township 
being  induded  in  the  subu]i)s  of  Newcastle,  their  description  must  be  reserved  for  the 
history  of  that  town, 

Fenham. — ^TMs  township,  which  adjoins  Newcastle  moor,  in  1821  contained  19 
houses  and  87  inhabitants.  It  consists  of  four  farms  and  the  grounds  annexed  to  the 
hall.  The  rent,  in  1809,  was  £1554 ;  and  the  poor-rates,  in  1821,  amounted  to  £26, 
8^,  This  manor  belonged  to  the  Knights  Templars,  and,  with  the  rest  of  theirpro- 
perty,  was  granted  by  pariiament,  18  Edward  II.  1824,  to  the  Knights  Hospitallers 
of  St.  John  o(f  Jerusaienji.  At  the  dissolution,  31  Henry  VIH.  1540,  it  was  annexed 
to  the  crown,  but  afterw^ds  was  obtained  by  the  Riddels,  of  S^yinbmm  Castle, 

\ 

-*  XJie  iCing'a  MMdMw  k  an.tflmd  in  the  jiiiier  Tyne,  which  )ie9  9pppsi|ejkp  ii^  fjffvjcjk  iwMte.  inSkf 
Beauties  of  England  the  following  occurs :-— ''  A  note  written  in  the  time  of  the  Cavam/ofkj^fgMx,  .jn  ^  iR^- 
leaved  copy  of  Grejr's  Chorographia^  and  in  the  library  at  Hebbum  Hall,  in  the  county  of  Durham,  says, 
4ki8  iilaad  was  oaUed  tlie  King's  Meadows  beeause  hay  was  piocuoid  upon  it  for  the  king's  hones,  xfaen  he 
«Mne  to  Kewcastk."  This  nay  be  fvnly  a-supposidfln 4if  .the  writer:  it  is .mft»\VkAf  that.the.name  wouU 
arise  from  its  being  pwt  of  the  4inMcn  hmda. 

VOL.  II,  5  L 


410  CASTLE  WARD.— E.  D.      • .  *        . 

r 

Thomas  Riddel  obtained  an  act  of  parliament  (5  William  and  Mary,  1694)  td  allow 
him  to  sell  this  estate  to  John  Ord,  attomey-at-law,  in  Newcastle.  The  mines,  in  this 
sale,  were  reserved;  but,  in  1770,  sold  to  the  Ords,  which  family  has  made  many 
valuable  additions  to  the  Fenham  estate.* 

Fenham  Hall  is  distant  1^  miles  west-north-west  from  Newcastle.  Its  name, 
Fenham,  the  hamlet  in  the^/%w,  indicates  that  the  situation  is  low,  compared  with  the 
adjoining  grounds ;  yet  the  east  front  presents  a  varied,  rich,  and  beautiful  prospect. 
The  Tyne  below  Newcastle  is  seen,  crowded  with  shipping,  and  mixing  with  villages 
and  hamlets :  the  church  and  village  of  Jarrow  are  in  view ;  and  at  a  sreater  distance, 
on  the  opposite  side  of  the  river,  the  village  of  Chirton.  In  a  dear  toy,  the  ruins  of 
Tynemouth  are  the  terminating  objects. of  this  noble  landscape.  The  hall  itself  is  a 
handsome  structure,  built  to  front  the  east  and  west.  The  late  William  Ord,  Esq. 
added  two  wings  and  an  el^ant  front,  which  was  erected  according  to  the  plan  of 
/Mr.  Newton,  architect.  The  gardens  are  spacious  and  productive ;  and  the  principal 
hot-house  is  80  yards  in  length.  The  fish-pond  on  the  south,  and  the  surrounding 
plantations  and  pleasure-grounds,  render  this  a  place  of  considerable  interest  to  the 
admirers  of  rural  beauty.  The  mansion  is  occupied  by  J.  G.  Clarke,  Esq.f  EUmch 
Cottage  is  a  handsome  stone  house,  frx)nting  the  Carlisle  road,  lately  embellished  and 
enlarged  by  Mr.  Gteorge  Brown,  attorney,  in  Newcastle,  who  has  also  two  new  cot- 
tages.  a  common  garden,  and  parcels  of  land,  adjoining. 


EABT    DFTISION. 


CRAMLINGTON  PAROCHIAL  CHAPELRY. 

This  chapelry  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Horton,  on  the  east  by  Earsdon,  on  the 
south  by  Long  Benton,  and  on  the  west  by  Stannington  parish.    It  is  above  2|  m^es 

*  On  the  Sldt  of  May,  1822,  an  illicit  distillery  was  discovered  in  the  waste  of  a  very  ancient  coal-mine,  in 
a  field  near  Fenham  Hall,  and  adjoining  the  town-moor.  The  mouth  of  the  shaft  was  surrounded  by  furze 
and  underwood ;  and  at  the  bottom,  which  was  gained  by  a  gradual  descent  of  several  yards,  was  a  small 
aperture,  which  could  only  be  entered  by  crawling :  .this  led  to  a  large  apartment  in  the  mine,  wherein  were 
fimnd  two  stills,  with  about  2(X)  gallons  of  wash,  and  a  complete  distilling  apparatus.  It  appeared  to  have 
been  abruptly  abandoned  for  fear  of  detection.  A  long  chimney,  built  with  brick,  conveyed  the  smoke  into 
the  old  3Vorldng8,  whence  the  neighbouring  pits  had  a  draught  The  coal  of  the  mine  supplied  the  fuel  ne^ 
cessary  for  the  work ;  water  was  also  found  upon  the  spot.  As  soon  as  the  discovery  was  known,  hundreds 
of  persons  visited  the  place,  many  of  whom  were  induced  to  explore  the  '^  Smuggler's  Hole,"  as  it  was 
now  called,  and  some  who  ventured  to  trace  its  intricacies,  were  with  difficulty  extricated  by  experienced 
colliers.  This  rendered  it  necessary  to  build  up  the  aperture.  The  roof  and  floor  of  the.cavity  are  ocwered 
with  curious  stalactites. 

t  Fenham  estate  has  lately,  though  unsucoessfiilly,  been  offered  for  sale.  All  the  grounds  are  freehold,  except 
the  scite  of  the  mansion-house,  which  is  held  by  lease  of  St.  Mary's  hospital,  in  Newcastle.  The  coadi-rad 
acroas  the  Moor  fimn  the  Ponteland  road  is  also  held  by  lease  of  the  corporation  of  that  town. 


CRAMLINGTON  PAROCHIAL  CHAPELRY.  411 

in  length,  and  nearly  as  much  in  breadth.    In  1881,  it  contained  68  houses,  inhabited 
by  S30  persons ;  and  the  poor-rates  amounted  to  £228, 14«. 

Cramlington  is  distant  8^  miles  north  by  east  from  Newcastle,  and  is  most  plea- 
santly seated  on  a  rising  ground,  which  commands  a  fine  sea  prospect.  The  place 
consists  of  three  farmholds,  two  of  which  belong  to  Sir  M.  W.  Ridley,  and  one  to 
6.  S.  Storey,  Esq. ;  beside  the  farm-offices  belonging  to  the  hall,  which  is  the  property 
and  residence  of  M.  D.  C.  Lawson,  Esq.  There  are  also  a  few  cottages',  inhabited  by 
mechanics  and  labourers.  But  the  large  colliery  that  is  commencing  here  by  Messrs. 
Lamb,  Potter,  and  Co.  will  soon  render  this  place  very  populous.  Tne  coal  is  reported 
to  be  of  an  excellent  quality ;  and  Mr.  Straker,  the  viewer,  has  just  opened  a  fine 
seam,  seven  feet  in  thicioiess.  A  rail-way  is  to  be  formed  from  the  cdUiery  to  a  staith 
on  the  Tyne,  near  Howdon  Pans. 

The  chapel,  which  belongs  to  the  vicarage  of  Newcastle,  is  dedicated  to  St.  Nicho* 
las.  The  Dving  is  a  perpetual  curacy,  which  is  in  the  gift  of  Sir  M.  W.  Ridley,  Bart 
and  was  in  1719  estimated  at  £6;  but  the  Rev.  John  Brand,  who  obtained  it  in 
1774,  says  that  its  worth  was  then  £40  per  annum.  Service  is  performed  here  every 
Sunday  afternoon  by  the  minister  of  the  chapel  at  Blyth.  Amongst  the  funeral  in- 
scriptions are  the  following : — ^A  marble  slab  in  the  chapel  inscribed,  **  Orati  pro  anima 
Thorns  Lawson^  generod  qui  obiit  2db.  eUe  mensis  JulH  a.  d.  1489*  Ctffus  animus 
propiHetur  DeusJ*    On  a  tomb-stone, — 

''  Here  lies  the  Body  of  Michael  Dunford  of  East  Cramlington  who  departed  this  Life  Mar.  ISth.  1726 
aged  70  Years.^— Likewise  the  Body  of  Catherine  Errington  of  West  Denton.  She  was  one  of  the  Heiresses 
of  George  Errington  of  Benwell  Esqr.  by  Jane  Daughter  and  sole  Heiress  of  Robt.  Babington  of  Newcastle 
Esq.  Brother  to  Sr.  Heny.  Babington  of  Riddington  in  Oxfordshire  and  of  Heatou  in  this  County.  She  made 
her  Niece  Anne  Dunford  Relict  of  Thomas  Dunford  of  East  Cramlington  her  Heir  who  in  Gratitude  to  her 
Memory  caused  this  Inscription  to  be  done." 

Cramlington  was  in  the  barony  of  Gaugy,  and  gave  name  to  an  ancient  family  long 
resident  here.  It  was  the  possession  of  John  de  Cramlington  in  the  reign  of  Edward 
II. ;  of  Richard  de  Cramlington,  SS  Edward  III. ;  and  of  William  de  Cramlington^ 
16  Richard  II.  who  dying  without  issue  male  in  the  latter  end  of  Henry  V.  he  was 
succeeded  in  his  estate  by  his  two  daughters  and  coheirs,  Agnes  and  Alice,  who  were 
found,  by  an  inquisi^on,  to  be  in  possession  of  it  8  Henry  VI. ;  the  former  married 
to  John  Heselrigge,  and  afterwards  to  William  Lawson ;  the  latter  to  Nicholas  Gobe^ 
ford ;  the  Lawsons  afterwards  had  the  whole  mediety.  In  1663,  the  proprietors  of 
this  chapelry  were,  John  Lawson,  Esq.  Sir  John  Lawson,  Mr.  James  Chounley,  and 
Fr.  Ratdif^  Esq.  Robert  Lawson,  Esq.  of  Cramlington,  was  high  sheriff  of  North- 
umberland, 7  queen  Anne  (1708).  The  late  Robert  Storey,  Esq.  bought  all  the  lands 
belonging  to  the  family  of  Sir  John  Lawson. 

Arcot,  the  seat  and  residence  of  George  Shum  Storey^,  Esq.  is  situated  about  1^  miles 
south-west  from  Cramlington.  This  gentleman  obtained  the  estate  by  marriage  with 
the  daughter  of  the  late  proprietor,  who  realized  a  considerable  fortune  in  the  East 
Indies.  At  South  Cramlington,  and  adjoining  the  road  from  Newcastle  to  Blyth, 
there  is  a  pubUc  house ;  and  further  north,  near  East  Cramlington,  which  is  a  good 


41«  CASTLE  WARD,— E.  D. 

^rmhold,  there  is  a  landsale  colliery,  that  the  new  large  coUi^  will  now  rendw 
unnecessary.  Orctw  Hatty  at  the  norths-west  extremity  of  the  parish,  i$  a  pleasant 
rural  place,  where  the  Rev.  W.  D.  Thompson  has  a  classical  academy. 

HORTON  PAROCHIAL  CHAPELRY. 


Horton  chapelry  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Bedlingtonshire,  from  whicb  it  is  di* 
Tided  by  the  river  BlyA,  on  the  east  by  the  sea  and  Emdon  parish,  <Hi  thna  south  by 
the  latter  and  Cramlington  diiq)dry,  and  on  the  west  by  Stannington  padsb.  It  is  5 
tniles  in  length,  and  8  miles  in  its  greatest  bi«adth.  The  surface  i$  Ievel»  and  y^ 
pleasingly  intersected  by  excellent  quidcset  hedges.  The  soil  is  a  strong  clay,  wd^ 
idapted  for  the  growth  of  wheat  and  beans,  of  which  it  produces  abundant  crc()«. 
The  whole  parish  abounds  with  excellent  coals,  whidb,  at  no  vary  distant  pmodt  wiU 
prove  a  mine  of  wealth.  In  18S1,  it  contained  504  houses  and  S099  iahaUtants ;  imd 
the  population  is  gradually  increasing,  owing  to  the  progressive  extehsioii  of  the  coal 
and  iron  works.  The  annual  value  of  property,  in  1815,  was  £875S ;  and  the  poor* 
rates,  in  18S1,  were  £595, 15^.  In  1818,  the  amount  was  £754,  9^.  Tliere  are  two 
day-scbools  at  the  low  end  of  the  parish,  one  at  Cowpen  vill«^e,  and  one  at  Cowpeii 
Square,  at  which  about  900  children  are  taught  the  usual  braadbes  of  scJMxd  iostruc* 
tion.  There  are  no  charities  or  endowments,  except  a  few  pounds  for  the  b^fiefit 
of  the  children  of  pitmen  at  Cowpen  colliery,  given  by  the  proprietors  d  the  w^yka. 
There  are  several  benefit  societies,  which  are  spiritedly  supported  by  the  industrious 
poor. 

HoETOK  is  distant  €^  miles  south-east  fhxn  Morpeth.  It  oonsists  of  one  fiurmhold, 
a  public  house,  and  three  or  four  cottages.  Here  was  a  strong  old  eastle,  which  was 
defended  by  a  double  fosse  and  rampnt,  inclosing  a  considerable  space  ^  ground. 
Two  maiden  sisters  of  Admiral  George  Delaval  lived  in  this  castle ;  but  in  I8O99  the 
foundations  were  razed,  and  the  outworks  levelled.  The  chapel  stands  on  an  emi- 
nence at  a  short;  distance  Tiorthward,  and  commands  a  ^e  Tiewr  of  Beaton  Ddiaval, 
iAtd  also  an  extensive  sea  prospect. '  It  appears  to  be  a  v«ry  ancient  buildnig,  aitd  tO( 
Kave  been  considerably  larger  at  some  oistant  period,  fay  diere  being  the  remains  of 
three  large  arches  on  the  north  wall,  which  mttst  have  communicated  witli  some  othi^ 
building  no  longer  in  existence.  The  late  Mr.  Baker,  of  West  Hartford^  built  am 
ad^rional  pa»t,  farming  an  oblong  recess,  the  breadth  of  one  of  the  ardies,  for  libe 
accommodation  of  himself  and  servimts.  Two  stcme  coffins  wene  foond  heoe  some 
years  a^o,  one  of  wiiich  was  of  rude  .w<K^^anship«  The  living  is  in  the  gift  of  4dhe 
vicar  otf  Woodhom,  to  which  vicarage  the  chapel  was  subject  untii  the  year  1766^ 
JLmr  HorMn  is  situated  at  a  sihoit  distance  eastward,  where  there  is  a  large  and  cow 
modiotts  farmhcSd,  with  convenient  out-houses.  The  moperty  here  belongs  to  Sir  J. 
Astley,  Bart,  who  has  upwards  of  SOOO  acres  of  'land  in  this  idwpehry  let  in  &xmi^ 
tsdnsisting  of  ^m  S  to  500  acves  each. 

W^sn*  Ha^rtpord  is  pleasantly  situated  on  the  south  ^banksiof  >tfae  Blytfi,  about  A 
ttules  'soath-soQtlweast  from  Morp^h.  There  is  a  lai^ge  ^Id  laiaDQsiaKiJimise,  .and  some 
^pcA  fiEffmsteads  on  this  estate.    The  woody  deilivitits  of  the  rbpcMt  ^jdus  place  affoidi 


HORTON  PAROCHIAL  CHAPELRY.  413 

BOtne  t«irf  rich  scenery.  Hitttj/bai  Hom^^  the  seat  of  the  late  WilMam  Btirdon,  fiSsq 
BppetM  to  advantage,  seated  on  the  summit  of  die  oppMite  banik/  A  beat  collage  on 
the  one  hand,  and  the  stables  and  ooach-hou«e,  of  excellent  masoniyv  built  to  resemble 
a  Gothic  structure,  <hi  the  other,  add  much  to  the  beauty  of  Hie  scene.  From  the 
house  diere  is  a  pleasant  wallc,  cut  out  of  the  steep  and  romantic  banks  of  the  river^ 
leading  to  a  sweet,  secluded  haugh,  where  there  U  a  large  garden.  In' this  walk,  a 
^mpse  through  the  trees  is  occammally  obtained  of  Hartfc^  bridge,  lUid  tlie  'Wind^ 
mg  course  of  the  Bfyth.  At  some  distance  frotn  the  nottfa  front  of  the  house  a  plan* 
tation  incloses  an  extensive  lawn.  Bast  HAaTFORo  is  distant  about  half  a  mile,  and 
contains  but  one  dwelling-house.  Hartford  is  now  in  the  possession  of  Mrs.  Hedky 
and  Miss  Hick,  being  left  to  them  by  Mrs.  Atlee  and  Mrs.  Baker,  to  whom  it  came 
from  their  fat^r,  W.  Reed,  Esq.  Mrs.  Atlee  was  the  widow  of  John  Atlee,  Esq.  a 
diamond  merchant  at  Lisbcm ;  and  Mrs.  Baker,  tbe  widow  dt  John  Baker,  Esq.  who 
was  an  alderman  of  Newcastle.  These  two  ladies  wa«  remmkaM^  fbr  the  regolar 
disposition  of  their  time  and  fortune.  They  each  lived  to  a  very  advanced  period^ 
ana  enioyed  between  them  an  ineome  of  more  ££000  a  year,  £600  of  whiw  they 
.  regularly  employed  in  acts  of  charity  and  benevolence,  and  the  remainder  in  the  sup^ 
fwt  of  their  establi^ment,  ilvmg  In  the  trae  ^le  of  old  English  hospitidit^f ; 

B£itrsii>£  19  dtsfaiit  6^  mOm  sottth-east  from  Menrpeth;  It  anmoitly  bekMged  to 
1^  priory  of  Tynemctrth.  Edward  I.  pardoned  the  prioor  tixt  acquiring  lands  in 
^  Hertford,  Bebesset  on  Blythe,  Cttopett,**  &c.  without  ncense  of  mwtmAin.  In  the 
Sth  Edward  II.  (1315),  this  mafnof  and  Ccmpen  were  assigned  by  the  prioiy  aft  seeni^ 
ties  to  Ralph  Loid  Greystock^  Ibr  the  perftirmiu^oe  of  cotaln  conditiiotts  on  th^  -pirt, 
on  his  lordship's  founding  a  dbsffitry  In  then*  ehnrcb  at  Tynemonlli.  Aftei"  the  disso*. 
hltion,  Bebfiide  belonrged  to  John  Ogle,  Esq.  and  to  Edwanrd  Delaval^  Esq.  M  1M8< 
It  was  sdd  to  John  Jc^scm,  Eto.  about  the  year  170^.  He  was  bi^  ^eAff^  the 
counh^  in  1715,  It  was  afletwards  the  propetty  and  seat  of  his  daugnter^  Mrs.  Mar^ 
Fieldmg,  r^ct  of  Csjytafin  Fielding.  Vtom  the  Johnson  flunily,  tk^  estate,  cdntabii* 
Ing  about  500  acres,  descended  to  the  present  proprietor,  Hobert  Ward,  E^q^  ^di  l^n<« 
don.  The  old  InD  is  occupied  hy  the  fittmer  of  the  esfCsrte,  Mr.  Jobsovi,  wlkMo  brothtf 
inhabits  tSie  stew^d^s  hou^e.  The  irotMvorks  here  are  condneted  wMi  gfeM  9|ritri^ 
and  buildings  are  consequently  inereasing;*  bat  flie  working  of  the  ad;p^ifting  ii^ 
Keries  is  at  present  siispended. 

CowPEN. — ^Thls  is  a  pleasant  and  healthy  village^  situate  7  milei  eost-siMlth>4Sclsl 
from  Morpeth,  and  above  1^  miles  west  by  north  from  Blyth.  There  are  here  se» 
veral  well-buflt  houses,  including  a  puMic  house.  The  mansion-house,  oeeupied 
by  Mrs.  Watson,  is  a  handsome  office ;  and  there  is  an  exodleitt  faim^hotise,  belongs 
ing  to  this  lady^s  esftate,  which  lies  contSguous  to  the  rillAge.  Mr.  StdMey,  ai  Mbtu 
peth,  has  also  three  good  houses  and  cotteges  here.  The  nte  Mr.  Sidney^  who  ttr^ 
aft  eccentric  eharaeter,  lived  Co  be  95  years  of  i^e. 

Waterloo  Fface,  which  adjoins  BlyfS^,  fl$  a  regular  row  of  vety  genteci  fadMes^  whic^ 
has  been  recent);^  erected.    Each  house  ha^  a  garden  in  firatit ;  atid  K  is  in  o»nt«i6« 

*  Site  vol.  i  ps^es  fOl,  141,  «nd  S«5. 
VOL,  11,  •  5  M 


4U  CASTi-E  WARD.— E.  ©. 

platiou  to  imreaife  th^  beauty  of  this  fine  suburb  of  tj^  neigbhaurkig  sea^port,  by 
plantin^t  and  foarming  a  spacious  eoach-road  in  front.  An  inn  forms  a  ri^t  angle 
with  the  row.  Cr^tont  which  stands  at  a  short  distaaoce, .  consists  of  a.  number  of  new, 
well-built,  and  commodious  houses.  Both  these  places  are  built  on  the  property  of 
the  Rev.  Robert  Croft»  of  York,  upon  whose  estate  at  C4iwpen  an  extensive  oolUery 
i^  carrijed  on  by  Sir  M.  .W.  Ridley,  Bart,  and  Co.  Cowpw  Square^  near  the  river; 
consists  mostly  of  houses,  built  for  the  accommodation  of  the  numeroujs  workmen 
eipployed.at  these  coal-works.  At  Cowpen  MiU^  further  up  the  liver,  are  a  few 
houses  and  a  lup^kilo.  Coivpen  Quay^  which  adjoins  Blyth  Dock,  is  also  the  pro- 
peorty  of  Mn  Croft,  and  has  lately  been  much  improved  by  the  building  of  many  neat 
housesy  the.seites  being  held  on  lease.  Contiguous  .to  the  colliery,  Mr.  Edmund 
Watt$  has  a  delightful  mansion,-  and  a  considerable  estate,  which  is  used  as  a  grass- 
farm, » and  wl^ch  most  be  a  great  convenience  to  this  district,  as  the  population  of 
C<>wpen  and.its  immediate  neighbourhood  exceeds  1700  persons. 

,  EARSDON  PARISH. 

■  ...'.     I  ;  '  ■ 

'  This  pf^rish  is  bounded  on  the  north  pardy  by  Bedlii^gtonshire,  on  the  nortb-west 
by  Horton  chapelry,  on  the  west  by  CrsuBlington  and  Long  Benton,  on  the  south  by 
XynepgbQj^th  parish,  and  on  the  east  by  the  <^rman  Ocean.  Its  greatest  length  is  7^ 
mile^ '.  a|id  its  greatest  breadth  5f  miles.  The  surface  is  gently  undulated ;  and  the 
sojil,  which  i^  stixNOtg^  is  well  adapted  for  wheat,  turnips,  ana  potatoes.  The  farms  are 
mostly  let  «n:  leases,  and.  the  whole  are  \^ell  cultivated.  The  parish  is  divided  into 
8  townships,  which,  in  1821,  contained  1070  houses,  inhabited  by  4644  people,  of 
whom  2117  were  males,  and  2527  females;  but  the  population  is  now  rapidly  in- 
crea^ng,  in.  consequence  of  some  new  collieries  being  commenced.  The  annual  value 
of  property  in  the  entire  parish,  in  1815,  amounted  to  £23,301.  The  poor-rates,  in 
1821,  was  £2452, 15s.  There  is  a  poor-house  at  Hartley,  and  another  in  the  town- 
ship of  South  Blyth.  John  Figg's  legacies  of  lands  in  tnis  parish  vrill  be  noticed  in 
the  history  of  Newcastle.  It  appears  that  £5  a  year  is  now  received  by  the  minister, 
£or  charitable  purposes,  from  an  estate  bequeathed  by  this  John  Pigg*  There  are  no 
endowed  schools  in  this  parish ;  but  Sir  Jacob  Astley,  Bart,  gives  the  schoolmaster  of 
Hartley  a  schooWocnn,  dwelling-house,  and  garden.  Four  teachers  of  Sunday-schools 
receive  £20  per  annum.  About  200  children  attend  the  Methodist  Sunday-schools, 
and  100  the  Earsdon  church  Sunday-school.  There  are  sixteen  day-schools,  at  which 
about  400  ehildren  are  educated. 

Eabsdon  is  an  airy,  jdeasant  village,  seated  upon  a  rocky  eminence,  4^  miles  north 
by  west  from  North  Shields,  and  above  2^  miles  west  from  the  sea.     It  contains  two 

fublic  houses,  and  some  well-built  dwelling-houses,  one  of  which  belongs  to  R.  A. 
^urvis,  £s<j.  and  is  occupied  by  William  Chapman,  Esq.  banker  in  Newcastle.  The 
church,  which  is  dedicated  to  St.  Alban,  is  a  juain,  ancient  building,  with  an  old,  un- 
ceiled,  oaken  roof.  A  pair  of  very  ancient  spurs  was  lately  found,  on  removing  some 
earth  in  the  church.  The  parish  raster  commences  in  the  year  1593.  The  minis- 
ter's house  stands  in  a  fine  secluded  situation,  at  the  entrance  into  the  church.  The 
whole  parish  is  divided  into  66^  farms,  viz.  Earsdon  township,  8  farms ;  Baekworth, 


EARSDON  PARISH.  415 


10;  ^irradon,  5;  Seghill,  10;  Halliwell  6|;  Hartley^  9;  Seatoii  Ddaval,  11 ;  and 
Blyffa,  6f ;  eaeh  of  which  ;pays  yearly  6s.  &d.  to  the  minister,  who  is  chosm,  hy 
permission  of  the  landholders,  by  the  occupiers  of  land.*  This^  drareh  is  subject  to 
Tynemouth,  to  wWdi,  with  -the  manor  and  tithes  of  Earsdon,  it  belonged  in  1097. 
The  manor  paid  six  shillings  a  year  comage  to  the  prior  of  St.  Alban's.  The  Duke 
of  Northumberland  is  lord  of  the  manor ;  but  there  is  a  quarry,  which  is  claimed  by 
the  township.  Earadon  colliety»  bdonginff  to  Messrs.  Taylor  and  Clarke,  was  opened 
this  summer  (1884),  and  above  20  pit-nouses  have  been  already  built  near  the 
works. 

.  A  branch  of  the  ancient  family  of  the  Fenwicks  resided  here  for  several  genera- 
tions. Thomas  Fenwick,  of  Earsdon,  married  Mary  Bowes,  of  Cleadon,  and  was 
succeeded  by  his  eldest  son  and  heir,  the  late  Thonias  Fenwick,  Esq.  who  was  above 
40  years  chairman  of  the  quarter  sessions,  and  died  February  22, 1810,  much  respected. 
He  married,  in  1766,  Ann,  daiighter  and  coheir  of — Douron,  Esq.  by  Sarah  his 
wife,  sister  of  Percival  Clennel,  Esq.  and  had  issue,  1.  Thomas  Fenwick,  Esq.  who 
in  1814  took  the  name  of  Clennel,  of  Harbottle  Castle.  He  married  a  daughter  of 
Clmstopher  Soulsby  Reed,  Esq.  of  Chipchase  Castla  2.  Christopher  Fenwick,  Es^. 
who  married  Margaret,  daughter  of  Henry  CoUingwood,  Esqj,  of  Lilburn.  3.  JPera- 
val  Fenwick,  Esq.  of  Prestwick  and  Cartington,  who  mamed  the  daughter  of  An- 
thony Leaton,  Esq.  <rf  Whickham.  4,  William  Fenwick,  colonel  of  the  »4th 
regiment,  wounded  severely  at  Vittoria.  6.  Bowes  Fenwick,  a  surgeon  in  Newcastle, 
died  1811.  6.  Nicholas,  married  Elizabetibi  Hurry,  of  Dockwray  Square,  North 
Shields.  7*  A  dau^ter  (now  dead),  married  John  Collingwood,  Esq.  of  Chirton. 
Christopher  Fenwick^  in  1821,  sold  his  paternal  estate  to  the  Duke  of  Northum* 
berluid,  whose  bailiff,  Mr.  Hugh  Taylor,  now  residies  at  Earsdon.- 

Backworth  is  a  small  village,  with  two  public  houses,  situated  nearly  a  mile  west 
from  Earsdon.  It  was  anciently  a  possession  of  the  prior  of  Tynemoutn ;  and,  since 
the  dissolution,  was  many  years  the  residence  of  the  Greys.  Ralph  William  Grey, 
Esq.  who  was  high  sherm  of  Northumberland  in  1792,  built  a  new  mansion-house 
here,  and  which  stands  in  a  low  but  pleasant  situation.  R.  W.  Grey,  Esq.  his  son 
and  successor,  sold  this  estate  to  the  Duke  of  Northumberland  for  £95,000;  on 
which,  his  brother^  John  Grey,  Esq.  petitioned  the  Court  of  Chancery  that  £15,000 
should  be  paid  him  in  trust,  as  a  compensation  for  the  injury  he  and  the  other  parties 
would  su£fer  by  the  sale.  The  master  ordered  £16,000  to  be  paid ;  but  the  aominis- 
trators  of  the  infant  son  of  R.  W.  Grey,  jun.  Esq.  have  since  applied  for  the  repay- 
ment of  this  sunk.  The  colUeiy  here  communicates  with  the  Tyne  by  a  rail-road« 
The  owners  are,  X  Walker,  H.  Lamb,  G.  Waldie,  J.  Maud,  J.  Buddie,  T.  Taylor, 
and  the  executors  of  the  late  E.  Hetherington,  Esqrs.  The  coals  are  named  North- 
umberland Wallsend,  and  Earsdon  Main. 

*  Hie  Rey.  Henry  Wokman^  of  this  fdaoe,  wbm,  in  1814,  presented  by  his  parishioners  with  a  silver  cup 
and  te»-poty  valued  at  60  guineas,  in  testbooony  of  their  approbation  and  esteem. 

A  circumstance  occurred  here  in  1773^  strongly  illustrative  of  the  impropriety  of  sodden  inhumatiott.  A 
Mr.  Davison^  appearing  dead,  lay  as  a  corpse  two  days,  when  die  funend  was  pnt  off  until  the  third  day,  in 
consequence  of  the  absence  of  a  relation:  in  this  interval  Mr.  D.  revived,  and  in  a  few  days  was  quite  well. 


«•  CA8TLB  WABD^IL  D. 

BuiauJK>i9  is  duttant  nmrlf  0  mUes  west  by  north  ft#m  Baiidoii.  It  eoMilts  ttf 
two  fimiiiDlds,  and  a  f^  cotttges  for  klxmiers  and  edUiers.  Adjoinkw  one  of  tht 
faartxphouam  are  tbe  mitui  of  a  ttiong  old  fortress,  which  was  the  seat  ti  Serkram  Am^ 
dttmn  in  195S.  This  place  beiongs  to  W/O.  W.  Ogie,  Esq.  Near  the  viUi^ate 
qttatiies  of  stood  fteestonev  and  a  brick  manufaetory.  Persevering  attenipts  have 
been  made)  by  the  owneia  of  the  KiHingworth  mines^  during  iim  hiat  five  yenrs,  to 
Wwk  riie  oolmry  bete,  but  whidi  the  intetseetiom  <>f  dykes,  £c  render  rery  diffionlt 
aod  expensive* 

Sbghili.  is  situated  on  tibe  south  side  d  Seaton  Bom,  fl  miles  north-west  £rom 
Earsdon.  It  vms  mistaken  by  Camden  for  9cgediinum«  In  1097,  it  bdonged  to 
INmeraotttb  priory ;  and  in  the  Mi  Edward  Vl.  was  Ite  manor  of  a  yomiger  bvanch 
of  the  mcient  family  of  the  Mitferds,  whose  seat  here  was  a  strong  tower,  now  hn 
ruins.  Robert  Mitfwd,  Eaq.  85  Chtfles  II.  (167S|,  built  a  mansion-house  adioining 
tiie  tower,  which  has  also  fallen  into  decay.  Booert  Mitfcird,  of  Se^iU^  married 
Chriatian,  daughter  of  the  first  1^  William  Bkckett,  of  Newcastle,  and  kft  ^brte 
sons,  who  all  med  unmarried,  and  one  daughter,  who  married  the  Rev,  -^  Lakhnan^ 
vicar  of  Whalton.  Thdr  son,  a  surgeon  m  Morpeth,  left  no  finxuiy*  On  their  de* 
cease,  Bertram  Mitlbrd  (formeriy  a  merchant  at  Bombay)  chuined,  in  right  of  settfe«> 
ments  made  on  the  marriage  of  his  ancestors,  to  be  entitled  te  a  eonsidcmble  smn  of 
mon^  chartted  on  thia  estate;  but  died  pievious  to  a  decision  on  his  claun.  He  hik 
an  onljr  cbUd,  Sarah  Milford,  to  whom,  and  to  hia  wife^  Sa^ab  Mitford,  he  beaueathed 
a&  his  property,  share  and  share  alike.  The  daughter  married  a  petson  of  the  naino 
of  Sprfaig,  and  the  widow  a  person  of  the  name  of  Reddiaw,  whos  after  considepabla 
litigation,  compromised  tbdr  claim  with  L.  AUgood,  Bsq,  of  Nniiwkdc,  tbe.  tbea 
owner  of  the  estate.  The  AUgoods  afterwards  soM  it  to  the  late  Sir  Francis  Blake^ 
Bart.  ;of  Tvritett  Castle,  whose  aon,  Sir  F.  Bbike,  Is  the  pnsent  proprietor.  Thia 
estate eonsistsof  seven  farms.  The viUage,  whidi  was  entirely agrkmltiiniv  haa  la*efy 
received  great  additions,  a  nutidier  of  houaes  befaig  built  for  the  workmen  emplayca 
in  the  eoat-w^rks  lately  eommehced  here.  The  owners  aee^  Mcasra  Bobsotv  Oaav 
and  Cd  «- 

HAl^Lrw^TLL  i»  dfetant  about  14  mSes  north  ftom  Earsdon.  It  was  heM  by  nm- 
tSLge  temire,  of  the  barony  of  John  Baliot,  by  Ewtaoe  Delavai^  whcae  descendants  had 
property  here  hn  1485.    Over  the  dbor  of  an  old  mansion-house  of  Ralph  Betbt^  fiaq. 

of  Milbum  House,  is  inscribed,  "mkdio ia  piJima  WMl    Thia  village  haa  its 

name  from  St.  Mary's  Well,  which,  according  to  W^s,  is  medicinal^  and  becomns  of 
a  purple  colour  when  galls  are  infused  in  it.  Mary  Sharpy  a  widow,  died:  here  ih 
1788,  aged  109  y^ars. 

Hartley  is  situated  near  the  sea,  about  aj  miles  north-east  from  Earsdon,  and  5 
maes  ncnrdi  frook  North  ShkUs.  This  manor,  in  the  time  of  Hewy  IIL  wa»  held  by 
knights'  service  of  the  barony  of  Gangy.  The  HeitMt  fimtty  had  heK  tJie  smbot  ift 
I35d ;  tlie  other  mediety  being  considered  a  member  &t  the  Delanali  baroHry,  from  the 
l-2tfa  of  RicfhaM  II.  ixi  the  lOlh  of  EMzabetb,  when  it  was  yAitHtf  in  tiie  hand*,  of  Sif 
John  Deiatid. 


I 


EARSDOK  PARISH.  417 


the  ooBiiny,  and  by  fishermen.  There  are  five  {mblie  houaes  here»  and  a  meetbig- 
house,  faelongmg  to  the  Methodists.  On  M0M  Ishmd^  which  is  nearly  c^posite  to 
Hartley^  was  formerly  a  small  chapel,  dedicated  to  St.  Mary,  and  a  hermitage,  both 
desolated.  Lord  I>^vai  made  a  small  harbour  here^  for  the  refuge  of  the  fishermen 
In  «torms.* 

Seaton  Sluice  \%  about  half  a  mile  north  from  Hartley.    It  was  in  possession  of 
the  prior  of  Tynemouth  in  lOOT^  and  paid  Aid.  cbmage  to  the  abbot  of  St.  Albans. 
in  1181,  it  appears  this  manor  comprised  a  part  of  the  barony  of  Delaval,  and  has 
continued  in  that  family  to  the  present  time.    The  haven  hele  was  formed  by  Sir 
Ralph  Delaval,  Bart    It  was  originally  a  short  distance  to  the  north,  of  small  extent, 
dry  at  low  water,  and  difficult  at  the  entrance.    The  river  also  mide  its  course  due 
east,  until  it  was  within  a  little  way  of  the  sea,  and  then,  by  asudda:!  turn,  discharged 
itself  due  north.     The  sea-^banks  at  this  point  were  bold  and  lofty,  and  formed  an 
Imgte,  one  side  ikoing  the  north,  and  the  other  almost  due  east.    At  the  point  of  this 
angle  the  haven  was  made^  in  the  construction  of  which  Sif  Ralph  Delaval  found 
enough  to  exercise  his  skill  and  patience.    The  stone  pier  which  covered  it  from  the 
north-^east  wind  was  carried  away  by  the  sea  more  than  once ;  and  when  he  had  over- 
come this  difficulty^  a  ilew  inconvrniience  arose*  by  his  port  filling  up  with  mud  and 
sand,  though  a  pretty  sharp  rill  ran  through  it.    In  order  to  remove  this  mischief,  he 
placed  a  strong  sluice,  with  fiood^tes,  upon  the  brook,  and  these  being  shut  by  the 
ooming  in  of  the  tide,  the  baok«>water  collected  into  a  body,  and  forcing  a  passage  at 
the  ebb,  carried  all  before  it>  which,  twice  in  24  hours,  scoured  the  bed  of  the  haven« 
^  King  Charles  II.  who  had  a  great  taste  for  matters  of  this  kind,  made  him  collector 
lUid  surveyor  of  his  own  port."    This  haven  was  afterwards  improved  by  the  late 
Lcn-d  Delaval,  who  cut  through  a  solid. freestone  rock,  fixHn  the  point  Whero  the  river 
anciently  turned  towards  the  north,  to  the  sea  on  the  east  side  of  the  angle ;  so  that 
tbe  current  now  discharges  itself  into  the  sea  in  a  straight  direction,  and  forms  a  har- 
bour accessible  with  every  wind,  and  a  moorage  secure  against  every  ^torm.    The 
entrance  into  the  harbour  is  fiffcv^two  feet  deep,  thirty  feet  broad,  and  nine  hundred 
feet  long.    This  great  work,  which  he  completed  at  his  own  expence,  wad  planned 
by  Thomas  Delaval,  Esq.  who  had  resided  some  time  at  Hamburgh,  and  obtldned 
considerable  wealth  and  a  passion  for  commerce.    Over  the  cut  is  a  draw-lmdge,  for 
the  convenience  of  passeng^s ;  and  much  contrivance  and  curious  machinery  may  be 
observed  about  this  place.    Twelve  or  fourteen  sail  of  vessels,  eadi  of  two  or  three 
fadndred  tons  burden,  can  be  accommodated  in  this  harbour.    The  word  Sluite  Was 
added  to  the  name  of  this  place,  from  the  sluice  and  flood-gates  at  the  mouth  of  the 
port    This  small  sea-port  contains  three  butehers'  shops,  four  public  houses,  a  com-^ 
rUtkon  brewery,  belonging  to  Messrs.  Blackett  and  Co.  by  whom  aU  the  |)ublicatos  in 
the  township  are  supplied,  and  a  meeting-house  belonging  to  the  Fresbyterittis,    It 

^  In  December,  1765,  a  woodcock  wiis  shot  here,  in  the  stomAch  of  which  was  found  a  diamond  of  oobri- 
den3>le  value. 

Ififflfgaret  Lowery,  of  this  place,  died  Jtxfy  25,  IS17,  in  her  106th  yeat*  She  enjoyed  excellent  bealfli  till 
within  a  few  hours  of  her  death,  with  facoitiet  unimpair^. 

VOL.  II.  6  N 


4ife  CASTLE  WARD— E-  D. 

is  chiefly  inhaWted  by  workmen  employed  in  the  glass-works,  and  by  seamen.  A  few 
respectable  ship-owners  live  here  and  at  Hartley.  Here  are  three  glass-houses  for  the 
manufacture  of  bottles.  They  were  erected  by  Thomas  Delaval,  Esq.  principally  for  the 
purpose  of  consuming  the  small  coals  of  the  colliery,  and  were  purchased  of  him  by  the 
late  Lord  Delaval.  They  are  now  the  property  of  the  Marquis  of  Waterford,  but  are 
carried  on  by  the  Hartley  Bottle  Company.  John  Jopling,  Esq.  continues  the  cop- 
peras-works; but  the  salt  trade  has  greatly  diminished.  The  office  belonging  to 
Hartley  colhery,  which  is  carried  on  by  Messrs.  Jopling  and  Co.  is  a  neat  octagon 
building ;  and  that  attached  to  the  glass-works  has  a  clock  in  front.  During  the  utte 
War,  there  was  a  block-house  and  oattery,  which  commanded  the  harbbur,  upon  a 
mound  of  ballast,  and  where  a  party  of  soldiers  performed  duty.  Hartley,  including 
this  place,  contains  above  1800  inhabitants.  The  poor-rates,  which  in  1811  were 
£500  per  annum,  in  1821  amounted  to  £11SS.  This  augmentation  is  chiefly  attri- 
buted to  the  declining  state  of  the  glass  trade. 

Seaton  Delaoal  is  situated  on  a  gentle  slope,  6^  miles  north  by  west  from  North 
Shields,  and  one  mile  west  from  the  sea.  This  ma^ifioent  seat  was  built  by  Admiral 
t)elaval,  and  has  an  air  of  dignity  and  grandeur  which  surpasses  every  other  mansion 
in  the  north  of  England.  It  appears  like  a  vast  quarry,  lifted  out  of  the  earth,  and 
fashioned  after  the  most  exact  symmetry ;  and  is  certainly  in  the  best  style  of  that 
bold  and  extraordinary  genius.  Sir  John  Vanburgh.  "  In  the  north  front  of  this 
splendid  structure,  consisting  of  five  stories,  the  whole  of  which  is  built  of  beautiful 
stone,  and  of  the  most  exceUent  masonry,  these  is  a  Alight  of  sixteen  steps ;  on  each 
side  of  the  uppermost  landing  there  are  three  superb  Doric  columns,  which,  by  their 
bold  prqjectures,  give  an  extraordinary  eflfect  to  their  richly  embellished  entablatures ; 
immediately  over  these  are  placed  handsome  vases  on  pedestals :  here  the  attic  story 
rises,  having  a  grand  pediment,  with  a  triangular  tympanum  (in  which  the  arms  of 
the  family  and  various  trophies  are  carved,  and  so  relieved  that  all  their  parts  are 
perfectly  seen  free  from  its  entablature).  This  facade  is  rendered  extremely  beautiful 
by  the  breaks  and  fine  proportions  of  its  parts,  and  by  the  excellent  sculpture  with 
which  it  is  dressed ;  and  the  whole  is  crowned.with  a  biulustrade  and  proper  pedestals, 
on  which  urns  are  placed :  at  each  end  hereof  are  seen  the  upper  external  parts  of  the 
grand  staircases,  rising  nearly  to  the  height  of  the  apex  of  the  central  pediment,  which 
afibrd  a  very  graceful  effect,  being  ornamented  with  a  series  of  round  ballusters  ter- 
minated by  pedestals,  out  of  which  arise,  in  form  of  urns,  the  tops  of  chimneys.  The 
perron  to  the  portal  has  two  landing  places,  the  upper  of  which  is  of  the  height  of  the 
basement  story,  constructed  boldly  in  bossage-work,  serving  as  a  basis  for  the  edifice, 
and  giving  an  appearance  of  great  strength  to  it.  On  each  side  hereof  a  corrid6r 
unites  to  the  house  two  noble  wings,  adorned  with  beautiful  arcades,  extending  along 
the  whole  length  of  the  fronts.  These,  as  well  as  the  body  of  the  house,  are  all  co- 
vered with  lead ;  their  perfect  unity  therewith,  their  graceful  projections,  niches,  and 
pediments,  form  a  most  grand  and  pleasing  court,  being  terminated  with  two  beauti- 
ful pavilions,  connected  also  by  a  corridor.  The  first  room  which  you  enter  is  a  most 
stately  hall,  44  feet  long,  and  44  feet  high :  here  all  the  ornaments  strike  by  simple, 
but  grand  uniformity.  Numerous  arches,  recesses,  and  niches,  please  the  informed 
observer,  more  with  the  harmony  of  their  proportions  than  with  the  splendour  of  their 
decorations.     The  floor  is  of  a  black  and  white  marble,  and  the  chimney-piece  finely 


EARSDON  PARISH-  419 

adapted  to  the  great  style  of  the  room  ;  the  figures  which  support  it  are  exquisitely 
executed^  as  are  the  basso-relievos,  and  all  the  decorations :  opposite  to  the  door  is  a 
grand  music  gallery,  faced  with  elegant  iron  ballustrades  upon  a  fine  entablature,  and 
supported  by  beautiful  consoles :  in  the  uppermost  niches  are  statues  as  large  as  the 
life,  admirably  executed  by  the  best  Italian  artists,  with  their  attitudes  and  symbols, 
representing  Music,  Painting,  Geography,  Sculpture,  Architecture,  and  Astronomy ; 
and  in  the  interstitial  solids  are  me  pictures,  at  full  length,  of  Lord  and  Lady 
Delaval  and  their  children.  The  ceiling  is  extremely  elegant  to  the  right  and 
left  passages,  paved  with  marble,  leading  through  lofty  arches  to  handsome  rooms, 
wainscotted  with  mahogany,  in  which  are  the  pictures  of  Admiral  Delaval,  and  others 
of  Lord  Delaval's  ancestors,  by  Sir  Godfrey  Kneller,  and  other  good  portrait  nainters ; 
and  also  to  the  two  grand  winding  geometrical  stone  staircases,  17  feet  in  oiameter, 
reaching  A*om  the  bottom  to  the  top  of  the  house,  of  a  structure  which  has  been 
greatly  admired  by  all  who  have  seen  them,  having  iron  ballusters  of  a  very  light  and 
elegant  form.  The  hall  leads  to  a  splendid  saloon,  fronting  the  pleasure-grounds,  75 
feet  long,  and  from  the  door  at  which  you  enter  it  to  the  folding  glass  doors  on  the 
opposite  side  thereof,  it  is  30  feet  wide :  these  open  into  a  most  magnificent  portico, 
of  the  Ionic  order,  tetrastile,  of  which  the  columns  are  three  feet  diameter.  In  this 
room  there  are  eight  majestic  fluted  Corinthian  columns  of  the  most  beautiful  stone, 
and  the  same  number  of  pilasters,  which  divide  it  into  three  spaces ;  the  ceiling  was 
executed  by  the  famous  Italian  artist,  Vercelli,  and  is  exquisitely  modelled,  and  ad- 
miralty coloured :  here  are  several  finely  painted  whole-length  pictures  of  this  family. 
At  the  east  end  is  a  small  antichamber,  which  leads  into  a  spacious  drawing-room, 
and  also  into  a  lesser  drawing-*room  contiguous  to  an  elegant  eating-room,  beautifully 
ornamented  with  festoons  of  fruits  and  flowers,  formed  of  a  most  durable  composition, 
and  so  admirably  painted  as  perfectly  to  resemble  nature.  Collateral  to  these  stately 
apartments  are  others  for  retirement  and  waitings-rooms,  connected  with  a  stone  wind- 
ing staircase  of  fine  workmanship,  being  ten  feet  three  inches  in  diameter,  and  com- 
municating with  the  great  staircase  at  every  landing-place,  through  either  of  which 
?rou  may  ascend  to  a  grand  gallery  on  the  next  floor,  on  each  side  whereof  are  several 
arge  and  finely  proportioned  bed-chambers,  and  from  whence  you  may  pass  into  14 
rooms,  built  by  the  late  Lord  Delaval,  among  which  are  several  other  stately  bed- 
chambers and  dressing-rooms ;  he  also  highly  ornamented  the  greater  part  of  this  fine 
mansion  with  new  and  rich  furniture.  Most  of  the  best  rooms  have  marble  chimney- 
pieces  of  admirable  workmanship.  All  the  ofiices  in  the  base  story,  which  are  very 
numerous,  are  arched  with  hewn  stone,  from  whence  you  may  go  on  the  same  level 
to  the  east  and  west  wings ;  in  the  former  thereof  are  the  noble  stables,  the  chief  of 
which  is  62  feet  long  and  41  wide,  and  24  feet  8  inches  high,  the  roof  being  supported 
by  three  superb  arches,  21  feet  4  inches  hi|^h  :  the  divisions  of  all  the  stdls  and  the 
niches  for  the  hay  are  of  stone.  In  this  wing  there  is  a  gallery  extending  the  whole 
length  of  its  front,  and  several  commodious  rooms.  The  other  Mdng  contains  a  spa- 
clous  and  lofty  kitchen  and  ofiices  of  all  kinds  on  the  ground  floor ;  and  on  the  second 
floor,  several  good  apartments,  and  a  gallery  also  reaching  along  the  wholeiength  of  it. 
**  This  splendid  seat  stands  in  part  of  the  pleasure-grounds,  surrounded  by  a  ha-ha, 
having  a  wall  of  hewn  stone,  nine  feet  high,  and  considerabty  more  than  a  mile  in 
circumference,  which  is  not  seen  from  the  house.    Here  are  several  walks  disposed 


490  CASTLE  WARD— R  D. 

with  great  Uielte,  some  of  which  are  shaded  as  well  by  loftj  trees  as  plantations, 
through  which  various  vistas  are  cut»  some  of  them  l>eing  terminated  by  elegant 
stone  buildings,  and  others  opening  delightful  promects  to  the  sea  towaids  the  east^ 
greatly  heightened  brr  ships  which  are  frequently  sailuig  in  sight  of  the  windows :  to 
the  south  were  is  a  nne  view  over  a  vardant  lawn  to  another  bay  of  the  sea,  where 
frequently  large  fleets  of  colliers  may  be  seen,  and  enriched  with  the  fin6  ruins  of 
Tynemouth  Priory,  a  mnd  obelisk,  and  several  villages  and  hamlets  interspersed, 
forming  a  v^y  beautif m  landscape :  to  the  west  there  is  an  avenue  of  a  mile  and  a 
quarter  long ;  and  to  the  north  a  view  of  a  great  part  of  Northumberland,  extending 
over  a  space  of  60  miles,  terminated  by  the  august  mountains  of  Cheviot." 

A  large  addition  to  the  east  front  broke  the  uniformity  of  Vanburgh*s  design,  and 
it  was  proposed  to  make  a  corresponding  addition  on  the  west.  This  princely  man- 
sion has  been  described  in  its  entire  state ;  but  on  the  Sd  of  January,  1888,  the  main 
building  was  destroyed  by  fire.  By  great  and  active  exertions,  the  two  wings,  com- 
prizing the  spacious  kitchen  and  beautiful  stables,  were  saved.  The  fire  originated 
in  a  chimney,  to  which  a  large  beam  of  wood  in  the  roof  was  affixed.  The  heat  was 
so  intense,  that  the  glass  in  the  windows  was  reduced  to  a  liquid  state,  and  the  lead 
on  the  roof  poured  down  like  water.  The  west  wing  was  destroyed  by  fire,  May  6, 
1759»  but  rebuUt  on  the  original  plan.  It  is  not,  lK>wever,  now  prolmUe  that  this 
grand  and  magnificent  edifice  will  ever  be  restored. 

The  scite  of  the  4meient  castle  was  a  little  to  the  south-west  of  the  modem  seat ; 
but  its  walls  have  hem  entirely  razed,  its  ditches  levelled,  and  nothing  remains  of  the 
first  establishinent  of  the  Delaval  family,  except  the  ckapeL  Hodgson  says  that  **  this 
little  venerable  pile  is  one  of  the  purest  and  most  perfect  specimens  of  Norman  arebi« 
teeture  in  the  kingdom.  Except  v\  its  roof,  it  seems  to  have  undergone  very  few 
alterations.  Above  the  west  door,  within  and  without,  are  six  shields,  charged  with 
the  arms  of  the  Delavals.  The  arches,  at  the  entranoe  into  the  chancel  and  above  the 
altar,  are  supported  by  short  columns,  with  plain  heavy  capitals,  and  wrought  with 
double  tiers  c^  zig-zag.  The  walls  are  decorated  with  pieces  of  armour,  tattered  ban- 
ners,  and  escutcheons.  There  are  also  here  two  old  monuments :  one  of  them  a  re-^ 
cumbent  figure  of  a  knight  templar  in  armour,  resting  upon  his  left  arm,  hi^  shield 
plsin ;  and  the  othar  a  neatly  executed  recumbent  figure  o£  a  female,  with  her  hands 
devated.  Each  of  them  have  a  d<^  at  their  feet,  the  usual  emblem  of  faithfulness.** 
Public  service  ia  performed  here  every  8unday  afternoon  by  the  minister  of  £arsdon» 
HfUo  ^^  paid  £  40  per  annum  by  %r  J.  Astley. 

N^air  the  chapel  a  mausoleum  was  buite  by  tlie  late  Liord  Delaval,  in  memory  of 
his  son,  whe  died  about  his  twentieth  year.  This  pious  edifice  has  been  much  ad*' 
mired  for  its  ekganoe  and  simplicity.  Tlie  portico^  which  is  of  the  Doric  order,  bears 
a  handsome  pediment,  with  a  triangular  tympanum^  A  solemn  cupola  covers  the 
centre.  The  intericw  is  formed  like  a  chapel ;  and  underneath  are  strongfy  arched 
catacombs,  founded  upon  a  rock.  It  is  surrounded  by  a  wall  eleven  feet  high,  the 
rocky  appearance  of  which  forms  a  strong  contrast  with  the  highly  pcdished  building. 

There  is  in  the  herald's  office  a  very  particular  pedigree  of  me  Defaral  fenrily,  en- 
tered in  Sir  WilliadQa  Dugdale's  Visitation  of  Northumberland,  which  commences  at 
the  time  of  the  Norman  Conquest.  The  Delavals  were  related  to  the  Conqueror's 
family,  by  the  marriage  of  Guy  Ddaval  to  Dionesia,  second-  daughter  of  Robert  Earl 


EARSDON  PAEI8H.  421 

of  Mortflgne,  and  William'a  niece.  Sir  Hendrick  Delaval,  second  son  of  Gu&do  Lord 
of  Dekval,  earned  one  of  the  head  banners,  when  William  Duke  of  Normandy  con* 
quered  England.*  In  llSl,  Hubert  de  la  Val  gave  to  the  monks  of  Tynemquth  the 
tythes  of  Seaton,  CaU^rtoB,  and  Dissington.  Some  time  between  1135  and  1154, 
Richold,  mother  of  Robert  de  la  Val^  was  a  benefactor  to  the  church  of  Hexham  (see 
p.  S91  and  p.  S75).  Dugdale  mentions  a  Huch  Delaval  in  lisg,  and  a  Gny  Delaval^ 
the  capital  seat  of  whose  barony  was  in  Yorkshire.  John  **  Deval"  Mras  libevated  from 
a  Scotch  prison  in  1174 ;  and  Gilbert  Delaval  was  one  of  the  twenty-five  barons  sworn 
to  see  the  charters  of  M^i^na  Ckarta  and  Charta  de  Fotresta  confirmed  by  the  Roman 
pontiff.  £ustace  Delaval  held  in  capite  of  Henry  III.  Black  Callerton,  with  Setton 
and  its  members,  Newsham  and  Dissington,  for  two  knights'  fees  of  the  old  feoffi* 
jnent  He  married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Sir  John  Burcester,  and  had  isaue  two 
sons*  Robart  and  Henry.  The  latter  married  Margaret,  sister  and  heir  of  Sir  John 
Greystocke,  and  had  issue  three  sons,  Henry,  Eustace,  and  Ht^h.  Hugh  Delaval 
BJkamed  Maud,  daughter  and  heiress  of  Hugh  de  Bolbec.  He  was  alive  in  1293,  but 
died  without  issue.  Eustace  married  Maigaret  Neville,  daughter  of  Ralph  Baron  oif 
Raby,  and  had  two  sons  and  one  daughter :  Robert,  who  married  Margaret,  the  only 
daughter  of  William  Lord  Greystock,  son-in-law  to  Roger  de  Merky,  baron  ef 
Morpeth;  Hugh,  who  married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Sir  LecH)^d  Daeres;  and 
Mary,  wife  of  Andrew  de  Smetheton.  Sir  Hu^  was  the  father  of  Robert,  who  by 
Margaret,  daughter  of  Lord  Conyers,  had  issue  two  sons ;  Robert,  of  whom  ha^^afler, 
vsA  William,  who  by^  Grace,  daughter  of  Sir  Thomas  Lilbume,  bad  issue  Sir  H^uy. 
He  dying  without  issue,  his  ville  of  ^^  Calverdon,''  and  its  members,  desoraided  to  John 
Turpin,  of  Whitchester,  who  had  married  his  sister  Alice ;  but  William,  the  son  of 
that  marriage,  d3dng  without  issue,  a  third  part  of  the  barony  went  to  his  sister 
Elizabeth,  wife  of  «^bn  de  Rouchestre.  One  Manberye  had  half  of  '*  Seiton  Dela- 
val, North  Dissington,  and  Hartelawe,"  in  1402.  After  this,  great  part  of  the  family 
possessions  were  vested  in  William  Delaval,  of  Benwell,  who  was  upon  an  inquest  at 
Newcastle  upon  T3me  in  1435.  One  of  the  Whitchester  family  he£d  a  third  part  of 
the  manor  of  Seiton  Delaval  in  1450. 

Sir  Robert  Delaval,  knt.  l^  Jane,  daughter  of  Sir  Henry  Percy,  waa  &ther  of  Sir 
John  Delaval,  who  married  Margaret,  daughter  of  Sir  John  de  Mitford ;  but  she 
dying  without  issue,  he  married,  seoandly,  EUaabeth,  daughter  of  William  de  Whit- 
chester, 1^  whom  he  had  issue  an  only  daughter  and  heir,  Elisabeth,  who  married 
John  Horsley  de  Uldiester,  who  is  said,  by  virtue  of  the  marriage  settlement,  to  have 
assumed  the  name  and  arms  of  Delaval.  He  had  issue,  of  whom  James  Delaval 
(otherwise  Horsley)  succeeded  to  the  Seaton  Delaval  estate,  and  married  Eleanor-, 
daughter  of  Sir  WilMam  Hilton,  knight,  by  whom  he  had  issue  John  Delavd,  who, 
by  Isabel,  daughter  of  Sir  John  Widdrington,  knight,  had  issue  John  Dekval,  who 
married  Agnes,  daughter  of  Sir  Thomas  Grey,  of  ChiUingham;  He  was  succeeded 
by  his  son.  Sir  John  Delaval,  who  was  twice  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  the 

*  A  writer  in  the  Newcastle  Magasinefor  November,  1824,  says  that  Bluebeard  was  the  celebrated  Gilles, 
or  Giles,  Marquis  de  Laval,  of  Normandy,  distingoished  for  his  intrepidity,  blasphemies,  licentiousness,  and 
murders.  He  was  hanged  and  burnt  in  1440,  for  a  state  crime  against  the  Duke  of  Brittany.  He  was, 
called  Bluebeard  from  the  colour  of  the  lower  part  of  his  face«  . 

VOL,  II.— .(39)  5  O 


422  CASTLE  WARD.—B.  D. 

l*eigns  of  Edward  VI.  and  queen  Mary,  married  Mary,  daughter  of  Tl^amas  Carye^ 
Esq.  and  had  issue,  1.  John ;  2.  Edward,  who  married  Fdicia,  daughter  of  Jolm 
C)gle,  of  Ogle  Castle ;  3.  Ann,  wife  of  Robert  Raymes,  of  Shortflat ;  4.  Eleanor,  wife 
ofWiffiam  Fenwick,  of  Bitchfield ;  5.  Beatrice,  wife  of  Edward  Errington,  of  But- 
terby ;  6.  Mary,  wife  of  George  Murton,  of  Berwick.  The  eldest  son.  Sir  John  Dela- 
val,  who  was  dso  twice  sheriff  of  the  county,  married  Ann,  daughter  of  Ralph  Lord 
Ogle,  of  Ogle,  by  whom  he  had  issue,  1.  Robert;  2.  Henry;  3.  Thomas;  4.  Jane, 
wife  of  Oswald  Mitford,  of  Ryal ;  5.  Dorothy,  wife  of  Gilbert  Errington,  of  Wash- 
ington ;  6.  Ann,  wife  of  Thomas  Cramlington,  of  Newsham.  The  eldest  son,  Sir 
Robert  Delaval,  married  Dorothy,  daughter  of  Ralph  Grey,  of  Chillingham,  A.  D. 
1575,  and  had  issue,  1.  Sir  Ralph  Delaval ;  2.  Sir  John,  of  Dissington ;  S.  Robert; 
of  Cowpen ;  4.  Edward ;  5.  Claudius ;  6.  Francis ;  7.  Arthur ;  and,  8.  Jane.  He  is 
likewise  found  in  the  list  of  sheriffs  of  the  county.  His  son,  Sir  Ralph,  married 
Jane,  daughter  of  Thomas  Baron  Hilton,  of  Hilton,  and  had  issue,  1.  Robert;  2. 
Ralph ;  8.  Thomas ;  4.  John ;  5.  Edward ;  6.  William ;  7.  George ;  8.  Henry ;  and 
five  daughters.  Robert  married  Barbara,  daughter  of  Sir  George  Selby,  and  had  issue 
one  son,  Sir  Ralph,  who  by  Anne,  daughter  of  Major-general  Lesley,  had  issue  seven 
sons  and  six  daughters.  He  was  representative  in  parUament  for  Northumberland,  2 
Charles  II.  and  in  the  1 2th  of  that  Teim  (1 660)  was  created  a  baronet.  He  was  succeeded 
in  his  honours  and  estate  by  his  fifth,  but  eldest  surviving  son.  Sit  John  Delaval, 
Bart,  whose  grandson,  Sir  John  Delaval,  leaving  only  one  daught^,  married  to  Jbbn 
Rogers,  Esq.  the  title  became  extinct,  and  his  estate  and  seat  of  Seaton  Ddaval  came 
into  the  possession  of  George  Ddaval,  Esq.  of  South  Dissington,  who  had  two  sons ; 
Edward  of  Dissington,  and  Admiral  Greorge,*  and  one  daughter.  Edward  had  issue, 
by  Marv,  daughter  of  Sir  Francis  Blake,  of  Ford  Castle,  one  son,  Francis  Blake  De- 
laval,  Ksq.  who  was  returned  member  of  parliament  for  Northumberland,  on  the 
expulsion  of  Forster  in  1716.  He  died  in  December,  1752,  having  married  Rhoda, 
daughter  of  Robert  Apreece,  Esq.  of  Washingly,  in  Huntingdonshire,  (by  Sarah 
Hussey,  heir  of  Sir  Thomas  Hussey,  descended  from  Lord  Hussey,  baron  of  Slea- 
ford)  by  whoril,  who  died  in  1759,  he  had  issue,  1.  Sir  Francis  Blake,  who  ^ed 
without  legitimate  issue  ;f  2.  John  Hussey  Delaval,  the  late  IjOrd  Delaval ;  S.  Ed- 

*  George  Delaval,  of  Delaval,  Esq.  had  a  genius  not  only  for  arms,  but  the  cabinet  He  was  appointed 
by  her  majesty,  qneen  Anne,  envoy  extraordinary  to  the  king  of  Portugal,  in  the  room  <if  the  Earl  of  Gal- 
way,  whilst  he  was  only  a  captain  of  a  man  of  war,  on  the  11th  of  October^  1710,  and  on  the  14tfa  of  Decem- 
ber following,  he  Was  sent  ambassador  plenipotentiary  to  the  Emperor  of  Morocco,  with  tnstmctioiis  to  treat 
for^^horses  and  provisions  for  the  confederate  army  in  Spain.  He  was  raised  for  his  services  to  the  high  rai^ 
of  ^idmiral.  He  was  killed  by  a  fall  from  an  unruly  horse,  as  -he  was  riding  out  to  divert  himself  after  dinBsr, 
near  his  housfe,  June  JSS,  1723^ 

f  Sir  Francis  blake  Delaval  was  the  gayest  and  most  accomplished  Lothario  of  the  age.  He  was  a  re* 
markably  handsome  man.  Early  in  life,  he  commenced  his  career  in  the  fashionable  world,  and  was  soon 
distinguished  for  ingenuity,  activity,  and  success  in  his  intrigues.  His  connexion  with  the  gay  and  beautiful 
Miss  Roach  lasted  for  some  years.  This  lady  was  much  attached  to  Sir  Francis,  by  whom  she  had  issue 
one  son  and  a  daughter.  She  was  seduced  by  consenting  to  a  secret  marriage,  which  afterwards  proved  to 
be  a  mock  one.  A  life  of  incessant  gaiety  and  dissipation  at  length  involved  the  afiairs  of  Sir  Francis  in 
inextricable  embarrassment;  when,  through  the  deep-laid  artifices  of  a  pretended  conjurer,  Ae  credulous 


EARSDON  PARISH.  423 

twttd  Hu88ey ;  4.  Thomas;  6.  Robert;  6.  George;  7.  Henry;  8.  Ralph;  all  of  whom  , 
died  without  male  issue;  Rhoda,  married  Sir  Edward  Astley,  Bart,  of  Melton  Con- 
stable, in  Norfolk ;  Sarah  and  Elizabeth,  died  young ;  Anne,  married  Sir  William 
Stanhope,  Knight  of  the  Bath,  and  died  in  1811 ;  Sarah,  married  John,  first  Earl  of 
Mexborough,  Knight  of  the  Bath. 

John  Hussey  Delaval,  who  was  created  a  baronet  July  1,  1761 ;  Lord  Delaval, 
Baron  Delaval,  of  Bedford,  in  Ireland,  September  20,  1783 ;  and  Lord  Delaval,  of 
Delayal,  in  Northumberhmd,  August,  1786 ;  married  first,  Susannah,  daughter  of  R. 
RobinscMi,  Esq.  and  widow  of  John  Potter,  Esq.  by  whom  (who  died  October  1, 
1783)  he  had  issue  one  son,  John,  bom  in  1756  (who  died  in  1775),  and  six  dai^h- 
ters:  Susannah,  who  died  young;  Rhoda,  since  deceased.;  Sophia  Ann,  marriedto 
John  Maximilian  Jadis,  Esq.  and  died  on  July  24,  1798,  leaving  issue  one  son ;  Eli- 
zabeth, married  to  Lord  Audley,  had  issue,  and  is  since  dead ;  Frances,  married  to 
John  Fenton  Caw  thorn,  Esq. ;  Sarah,  married  July  8, 1780,  George  Carpenter,  second 
Earl  of  Tyrconnel,  and  had  issue  one  daughter.  His  lordship  married  secondly,  Ja- 
nuary 5,  1803,  Miss  Knight.  .  He  died  May  17>  1808,  at  Seaton  Delaval,  aged  80 
years,  and  his  funend  remains  were  interred  with  ereat  pomp  and  splendour  in  the 
family  vault  in  St.  Paul's  chapel,  Westminster  Abbey.  Having  no  male  issue,  his 
entailed  estates  devolved  on  his  brother,  Edward  Hussey  Delaval,  Esq.  of  Doddin^- 
ton ;  but  his  other  estates  and  personal  property  were  bequeathed  to  his  relict,  with 
reminder  to  his  lordship's  granddaughter,  the  present  Marchioness  of  Waterford. 
Lady  Delaval  retired  to  Ford  Castle,  which  his  lordship  had  rebuilt  in  1761,  and 
died  in  August,  1822.  Edward  Hussey  Delaval,  Esq.  died  without  issue,  August 
14, 1814,  aged  85  years,  and  was  buried  in  Westminster  Abbey.*    At  his  decease, 


Lady  Nasasa  Paulett,  widow  of  the  Earl  of  Thanet,  with  an  hnmense  fortune,  was  persuaded.  In  her  60th 
year,  to  believe  that  hte  had  determined  her  marriage  with  the  young  and  gallant  Sir  Francis.  A  divorce 
soon  afler  took  place  by  mntnal  consent.  Amongst  the  new-invented  pastimes  of  this  active  votary  of  plea* 
sure,  he  resolved  to  give  a  play,  in  whidi  his  firiends  were  to  perform  the  different  parts.  OtheUo  was  fixed 
ujxm ;  and  his  brother.  Sir  John,  played  lago  with  great  edat.  Drury  Lane  theatre  was  crowded,  and  even 
the  one  shilling  gallery  was  filled  with  nobility.  Ten  guineas  were  offered  and  refused  for  a  ticket  Sir 
Francis  next  appeared  on  a  different  stage,  having  entered  as  a  volunteer  on  board  the  fieet  destined  to  make 
a  descent  at  St  Cas,  on  the  French  coast  Here  he  displayed  the  most  romantic  bravely ;  and  on  his  return 
in  1761,  was  created  Knight  of  the  Bath.  He  represented  the  borough  of  Andover,  where  he  obtained  his 
election  by  a  singular  manoeuvre.  At  the  time  of  polling,  he  disdiarged  from  a  culverin  500  guineas  amongst 
the  voters,  which  sqmi  determined  their  dioice.  After  this,  he  became  a  patriot,  and  a  member  of  the  So- 
ciety  of  the  Bill  of  w^hts.  At  length  he  dissipated  his  fortune,  which,  upon  the  death  of  his  father,  was 
about  £9000  a  year;  and  was  obliged  to  enter  into  an  arrangement  with  his  brother.  Sir  John,  who  allowed 
him  £4000  a  year.  He  died  suddenly,  after  dining  with  some  friends.  Notwithstatiding  his  many  foibles, 
caprices,  and  even  vices,  Sir  F.  was  eminently  generous,  sincere,  and  polite.  His  social  virtues  and  convi- 
vial  talents  were  unrivalled,  and  his  death  was  deeply  lamented  by  an  extensive  drde  of  friends.  He  dosed 
his  Eccentric  career  in  August,  1771^ 

*  Edward  Hussey  Delaval,  Esq.  was  A  tauui  of  distinguished  genius  and  high  merit  He  was  Master  of 
Arts,  and  Fellow  of  Pembroke  Hall,  Cambridge ;  an  excdlentdassical  eduAat,  i&d  well  conversant  in  most 
languages^  both  a&dent  and  modem.    Chemistry  and  experimental  philosophy  were  his  fiivourite  pmsoits. 


484  CASTLE  WARD— E.  D. 

the  valuable  Ddaval  estates  descended  to  Sir  Jacob  Astley,  Bart,  of  Matton  Comat^ 
ble,  Norfolk,  in  right  of  his  grandmother  Rhoda. 

The  minister  of  Earsdon  perfmns  divine  service  -every  Sunday  afternoon  in  Sea^ 
ton  chapel,  for  which  he  is  paid  £40  a  year  by  Sir  Jacob  Astiey.  Adjoining  the 
south-east  comer  of  the  garden  stands  Seaton  CottaffBy  a  very  neat  and  pleasant  build- 
ing, formerly  the  residence  of  the  ladies  who  were  in  favoiu*  with  the  late  Lord  De- 
laval,  afterwards  for  some  time  occupied  by  the  steward^  and  is  now  inhabited  by 
Mr.  John  Straker,  colliery  viewer.  Seaton  Lodge  is  an  old  buildings  covered  with 
thatch,  seated  on  the  north-west  side  of  Seaton  Bum,  and  is  the  country  residence  of 
John  Jobling,  Esq. 

Newsham  lordship  was  held  in  capite  of  Henry  III.  by  Eustace  Delaval,  and  be- 
longed to  one  of  that  family  in  1460.  It  was  the  seat  of  Thomas  CramJin^n^  Esq. 
in  1567,  whose  descendant,  Robert,  having  his  estate  sequestered  by  parliament,  in 
1652  this  manor,  and  that  of  South  Blyth,  were  purchased  by  Col.  Thomas  Ratdifl^ 
and  are  now  possessions  of  Sir  M.  W.  Ridley,  Bart.  Newsham  and  South  Blyth 
f<mn  but  one  township. 

He  was  an  accurate  judge  of  music  and  the  polite  arts ;  and  the  completest  set  of  musical  glasses  ever  pro- 
duced in  England  were  made  under  his  direction.  In  1764^  he  wrote  an  account  of  the  effects  of  lightning 
in  St.  Bride's  churchy  Fleet  Street,  London,  which  was  read  to  the  Royal  Society,  of  whkh  he  had  beei\ 
elected  a  member  in  1759.  By  desire  of  the  Dean  and  Chapter  of  St.  Paul's,  he  was  joined  with  W«  WatHHi, 
B.  Franklin,  and  B.  Wilson,  to  report  on  the  means  of  securing  St  Paul's  church  from  lightning.  The  6ab« 
ject  of  electricity  occupied  mudi  of  his  attention ;  and  being  a  warm  advocate  of  Uunt  oondiictoni^  he  pub- 
lished his  observations  and  arguments  in  their  favour  in  1773.  Mr.  Delaval  also  instituted  a  series  of 
experiments,  and  minute  observations,  to  demonstrate  that  Sir  Isaac  Newton's  doctrine  on  Optics  is  equally 
applicable  to  permanently  coloured  bodies.  His  letter,  in  1765,  addressed  to  the  Royal  Sodaly^  wherem  is. 
•bown  the  agreement  between  the  specific  gravities  of  the  several  metals  and  their  colours  when  united  to 
l^assy  as  well  as  those  of  their  other  pr(^3ierties,  procured  him  the  honour  of  the  gold  medal  In  1775,  Mn 
Delav«l  was  engaged  with  Mr.  B.  Wilson  in  a  series  of  experiments  relative  to  phosphoric  and  the  prismatic- 
colours  they  are  found  to  exhibit  in  the  dark.  Mr.  Delaval,  in  1777^  published  in  quarto  an  experimental 
enquixy  into  the  cause  of  the  changes  in  opaque  and  coloured  bodies,  with  an  historical  preface,  relative  to 
the  parte  of  philosophy  therein  examined,  and  to  the  several  arts  and  manufactures  dependent  on  them.  In 
li%^  he  produced  his  experimental  enquiry  into  the  cause  of  the  permanent  colours  of  opaque  bodies,  which 
was  presented  and  read  to  the  Literary  and  Philosophical  Society  of  Manchester,  and  honoured  with  their 
fcdd  medal.  His  discoveries  and  observations  on  this  subject  were  translated  into  most  of  the  European 
lABgiiages,  and  received  the  general  af^robetion  of  men  of  science.  The  Royal  Sodeties  of  Upsal  and  Got- 
tii^^>  and  the  Institute  of  Bok^na,  unsolicited  enrolled  him  amongat  their  members.  Besides  tb^  persons 
of  genius  iskeady  mentioned^  Mr.  Delaval  was  intimate  with  Dr«  Lewis,  Dr.  Ingenbouz,  Mr.  Magellan^  Mr. 
Kirwan,  Mr.  CavaUo^  and  most  of  the  scientific  chanictera  of  his  time  frequented  his  house.  His  strength 
of  mind  and  great  abilities  were  only  equalled  by  his  modesty  and  candour.  '^  The  various  brilliant  artifidsl 
gems  made  by  Mr.  Delaval,  the  curious  samples  of  hia  mode  of  ahstmctiog  the  fluor  from  glass,  which  remain 
in  the  family,  and  the  neat  Gothic  house  in  Parliament  Place,  in  which  be  resided  till  his  deaths  the  interior 
of  which  is  elegantly  formed  of  artificial  stone  under  his  immediate  direction,  in  order  to  be  perfectly  secure 
fxom  fire»  wiU  l«ng  remain  dwable  testtmaniea  of  his  knowledge  as  a  chemist,  and  of  his  taste  as  a  gentleman." 
Mr,  I>elaval  waajiiAembcr  and  a  liberal  cosvtribator  to  the  Antiquarian  fiociety  of  Newcwtlew^^f Woacpiica t 
Ma§inme  und  Jmrmdf  vol*  ok.  ftt^  %Qy  - 


EARSDON  PARISH.  '  426 

SoiTTH  Bltth  is  a  considerable  village  and  seiuport,  advantageously  situated  on 
the  south  side  of  the  river  Blyth ;  and  is  distant  9  miles  east-south-east  from  Mor« 
peth;  10  miles  north  from  Shields,  and  13  miles  north-icast  from  Newcastle.  Indud^ 
mg  Newsham,  this  place  contains  448  houses  and  1805  inhabitants.  The  streets  are 
small  and  irregular^  and  the  general  disposition  of  the  buildings  is  singularly  incon* 
venient.  Some  good  houses  have  been  recently  erected  here;  but  the  tenor  by 
which  property  is  held  in  Cowpen,  that  adjoins  Blyth,  bein^  preferred,  the  most 
considerable  improvements  are  made  in  that  place.  A  neat  chapel  was  built  by  the 
late  Sir  M.  W.  Ridley,  Bart,  for  the  use  of  the  inhabitants,  with  a  burial-ground 
annexed.  Service  is  performed  every  Sunday  forenoon  by  the  minister  who  officiates 
at  Oamlington ;  but  the  duty  of  baptizing  and  reading  the  funeral  service  de* 
volves  on  the  incumbent  of  Eandon.  The  Independents,  and  Wesley  an  Methodists, 
have  each  a  meeting-hou$e  here.  The  New  Connexion  has  also  a  neat  chapel 
near  Waterloo  Place,  of  an  octagonal  form,  with  the  seats  arranged  like  an  amptii* 
theatre.  There  are  her^  ten  public  houses,  and  a  large  brewery  belonging  to  Mr. 
Keenlyside.  Two  salt-pans  are  stiD  carried  on  here,  ana  a  sal  ammoniac  manufactory, 
which  is  conducted  with  spirit  by  Mr.  Leighton.  Here  are  also  one  raff-yard,  three 
roperies,  two  sailJofts,  two  boat-builders,  and  a  proportion  of  smiths,  painters,  and 
other  mechanics  necessary  in  a  sea-port.  But  the  dry  dock  belonging  to  W.  Stoveld, 
Esq.  of  Petworth,  Sussex,  and  superintended  by  Mr.  Shepherd,  is  the  greatest  boast 
of  the  place.  It  is  one  of  the  best  formed  docks  in  the  kingdom,  holds  two  vessels, 
and  has  occasionally  received  three ;  and  ships  of  above  40Q  tons  burthen  have  been 
repaired  in  it.  A  daily  post  is  established  from  this  place  to  North  Shields ;  but  no 
stage  coach  or  gig  is  yet  used  to  facilitate  communication  with  the  neighbouring 
towns. 

Blyth  harbour  is  very  safe,  and  scarcely  an  instance  occurs  of  any  vessels  suffering 
damage  in  entering,  even  during  the  most  tempestuous  weather.  Ships  may  come 
in  wifli  any  wind  which  carries  them  northward,  and  go  out  with  any  wmd  by  which 
they  can  proceed  southward.  In  full  tides  there  are  16  feet  of  water  at  the  l»r ;  but 
at  ebb  a  person  may  easily  wade  across  the  river  about  half  a  mile  from  the  mbuth  of 
the  harbom*.  The  tide  flows  quite  up  to  the  dam  at  the  Bedlington  iron  works,  a 
distance  of  at  least  three  miles.  A  great  body  of  water  sets  in  at  the  flow  of  the 
ti4e ;  but  its  extension  has  been  contracted,  and  means  used  to  deepen  the  channel 
where  the  ships  lie :  the  stones,  however,  which  were  thrown  into  the  middle  of  the 
river  for  that  purpose,  have  confined  it  too  much.  On  the  west  of  the  harbour,  the 
tide  flowed  over  .a  large  space  of  ground,  which  resembled  a  vast  lake,  and  was  th^ 
resort  of  immense  flo(£s  <>f  sea-fowl ;  but  a  auay  has  been  lately  erected  on  the  mar- 
gin of  the  river,  and  this  waste  is  partly  fiUea  up  with  ballast ;  the  extremities  being 
already  converted  into  gardens.  By  the  advice  of  some  able  engineers,  this,  work  has 
been  suspended,  the  admission  of  a  great  body  of  water  being  considered  useful    n 

J>reservinff  the  harbour.  This  river  possesses  a  great  advantage,  in  being  exempt 
rom  land  floods;  the  neighbouring  eountry  declining  towards  Gambols  nver.  In-< 
deed,  this  would  be  one  of  the  best  harbours  on  the  east  coast  of  the  kingdom,  were 
a  pier  or  dike  run  out  at  the  north  entrance,  whereby  the  water  would  be  considera- 
Uy  deepened,  and  the  sand  prevented  from  accumulating.  The  river,  near  the 
mouth,  abounds  with  sea-fish ;  and  those  fresh-water  fish  which  frequent  the  highff 

VOL.  II.  5  P  >. 


486  CASTLE  WARD.--E.  D. 

parts  of  die  stream  are  unequalled  for  their  fine  quali^.  The  fief^horef,  near  thk 
place,  is  also  covered  with  musdes,  which  are  carried  off  for  hait  hy  the  fishermen  of 
all  the  nei^hhourinff  places  ;*  but  if  some  regulation  be  not  soon  established,  the  beds 
will  be  ultimately  destroyed.  A  light-house  was  erected  here  by  Sir  M.  W.  Ridley 
in  1788 ;  and  there  is  a  beacon  ligh^  called,  '*  Jack  in  the  Basket"  During  the  late 
war,  a  detachment  of  soldiers  from  Tynemouth  did  duty  in  a  small  fort  which  com- 
manded the  mouth  of  the  harbour.f 

The  bishops  of  Durham  have  jurisdiction  over  the  river,  and  the  wastes  between 
high  and  low  water  mark.  Formerly  they  enjoyed  all  royal  riffhts  upon  it.  The 
bishops  continue  to  daim  the  anchorage,  b^ux>nage,  plankage^  wnarfafre,  and  ballast 
quay ;  but  this  was  lately,  in  one  instance,  resisted  by  Sir  M.  W.  RicQey,  when  the 
bishop  prepared  to  support  his  rights  in  a  court  of  law.  A  comnromise  was,  how* 
ever,  efrccted,  in  consequence  of  which.  Sir  M.  W.  Ridley  is  builoing  a  quay  on  the 
north  side  of  the  harbour.  In  134i6,  the  yearly  rent  for  anchorage  here  wan  only 
three  shillings  and  four-pence,  at  four-pence  a  ship.  During  the  siege  of  Newcastle, 
the  coal-trac^  flourished  here ;  but  after  that,  according  to  Gardiner,  the  corporation 
of  that  town  almost  ruined  the  trade  of  this  port  and  Hartley.  That  grievance  ha% 
in  modem  times,  been  removed ;  and  there  are  now  74  ships  belonging  to  the  port,  na- 
vigated by  578  men.  In  1828,  tha*e  were  cleared  at  the  custom-house  here  1067  ves- 
w&f  canving  58,995  (Caldrons  of  coals.  The  ships  are  mostly  loaded  at  convenient 
staiths ;  but  there  are  also  about  14i  keels,  which  are  now  towed  up  and  down  the 
river  by  a  steam-boat.  Another  steam-boat  is  mostly  employed  in  towing  ships  to 
sea.  Besides  coals,  wrought  iron  from  Bedlington  and  sometimes  com  are  exported. 
Few  articles  are  imported,  except  timber,  and  the  stores  required  by  the  shipping. 
There  are  two  insurance  clubs  here :  the  capital  of  one  is  £  38,000,  and  that  of  the 
other  about  £80,000.    The  mariners  of  the  port  have  a  benefit  society,  and  others 

^  On  Uie  5d  of  Aprils  1810,  the  fishermen  of  Hartley  and  Cullercoatg  being  overtaken  by  a  violeiit  gale, 
were  in  imminent  peril.  Their  situation  was  perceived  from  Blytfa,  when  sixteen  seamen  and  pilots  with 
great  alacrity  volunteered  their  services  in  a  life-boat,  which  was  carried  thitnigh  the  boisterous  waves  with 
amazing  rapidity.  Twelve  fishermen  were  taken  on  board  ;  and  such  was  the  confidence  placed  in  the  suffi- 
ciency of  the  life-boaty  that  the  fishermen's  tackling  was  also  picked  up  before  the  generous  crew  proposed  to 
return.  On  approaching  the  shore  near  Bates'  Isle,  she  was  stove  to  pieces  by  a  strong  wave,  and  twenty-six 
men  perished,  only  two  being  saved ;  though  the  shore,  during  this  heart-rending  scene,  was  lined  by  near 
2000  people,  and  many  risked  their  lives  on  the  occasion.  This  disaster  was  generally  attributed  to  the  im- 
proper materials  of  which  the  life-boat  was  formed.  The  subscribers  had  contracted  with  the  builder  to 
make  her  of  wainscot,  with  copper  bolts ;  but  after  she  had  gone  to  pieces,  it  was  discovered  that  she  had 
l>een  built  of  elm,  with  iron  fastenings  !  The  fishermen's  boats,  which  were  deserted,  rode  out  the  gale  in 
safety,  which  afforded  another  proof  of  the  shameful  manner  in  which  this  life-boat  was  .constructed.  -  On 
this  occasion,  £933  was  subscribed  for  the  relief  of  the  families  of  the  sufferers.  The  boat-house  is  now  used 
as  a  school-room. 

t  His  Royal  Highness  die  Duke  of  York,  accompanied  by  Prmoc  Willism  <£  Crloaoester,  teviewed  the 
troops  encamped  on  the  ooa«t  of  Northumberland,  on  Blyih  sands,  on  Friday  the  S8th  of  August,  17d5« 
The  whole  force  consisted  of  thirteen  regiments  of  horse  and  fbot,  comprizing  about  7000  men,  and  the 
line  extended  upwards  of  three  mflea.  The  sight  being  so  novel  in  this  part  of  the  kingdom,  it  is  supposed 
that  above  80,000^8pectators  were  present 


TYNEMOUTH  PABI8H.  4«7 

* 

hfive  been  farmed  by  the  industrious  classes  in  Bly  th  ajid  tbe  vicinity.*    The  poor* 
rates  in  this  township  in  1821  amounted  to  £7899  ISs. 

TYNEMOUTH  PARISH. 

• 

The  parish,  manori  or  shire  of  Tynemouth,  forms  the  south-east  c^n;ier  pf  North- 
umberland. It  is  bounded  on  the  north  by  Earsdon  parish,  on  the  west  by  the 
pari$hes  of  LfOng  Benton  and  Wallsend,  on  the  south  by  the  river  Tyne,  and  on  the 
east  by  the  sea.  Its  extreme  length  from  north  to  south  is  about  4^  miles,  and  its 
breadth  from  east  to  west  above  3  miles.  The  surface  is  rather  level,  and  the  soil 
strong,  and:  well  adapted  for  the  growth  of  wheat  and  beans.  It  is  rich  in  coals, 
affi>r£  iron  stone,  possesses  the  only  magnesian  limestone  in  the  county,  and  is  tra- 
versed from  the  sea  by  the  celebrated  ninety  fathom  dyke.  Tynemouth  Moor,  Shire 
Moor,  and  Billy  Mill  Moor,  containing  1300  acres,  were  divided  and  enclosed  by  acts 
of  parliament,  passed  the  28th,  39th,  and  46th  of  George  III.  The  annual  value  of 
property  in  the  entire  parish,  in  1815,  was  £52,132. 

By  the  returns  in  1821,  the  number  of  inhabited  houses  in  this  parish  was  3496» 
and  the  population  amounted  to  24,820  persons.    Of  this  number,  11,603  were  males, 

"*  WiUiam  Cair,  of  this  place^  was,  when  in  his  prime,  perhaps  the  ftroi^i^  man  in  England.    He  wai  bom 
^ril  S,  1756,  at  Hartley  Old  Engine ;  but,  shortly  after,  his  parents  remored  to  Blyth,  where  he  became  an. 
apprentice  to  his  &ther>  who  was  a  blacksmith.    When  only  17  years  of  age^  he  was  6  feet  3|  inches  in 
height,  w^hed  l6  stgne,  and  could  easily  lift  7  or  S  cwt.    While  a  yoath,  he  coald  throw  a  half  cwt  with 
a  4  lb.  weight  tied  to  it,  the  distance  of  24  fee^  eitiier  behind  or  before  him.    On  one  occasion,  he  went  to 
Cheater-Je-Street,  to  try  this  leat  agamst  the  noted  Michael  Downey ;  bat  the  latter  shrank  firom  the  contest. 
"  The  bridge  of  Chester-le-Street,"  says  Carr,  "  was  full  of  people  to  see  the  great  blacksmith.    I  might  then 
be  about  S2  stone  weight"    At  SO. years  of  age^  he  was  6  feet  4  inches  in  height^  and  wei^^ed  24  stone. 
He*  was  c^n  employed  in  repairing  the  steam-engines  at  Hartley^  Plessey,  and  Bedlington,  and  has  sus- 
tained this  hard  labour  132  hours  at  a  itime^  and  after  twelve  hours  rest  stood  120  hours  longer.     Five  seamen 
being  unable  to  carry  an  anchor  weighing  half  a  ton^  and  a  piece  of  cable,  Carr  himself  carried  it  over  the 
sands  to  his  father's  shop.     Wlien  a  loaded  coal-waggon  chanced  to  slip  off  the  rail,  he  would  sometimes 
creep  underneath,  and  lift  it  on  again.    He  was  invltkt  to  Seaton  Delaval,  to  fight  Big  Ben ;  but  the  fistic 
hero  defined  the  combat,  observing  that  he  would  rather  receive  a  kick  from  a  horse  than  a  blow  from  such 
a  hand.    Lord  Delaval  had  his  likeness  taken  in  his  working  habit,  and  which  was  afterwards  removed  to 
Gibside.     The  Lords  Tyrconnel  and  Strathmore  accompanied  Mendoza  on  a  visit  to  this  modem  Hercules. 
Like  all  men  of  extraordinary  strength,  he  was  remarkably  good-natured ;  but  having  knocked  a  Scotch 
lord  off  his  horse,  for  striking  him  with  his  whip  at  Morpeth  races,  he  was  long  called  by  die  name  of  that 
nobleman.    He  was  an  expert  workman,  and  his  harpoons  were  much  celebrated.     Though  not  a  man  of 
dissipated  habits,  yet  his  bacchanalian  feats 'were  sometimes  most  wonderful.    One  day  he  Went  to  Shields 
on  business,  drank  eighty-four  glasses  of  spirits,  and  returned  to  Blyth  sober !    The  anecdotes  related  of  this 
man  |u?e  numerous  and  marvellous ;  but  these  particulars  were  communicated  by  himsel£    He  is  now  very 
infirm,  and  labours  under  a  complication  of  disorders. 

The  late  George  Marshall,  many  years  an  officer  in  the  Honourable  East  India  Company's  sea  service,  was 
a  nath^e  of  Bl}^  He  was  afterwards  for  a  short  time  the  jailor  of  Newcastle.  In  1812,  he  published  his 
poedc  productions,  in  one  4to.  volume,  for  which  a  very  long  subscription  list  was  obtained.  The  principal 
piece  is  entitled,  **  Cynthio  and  Leonon,"  being  descriptive  of  a  voyage  to  and  from  the  East  Indies.  He 
was  also  author  of  **  Letters  from  an  Elder  to  a  Younger  Brother." 


43«  CASTLE  WARD— E,  D, 

and  13,2ii7  females.  The  poor-rates,  in  the  same  year,  amounted  to  £7169,  8*.  Sir 
Mark  Milbank,  Bart,  the  29th  of  Charles  II.  bequeathed  a  rent-charge,  which,  in  1786, 
produced  £  20  per  annum.  It  was  directed  to  pay  the  vicar  £  2  yearly,  and  to  give 
the  remainder  to  the  poor.  John  Spearman,  Esq.  in  1703,  left  by  wiD  £S0  for  teach- 
ing poor  children }  but  which  sum  was  lost  by  insolvency.  Eleanor  Watson,  in  1703, 
bequeathed  to  the  poor  £25,  the  interest  to  be  paid  annually.  Alice  Turner  left  £20, 
and  William  Roper  £80,  for  the  same  purpose.  William  ColHngwood,  Robert 
Fprster,  and  George  Milbum,  left  each  a  rent-charge  for  the  use  of  the  poor,  whidi 
severally  yielded  10*.  per  annum  40  years  ago.  James  Storey,  in  1785,  bequeathed 
£  30  for  teaching  four  poor  children,  which  is  now  a  rent-charge  on  a  pew. 

Tynemouth  is  advantageously  seated  on  the  bstium  of  the  river  Tyne,  and  is  » 
place  of  great  antiquity.  The  Britons,  it  is  said,  called  it  Penbal  Crag^  or  the  head 
of  the  rampier  upon  the  rock.  Camden  says,  **  I'  dare  confidently  affirm  that  Tyne- 
mouth, in  the  time  of  the  Romans,  was  called  Tunnocellum,  which  signifies  the  pro- 
montory of  Tunna  or  Tina."  But  Horslev,  contrary  to  former  writers,  begun  the 
stations  per  lineam  valli  at  the  east  end  of  the  wall,  and  shewed  dearly  that  Tunno- 
cellum was  at  Boulness.  Mr.  Thomas  Hodgson,  in  a  paper  pubfished  by  the  New- 
castle Society  of  Antiquaries,  argues  that  the  Romans  must  have  maintained  a  fort 
at  Tynemouth,  on  account  of  its  being  an  important  military  position,  which  it  was 
absolutely  necessary  to  occupy,  in  order  to  protect  their  sea  flanK.  That  the  Romans 
had  buildings  here  has,  however,  been  proved  by  the  discovery  of  an  altar  and  taUet, 
in  17B8,  six  feet  under  ground,  on  the  north  side  of  the  castle,  where  they  had  beei> 
buried  as  foundation  stones  of  some  ancient  buildings.  They  are  in  the  possession  of 
the  London  Society  of  Antiquaries.  Brand  published  figures  and  explanations  of 
them  in  the  eighth  volume  of  the  Archasologia,  and  also  Gough  in  his  edition  of 
Camden's  Britannia.  The  inscription  on  the  altar  is  read  thus  :— 
Jovt  optimo  maximo  JElius  Rii/us  priefectus  cohorUs  quarbse  Lingo^  The  aibur  is  inwribed; 
num.    This  is  the  first  mention  of  the  Cohors  quart<B  Lingonum  in  i  o  M 

Britain ;  but  Mr,  T,  Hodgson  thinks  it  is  a  mistake  for  the  Cohors  ael.  hvtvs 
quart€B  Lergonum^  which  garrisoned  Segedunum^  the  station  at  praef  coh 
vVallsend.  Admitting  this  supposition,  it  would  appeiar  that  the  iiii,  lingo 
station  at  Tynemouth  was  subordinate  to  that  at  Wallsend,  and  nvm 

under  the  command  of  the  prefect  of  the  cohort  stationed  there,, 
who,  while  residing  at  the  former  place,  for  motives  of  pleasure  or  The  taWet,— 

duty,  p;rob£d>ly  erected  this  altar.    The  tablet  is  about  twenty-    g yevm  cvmba& 
one  incnes  square,  and  the  most  approved  reading  of  the  inscription      £X  templvm 
is,  Gyrum^  cumba^^  et  templum  jSsctt  Cuius  Jtdius  Maximinus  Legi-         F£CIT  cvi 
anis  sexUe  vicirices  em  noto.    In  the  Beautiea  of  England  and  Wales,        M4XIMINts 
it  is  observed,   that,  "  The  two  first  lines,  of  the  original  are        leg  :  vi :  vi 
much  defaced,  and,  in  different  works,  have  been  so  variously  en-  ex  vqto 

graven,  as  to  make  us  cautious  in  adopting  the  barbarous  triad, 
Gf/rum,  eumhasy  et  templUm.    Brand  supposed  that  gyrum  meant  ^  a  circular  harbour 
for  the  shipping ;'  and  that  the  word  refeired  to  Priar^s  Htwen^  adjoining  to  thia 
place,  and  whidi,  in  his  opinion,  had  all  the  appearance  of  having  been  one  of  the 
artificial  harbours  of  the  Romans ;  but  Gou^h  endeavours  to  prove  that  the  word  ha&. 


TYNEMOUTH  PAKISH.  429 

HO  such  meaning.  The  other  readings  proposed  for  the,  first  line  are,  Gppum  cum 
betsi,  and  PubUaim  civicum  hasilicum.  Perhaps  the  Maximinus  here  mentioned  was 
4:hat  gigantic  favourite  of  Severus,  who»  from  a  common  soldier,  was  made  a  centu- 
rion, then  a  tribune,  and  last  of  all  became  commander  in  chief,  and  usurped  the 
empire." 

Though  the  origin  of  this  priory  be  both  remote  and  uncertain,  it  appears  that  a 
small  chapel  of  wood  was  erected  here  in  the  popular  reign  of  Edwin  king  of  North* 
umberland,  who  died  in  the  year  633,  and  that  his  daughter  Rosella  took  the  veil  in 
it.     His  successor,  St.  Oswald,  rebuilt  it  of  stone.    On  account  of  the  great  number  of 
illustrious  persons  who  performed  divine  service  in  the  oratory  of  the  Virgin,  great 
local  sanctity  was  attributed  to  the  place,  and  the  illustrious  dead  were  brought  from 
various  parts  to  be  buried  in  it.     The  royal  martyr  Oswin,  its  patron  saint,  king 
Edred,  and  Henry  hermit  of  Coquet  Island,  were  buried  here ;  as  afterwards  were 
Malcolm  king  of  Scotland,  his  son  Prince  Edward,  and  other  distinguished  persons. 
It  was  plundered  and  destroyed  by  the  Danes,  and  refounded  some  time  soon  after 
the  year  671.    St.  Herebald,  the  champion  of  St.  John  of  Beverley,  was  a  monk  and 
i^bot  here.    About  the  condudon  of  the  e^hth  century,  this  priory  suffered  severely 
from  the  ravages  of  the  Danes,  who  afterwards  returned,  and  reduced  the  sacred  pile, 
with  its  religious  inmates,  to  ashes.    In  876,  Halfden,  with  his  Northmen,  massacred 
all  the  monks  and  nuns  found  in  this  place,  which  was  levelled  with  the  ground.     So 
entirely  did  these  reiterated  ravages  extinguish  the  light  of  Christianity  in  these 
parts,  that  the  remembrance  of  king  Oswin  was  utterly  lost  till  the  time  of  Tostig, 
Earl  of  Northumberland,  when  the  saint  appeared  to  Edmund,  the  Sexton,  and  re^ 
vealed  the  plaice  of  his  burial.     The  circumstance  being  told  to  Jiidith,  the  eaii's* 
wife,  diligent  search  was  made  for  the  royal  remains,  which  bein^  discovered,  were 
recommitted  to  the  earth  with  great  solemnity.    The  earl,  accordmg  to  Leland,  re-r 
built  the  monastry  from  the  foundation.     His  successor,  Waltheof,  about  1074,  gave 
it,  with  all  its  possessions,  and  St.  Oswin's  body,  to  the  monks  of  Jarrow.    Earl 
Albrey  confirmed  the  grant  to  Jarrow ;  but  both  these  houses  were  soon  afterwards 
made  cells  of  the  church  of  Durham.    In  1090,  Earl  Mowbray  refounded  Tyne-^ 
mouthy  and  filled  it  with  Black  Canons ;  and,  out  of  enmity  to  the  bishop  of  Durham, 
made  it  a  cell  of  St  Albans^  in  Hertfordshire.    In  his  unsuccessful  conspiracy  to  de- 
throne William  Rufus,  he  converted  the  place  into  a  fortress,  which,  after  a  siege  of 
two  months,  was  taken  by  storm.    Mowbray  escaped  to  Bambrough  Castle,  where    . 
also  finding  himself  insecure,  he  fled  to  the  sanctuary  here,  but  was  dragged  from  the 
altar  and  imprisoned.     In  consequence  of  the  injuries  it  received  from  this  siege,  it 
was  rebuilt  about  1110,  in  whicn  year  the  remains  of  St.  Oswin  were  regained  from 
Jarrow.     In  1121,  the  monks  of  Durham  made  an  ineffectual  attempt  to  recover  it 
from  the  church  of  St.  Albans.    David,  king  of  Scotland,  spared  it  from  the  general 
devastation  which  he  inflicted  upon  Northumberland,  in  consequence  of  its  great 
sanctity,  and  of  his  receiving  from  its  monks  twentv-seven  marks  of  silver.    William 
Pigun,  the  thievish  and  gluttonous  monk  who  stole  the  common  seal  of  St.  Albans, 
and  committed  a  forgery  with  it,  was  banished  from  that  house  to  the  cell  at  Tyne*^ 
mouth.    His  end,  according  to  the  honest  but  credulous  Matthew  Paris,  was  miseran 
tie;  for,  falling  asleep  in  the  privy,  after  he  had  pver-eaten  and  drank,  he  neve^^ 

VOL.  II.  5  Q 


490  CASTLE  WARD.-^E.  D. 

waked  again :  and  the  monks  who  were  in  the  dortore  distinct!]^  heard  a  Yoiee  erying 
m  the  privy»  ^  Take  him»  Satan !  take  him,  Satan !" 

Truoapintun,  ahbot  of  St.  Albans,  in  order  that  he  might  engojr  absolute  power»  re^ 
moved  his  prior,  the  aged  and  learned  Reimund,  whmn  he  banished  to  the  cell  of 
Thinemue.  ''  From  that  time  none  durst  open  their  mouths  against  the  abbot ;  and 
be  went  on  merrily  and  securely,  and  yisited  the  odl  of  Thynemue  and  others,  with 
gireat  retinue^  being  attended  by  a  great  number  of  kindred^  who  had  never  known 
him  before*  I  will  here  mention  what  is  to  be  done  wh^n  the  abbot  comes  firom 
Thynemue  ^-««Wben  he  goes  thither,  he  is  to  be  attended  by  six  esquiresi  who,  to 
this  effect,  have  extraordinary  feofs  of  the  land  of  the  church.  There  six  shall  be  at 
the  abbot's  charge,  both  going  and  coming,  but  upon  their  own  horses^  the  which 
shall  be  sightly,  and  strong  enough  to  carry,  according  to  custom,  if  need  be^  the 
habits  of  a  monk  behind  eadi  squire.  If  any  hovse  belonging  to  any  of  these  squires 
shall  happen  to  die  by  the  way,  the  abbot  is  to  give  him  ten  shillings  for  his  loss.  It 
is  to  be  observed,  that  the  abbot  is  to  ask  the  king's  boence  to  go  to  such  rraoote 
pMTts  of  the  kingdom,  and  so  near  Socitland^  whensoever  he  designs  to  r^Mdr  to 
Thynsmw^  When  arrived  there,  he  is  to  behave  Imnsctf  modestly,  corrcctmg  the 
family ;  not  to  be  a  tyrant,  not  squandering  the  ptovisioBS  and  stores  of  the  house ; 
hut  considering  that  he  is  come  thith^  to  reform  aQ  that  requires  iU  snd  to  visit  his 
flock  with  fatmrly  affection.  Peace  being  roitored,  and  king  John  dying,  WiHiam 
resolved  to  visit  Thynemue,  and  other  cells,  and  accordinaly  set  out  ndrmward.  In 
his  wanr  he  was  attended  by  such  a  multitude  as  kx^ed  nke  an  army.  Thec^  he  re^ 
formed  what  was  amiss;  and  being  desir'd  by  the  prior  to  disdiarge  him  of  that 
cdSfiee,  becanse  he  was  grown  c^  he  intreated  him  to  have  patience  for  awh&  tiU  be 
eouM  provide  for  aU  things.  The  old  prior,  with  much  dilDcully,  obtained  leave  to 
quit  thai  dignity,  Mtd  was  all  the  rest  of  his  life  kept  by  the  ablwt,  as  his  a>unielke> 
and  at  his  taUe."* 

In  12l6v  Kalph  Qubium  resigned  his  office  of  pricv  of  Tyisemowth  for  thefoUow-' 
iiig  eause: — ^^He  had  been,"  says  Matthew  Paris,  ^very  mu<ih  harHsSed  by  0!ie 
Smioa,  of  Tinmouth,  who  claimed  two  ceiTodiea,  which  he  asserted  hsnl  been  gi^^en 
by  a  fbrmer  abbot  of  St  Albans  to  the  church  of  Tiikmoutft ;  and  when  Wimaoii,^ 
abbot  of  St.  Albans,  came  down  to  visit  Tinmouth,  bs'  met  him  with  a  great  eon'- 
osairse  of  the  neighbouring  gentry,  and  begged  leave  to  resign,  but  w«  reftised  for 
tiie  present :  afterwards  he  f ofiowed  ^le  abl^t  on  his  return  to  9t  Albans^  bringbng 
up  a  boxer  with  him ;  for  the  contending  parties  had  agreed  that  the  affinr  AonM  be 
decided  hj  duel.  Gubium's  champion,  on  the  day  of  the  battle,  got  die  worse,  and 
Simon  gained  hi|  cause ;  at  which  the  old  prior  was  so  much  grieved  tiist  he  instantiy 
resigned  his  office." 

Among  the  most  remarkable  features  at  the  history  of  this  pkce^  after  tUs  time^ 
are  the  following : — ^The  churches  of  £glingham,  Norton,  and  Hartbum^  were  given 
to  the  monks,  for  the  purpose  of  mending  their  ale,  and  to  enhifge  their  meana  of 
hospitality.  The  prior  mediated  a  peace  between  England  and  9oatiaifdy  in  1844 ; 
and  eleven  years  after,  obtained  a  charter  from  Henry  III.  to  bold  a  market  in  his 
viUe  and  manor  of  Bewicke.    He  ckdmed  the  privilege  of  a  market  abo  at  Tyw^ 

*  See  Stephens'  ContinbaUon  of  Ddgdhle's  MoiUustioony  vol.  i.  page  255. 


TYNEMOUTH  PARISH.  491 

^  '  ■ 

mouth ;  bat  hi  a  suit  on  that  aoeoutit,  jud^ent  w^s  given  against  bim  in  tbe  King's 
Bench*  Tlie  place,  bowev^^  had  certain  imtnunities,  which  it  annually  asked  of  the 
Judges  itinerant^  W  some  great  {)ublic  eharacter^  ot  by  its  bluliffs,  At  the  **  Chille" 
JPountain^  in  Gateshead^  when  they  axne  from  Vork ;  or  at  *^  Faurstanesi**  when  they 
came  from  Cumberland.  They  returned  the  king's  writ  within  their  respective  lorcU 
shitis^  and  were  exempted  from  Comage  by  king  John  2  several  villages  in  Northiim* 
benand,  however^  paid  oomage  both  to  St  Allans  and  to  this  house.  Edward  I.  in 
la99>  restored  them  certain  firee  customs^  which  the  crown  had  deprived  them  of»  and 
granted  the  prior  to  have  all  pleas  concerning  his  men,  lands,  and  tenements,  to  be 
pleaded  and  determined  by  his  oWn  justices,  the  king's  justices  not  being  permitted 
to  enter  his  libertv.  A  fiair,  granted  to  the  place  in  1808,  was  revoked  the  next  yean 
on  the  petition  of  the  town  of  Newcastle.  The  prior  cau^  a  piUory  to  be  erected  in 
the  villi^e  in  ISOT^  King  Edward  II.  and  his  favourite  Gaveston,  were  at  Tyne« 
mouth  on  Ascension-day,  1818^  from  wh^ce  they  took  shipping  for  Sc^rbofetiugfa. 
A  riotous  Innd  of  Northumbrians,  at  the  head  of  whom  were  Su-  William  de  Mid« 
dleton,  loit.  and  Walter  de  Seleby,  ravaged  this  house  in  1816 ;  but  being  appre^ 
hended,  thev  were  sent  to  London  by  shipping,  and  there  tried,  condemned,  and 
hanged.  The  hospital  of  St.  Leonard,  at  this  place,  is  of  uncertain  foundation :  it 
existed  in  mtO.  Ruins  of  it  are  still  tuiceaUe  a  little  to  the  west  of  Tjmemouth,  on 
tiie  rMd  to  Newcastle.  The  queen  of  Edward  II.  i^sided  here  some  time,  in  1329 ; 
as  had  also  the  queen  of  Edward  I.  in  1808.  The  monastry  was  plundei^  by  a  party 
of  Scots,  under  tbe  Earl  of  Murray »  in  18^.  Thomas  Duke  of  Gloucester,  youngs 
est  son  of  king  Edward  III.  Imving  tndde  a  Voyage  to  Persia^  and  sailed  along  the 
dsngerdds  eoaats  of  Denmark,  Norway,  and  Scotland^  landed  at  T}7iemouth  in  189l| 
where  he  waa  entertained  tor  a  few  days.  Cardinal  Wolsey  wrote  to  Lord  Dilet^^ 
Warden  of  the  Marches,  desiring  him,  ^  by  all  means  and  politique  wayei  wfaleh  he 
could  devise,**  to  bring  one  Robert  Lambert  to  justice^  who^  on  account  of  murder^ 
had  taken  sanctuary  in  the  church  of  this  monastry. 

Hobert  Blakeney,  prior,  with  fifteen  monks  and  three  novices^  surrendered  this 
monastry,  January  12, 1589,  when  an  annual  pension  of  eighty  pounds  was  assi^ed 
to  the  prior,  and  smaller  ones  to  each  of  the  monks  and  novlcei.  Its  sclte,  wim  all 
its  offices,  were  demised,  March  9,  in  the  same  year,  on  ^  lease  of  tWenty-oUe  years, 
lund  at  a  yearly  rent  of  £168, 17*.  to  Sir  Thomas  Hilton.  Its  possessions  wete  very 
large,  having  twenty-seven  villas  in  Nofthuttiberidttd,  With  their  royalties,  belonging 
to  it: — ^viz.  Tynemoutb,  Milnton,  Shields,  East  Chirton,  East  Preston,  Monkton, 
Whitley  (where  they  had  a  tower),  Murton,  flrsdon,  Backworth,  SeffhUl^  Wolsing. 
ton,  Dissington,  £lswick,  Wylam,  Hertford,  Cowpen,  Bebsidej  Wfidon,  Hauxleyi 
Ambell,  Efflingham,  Bewick,  Lilbum^  f^latworth.  Middle  Chirton,  West  Chirtoh. 
They  had  me  lands  of  Royely  £md  Denum^  a  tower  at  Benwell,  and  posses^ns  at 
*^  Mokeseiton,  Denton,  WhittingtiMn,  BillymiUe,  and  Framlington."  Tliey  had  the 
tythes  of  Corbridge,  Ovington,  Wylam,  Newbum,  Dissington,  Callerton,  Elswick, 
Bdthal^,  Warkworth,  Ambd,  B4)€hbury^  and  Wodier^  in  NorthuinherfanNi ;  and  of 
Hertnes  and  Middletoii  upon  T^»,  in  Durham.  Sevenol  In^ssuases  in  Newcastle 
belonged  to  them,  as  also  the  impropriations  and  odvoWsons  of  the  cburdies  of  Tymfx 
mouth,  Woodhorn,  Whalfon,  Boiaffi,  Bewick,  EgHnffham,  Hstttbum,  Shflbi)ttle,  an^ 
Haltwesel,  in  Northumberland ;  and  those  of  Conscliff,  in  DuThfltn.    The  Beffedies^ 


432  CASTLE  , WARD.— E.  D. 

tine  monastry  on  Cocmiet  Island  was  a  cell  to  this  house.  Their  whole  possessions^ 
in  1589,  were  estimated  at  £706,  10*.  S^.  a  year  *  These  continued  in  the  hands  of 
the  king,  till  Edward  VI.  in  1550,  gave  them  in  fee  to  John  Dudley,  then  Earl  of 
Warwick ;  but,  on  that  nobleman's  attainder,  they  again  reverted  to  the  crown,  and, 
in  1567,  were  enumerated  amongst  the  queen's  possessions  in  Northumberland. 

The  advant^eous  military  situation  occupied  by  this  priory,  and  the  turbulence  of 
ancient  times,  nad,  at  a  very  early  period,  induced  the  monks  and  their  patrons  to 
adopt  the  best  means  of  defence.  It  has  been  before  mentioned,  that  T)^emautk 
Castle  was  two  months  besieged  by  William  Rufus.  Its  military  stren^h,  as  well  as 
its  religious  sanctity ,f  procured  to  this  placed  the  honour  of  being  visited  by  many 
royal  and  noble  personages.  Tynfemouth  is  mentioned  among  the  castles  of  North* 
umberland  in  1315 ;  and  about  the  year  1386,  Henry  Lord  Percy  save  100  marks 
towards  building  a  gate  here.  In  a  curious  grant,  made  by  king  Ricnard  II.  (1379)i» 
to  enable  the  prior  and  monks  to  repair  their  fortifications,  the  pricHy  is  described  as 
being,  to  the  then  king  and  his  progenitors,  ^  a  certain  fortified  and  walled  place,  for 
defence  against  the  enemies  of  the  kingdom."  In  queen  Elizabeth's  time,  it  had  one 
master  gunner,  at  eight-pence  a  day,  and  six  inferior  gunners,  at  six-pence  a  day  eacfa-j: 
At  present,  says  Camden,  it  glories  in  a  noble  and  strong  castie,  which,  in  the  laB-» 
guage  of  an  old  writer,  '*\s  made  inaccessible  on  the  east  and  north  side  by  a  rock 
over  the  ocean;  but  on  the  other  sides,  on  account  of  its  lofty  situation,  is  easily 
defended."  In  1642,  the  Earl  of  Newcastle  put  it  in  a  posture  of  defence.  He  sent 
to  it  from  Newcastle  six  great  guns  and  300  soldiers,  and  threw  up  trenches,  and 
built  a  fort  to  defend  the  haven ;  but  in  1644,  it  was  obliged,  after  sustaining  a 
siege  for  some  time,  to  surrender  to  General  Leven  and  the  Scotdi  army,  when 
thirty-eight  pieces  of  ordnance,  and  great  store  of  ammunition  and  piovisi<H)s,  fell 
into  their  hands.  The  garrison  were  culowed  to  march  out  with  their  baggage ;  but 
bound  themsdves  to  submit  to  the  instructions  of  parliament.    Before  this  surrender^ 

*  This  statement  of  the  reTeone  is  given  in  a  MS.  in  the  Augmentation  Office,  quoted  bj  Brand,  voL  ii« 
page  111.  Dugdale  values  it  at  £3S7,  10«.  5d.;  Speed  at  £511,  4<.  Id, ;  and  Stevens'  Continuation  says,, 
"summa-inde  £  51 1,  4«.  1^.  summa  clara  £397,  lOs,  5^d.  per  ann."  A  beautiful  impression  of  the  commoa 
seal  of  the  priory^  on  green  wax,  is  still  affixed  to  the  original  surrender,  remaining  in  the  Augmentation. 
Office :  i|  represents  the  Virgin  Mary  and  diild  and  St.  Oswin,  in  two  niches— over  them  a  head  of  a  largeit 
mze,  unknown—Inscription,  "  SigUL  commune  prioratus  Sancte  Marie  ^  hetUi  Osmm  de  Tinmutha" 

f  On  August  the  20th,  1384,  being  the  festival  of  St.  Oswin's  Passion,  whilst  a  sailor  was  hewing  a  piece 
of  wood  for  his  ship,  at  Newcastle  upon  Tyne,  he  perceived  blood  to  flow  ft-om  it;  but  recollecting  the  holy 
day,  desisted  ftom  hfl  employment  A  companion  of  his,  disregarding  the  miracle,  came  and  struck  it  again; 
but  immediately  blood  gushed  from  every  part  that  was  cut,  as  if  one's  breast  had  been  pierced  with  a  sword. 
The  matter  was  told  to  the  clergy,  who,  with  the  laity,  approved  .of  the  miracle ;  the  wood  was  taken  ta 
Tynemouth,  and  placed  by  the  body  of  the  saint,  in  testimony  of  the  mitade.^-^Walsingham,  Ypo.  NeuH,  p.  5S6. 

{  On  the  death  of  Sir  Thomas  Hilton,  knight,  in  1559,  Sir  Henry  Percy,  knight,  was  appointed  by  the 
queen  captain  of  Tynemouth  Castle,  it  <' being  a  place  necessary  to  be- well  garded  and  seneta"  Henry^ 
the  9th  Earl  of  Northumberland,  was  bom  here,  and  also  his  brother  Thomas,  and  his  sister  I^ucye.  As  Sir^ 
Henry  bad  no  fee  for  holding  the  office  of  captain,  it  was  ordered  that  the  ty  thee  «nd  demaynes  *'  be  letten  t^ 
the  k^ar  only  of  the  bows^." 


TYNEMOUTH  PARISH.  483 

the  soldiers  had  suffered  so  much  by  the  plague,  that  the  chief  officers  had  fled  out 
of  it  Sir  Arthur  Haselrigg  was  governor  of  Tynemouth  Castle  in  1648 ;  and  when 
his  deputy,  Colonel  Lilburne,  revolted,  he  despatched  Lieutenant-colonel  Ashfield 
and  Major  Cobham  from  Newcastle,  with  orders  to  storm  the  castle,  and  put  aU  found 
in  arms  to  death.  This  was  gallantly  effected,  Lilburne  was  decolated,  and  his  head 
stuck  upon  a  pole.  *  About  this  time,  six  prisoners  escaped  ^'  through  a  privy,  built 
on  the  north  side  of  the  castle,  and  though  the  rock  is  very  high,  yet,  with  sheets 
sewed  together,  let  themselves  down."  In  consequence  of  a  letter  received  from  king 
Charles  II.  in  1665,  the  common  council  of  Newcastle  voted  £200  towards  the  repa- 
ration of  the  works  of  Tynemouth  Castle.  In  1688,  James  II.  created  his  natiual 
son,  James  Fitz-James,  Earl  of  Tjoiemouth.  The  expence  of  the  garrison  here,  in 
17179  was  rated  at  £573, 15^.  per  annum.  After  long  neglect,  the  government  re- 
sumed possession  of  this  place,  the  batteries  were  repaired,  and  the  castle  made  a 
depot  for  arms  and  military  stores  in  178S,  at  which  time  Major  Drunford  discovered 
the  two  Roman  inscriptions. 

The  Church*  was  parochial  till  1659^  when  a  part  of  its  roof  is  said  to  have  fallen 
in,  and  killed  five  or  six  soldiers.  The  east  end  was  also  in  danger  of  falling,  to  pre- 
vent which,  the  bishop  of  Durham,  being  petitioned  on  the  subject,  granted  his 
licence  to  pull  it  down,  and  to  use  a  less  chapel  at  the  west  end.  On  account  of  this 
great  decay,  and  the  parishioners  in  the  civil  wars  being  often  debarred  the  liberty  of 
a  free  resort  to  it,  another  was  begun  to  be  built  in  I6d9>  and  being  afterwards 
finished,  was  consecrated  in  1668  by  Bishop  Cosins.  It  is  built  on  the  north  side  of 
North  Shields,  and  will  be  described  hereafter.  The  cemetery  at  the  old  church, 
however,  continues  to  be  used. 

The  priory  stands  east  of  the  town,  on  a  peninsula  formed  of  stupendous  rocks,  on 
the  north  side  of  the  mouth  of  the  river  Tyne,  against  which  the  heavy  seas  break 
with  great  vehemence  and  tumult.  Waltheof,  to  shew  some  colour  or  pretext  for 
the  degradation  of  this  monastry,  pretended  it  was  an  unfit  situation  for  devotion ; 
**  which,"  observes  WaUis,  "  is  so  far  from  being  the  case,  that  few  can  exceed  it  for 
presenthig  the  mind  with  a  variety  of  solemn  objects,  capable  of  raising  it  to  an  ado- 
ration and  awful  reverence  of  the  Deity.  The  very  precipice  it  stands  on,  lofty  and 
almost  perpendicular,  whose  semicircular  base  withstands  the  fury  of  the  waves,  must 
have  inspired  the  religious  with  a  firm  reliance  on  him  who  is  the  Rock  of  Ages :  the 

*  John  WelhemHede,  abbot  of  St.  Albans,  was  a  canon  here.  He  was  a  learned  and  voluminous  historian. 
On  his  preferment,  he  presented  to  the  altar  at  Tynemouth  a  chalice  of  gold.— -/oAn  ^  T^nemouih,  an  emi.. 
nent  sacred  biographer,  flourished  here  about  the  year  1386.  ''He  was  bom  in  this  place,  and  is  said  to 
have  been  the  vicar  of  it,  but  afterwards  became  a  Benedictine  monk  in  the  abbey  of  St.  Albans,  He  was  a 
most  virtuous  persdh,  and  excellently  learned,  entirely  addicted  to  the  study  of  the  holy  scriptures,  and  of 
sacred  history.  He  gathered  the  lives  and  actions  of  the  saints  of  England,  Wales,  Scotland,  .and  Ireland, 
into  two  volumes,  with  great  judgment  and  inde&tigable  labour,  which  work  he  entitled,  SancHologium 
Servorum  Dei,  i.  e.  the  Sacred  History  of  the  Servants  of  God.  Nor  did  he  deserve  less  commendation  for 
Ins  Exposition  of  the  Holy  Scripture,  in  which  he  not  only  explains  the  literal  sense,  but  the  moral,  allegoric 
cal,  and  tropological.  His  commentaries  were  upon  all  the  books  from  Genesis  to  the  Kings  inclusive.  He 
wrote  also  other  books,  as  Church  Lessons,  the  Golden  History,  and  a  Supplement  to  the  same ;  also  an  Ap» 
pendix  to  his  Martyrology,"  &c.    His  Golden  History  is  still  extant  in  the  library  at  Lambeth, 

VOL.  IL  5  R 


494  CASTLB  WAKD^TR.  D. 

calms-^the  fttorms — ^the  tthipii— -must  all,  by  turns;  have  furbislied  them  with  oeciu 
sions  to  praise  Him  trhose  wonders  are  in  the  deep.""  This  adtantageous  situation 
was,  it  is  iQleged,  serviceable  to  the  monks,  for  the  exalted  rock  on  which  the  monas* 
try  stood  rendered  it  visible  at  a  great  distance,  at  sea«  in  every  directicm ;  whence  it 
presented  itself,  te  if  reminding  and  exhorting  seamen  in  danger  to  mi^e  their, vows, 
and  promise  masses  and  ^ts  to  the  Virgin  Marv,  and  St  Oswm,  for  their  dehveranoe. 

The  approach  to  the  pricny  is  frcm  the  West,  by  a  gatelvay  of  a  aquare  form,  having, 
at  the  south-east  oomef ,  a  drcular  exploratory  turret :  from  this  gaterway,  on  eadi  hand, 
a  strong  double  waD  extended  to  the  rocks  on  the  seashore,  whidi,  from  their  great 
height,  was  esteemed. in  former  times  inaccessible.  The  gate,  with  its  walls,  was 
fortified  by  a  deep  outward  ditch,  over  which  there  was  a  draw-bridge^  defended  by 
moles  on  each  side.  The  tower  comprehended  an  outward  and  interior  gateway ;  tKe 
outward  gateway  having  two  gates,  at  the  distance  of  about  six  feet  fyoim  each  other, 
the  inner  of  which  was  defended  by  a  portcullis,  and  an  open  gallery,  now  built  up : 
the.  interior  gateway  was  also  strengthened  by  a  triple  gate.  The  space  between  toe 
gateways,  being  a  square  of  about  six  paces,  was  open  above,  to  allow  those  on  the 
top  of  the  tower  ana  battlements  to  annoy  assailants  who  had  gained  the  first  gata 
This  tower  has  been  modernized  without  any  attention  to  military  architecture,  and 
converted  into  a  barrack,  capable  of  accommodating  S40  men ;  but,  during  the  late 
tvar,  it  contained  at  one  time  near  400  men.  The  approach  to  this  gateway  has  been 
lately  flanked  with  bastions,  in  **  the  true  gingerbread  style." 

On  passing  the  gateway,  the  scene  is  strikingly  noble  and  venerable ;  the  whole 
enclosed  area  may  contain  about  six  acres;  the  view  is  crowded  with  august  ruins; 
some  fine  arches  of  the  priory  are  still  standing ;  the  most  beautiful  part  of  these  re^ 
mains  is  the  eastern  limb  of  the  church,  of  decant  workmanship.  **  On  the  soutii 
side,  adjoining  the  wall  which  stands  on  the  brink  of  the  diff,  are  several  spacious 
vaulted  chambers,  one  of  which,  it  is  supposed,  was  the  kitchen,  from  the  large  ex- 
tended fire-plaoe  ;*  another  the  prison,  with  an  apertmre  in  the  top  of  the  vaiut,  by 

^  The  n^w  editi<m  of  the  Monastioon,  vol.  Hi.  p.  SIO^  contains  the  f<d]owiii^  notices  of  two  ancieiit  phuu 
of  Tynemouth  :-^''  I.  Whet  this  priory  must  have  been  in  its  best  days  may  be^  in  some  dc^pree,  gathered 
firoea  a  '  Platte*  or  plan  of  the  peninsula  on  which  it  stands,  made  in  the  time  of  queen  Elizabeth^  *"  after  l60 
fote  to  one  incfae/  still  preserved  in  the  Cottonian  manuscript  Augustus  I.  vol.  ii.  art.  6. ,  From  this  we 
learn,  that,  entering  from  Tinmouth  town  over  a  wide  moat  and  '  draw-brydge,'  stood  '  the  Ward  House ;' 
with  what  was  called  '  the  Vtter  Forte'  to  the  right ;  a  neck  of  land  projecting  firom  which,  and  rounding  off 
parallel  with  that  part  of  the  peninsula  on  which  the  abbey  itself  stood,  flsrmed  'the  Priour's  Haven/  A 
little  to  the  left  of  die  draw-bridge  already  mentioned  wjs  *  the  Gate  House,'  in  the  way  from  whidi  to  'the 
Great  Court/  right  and  left,  were  the  '  Kylne'  and  *  Constable  Lodgyng/  the  '  Backhouse,'  and  '  Mylne/  To 
the  left,  near  the  brink  of  the  cliff,  was  the  '  Gonnors  Lodge'  and  the  '  PnltrO  Yard :'  then  <  the  North  Walk/ 
with  two  bams,  a  bam  yard,  a  '  gamer,'  three  sets  of  stables,  and  a  cow  house.  In  the  centre  of  the  am 
which  formed  the  complete  scite  was  the  '  Abbey  kirke/  to  the  east  of  which  was  '  the  Gardyn  place.'  The 
west  end  of  the  abbey  church,  somewhat  narrower  than  the  main  building,  as  beti^  apparently  without 
aisles,  is  marked  as  the  'parysh  kirk.'  North  of  this,  apparently  fronting  to  the  Greet  Conrt  already  natnec^ 
was  the  '  Priors  Lodgyng.'  The  '  Chapter  House*  and  *  Dortor,'  or  dormitory,  (continuing  fWrni  which  was 
the  edifice  named  '  Lords  Lodgyng')  adjoined  the  sooth  si^  of  the  choit  of  the  abbey  chorch,  fanning  tibe 
east  side  of  the  cloister ;  part  of  the  parish  church  formed  the  north,  the  '  Common  Aule'  the  west,  and  the 


TYNEMOUTH  PARISH. 


4S5 


which  the  ini$eFable  captive  descended  to  bis  horrid  dungeon/'  At  the  west  extre- 
mity of  the  ruins  is  a  gateway  of  circular  arches,  comprehending  several  members 
indining  inwards,  and  arising  from  pilasters.  The  area,  within  which  has  been  the 
cloister,  contains  many  modem  tombs.  The  west  gate  of  the  abbey  church  ia  still 
standing.  The  east  wall  contains  three  long  windows ;  the  centre  window,  the  lof- 
tiest, is  near  20  feet  high,  richly  ornamented  with  mouldings,  some  of  rose-work,  and 
others  of  dancette,  as  uie  figure  is  termed  in  heraldry,  or  zig-zag^  a  decoration  com- 
mon to  old  Saxon  architecture.  The  divisions,  or  pillars,  between  the  windows,  are 
enriched  with  pilasters  of  five  members,  with  hignly  finished  foliated  capitals  and 
cornices.  Above  the  centre  window  is  an  oval  one  with  like  mouldings,  and  the 
openings  of  a  gallery  on  each  side.  Part  of  the  south  side  wall  of  the  choir  is  also 
standing,  illuminated  with  windows  of  like  form  as  those  to  the  east,  and  equally  orna- 
mented, though  not  of  the  same  height,  for  above  them  are  an  equal  number  of  smaU 
windows :  the  divisions,  or  pillars,  between  the  larger  windows,  are  decorated  with 
pilasters  of  the  same  kind  as  those  at  the  east  end ;  in  the  divisioBS,  or  piUars,  between 
the  small  windows,  spring  the  gioins  of  the  arches  which  formed  the  roof,  by  theix 
remains  shewing  they  were  ornamented  with  rich  mouldings.  The  arches  of  tlwf. 
windows  in  this  part  are  drculsu* ;  the  blank  arches,  which  are  thrown  upon  the  wall 
beneath  the  windows,  are  pointed.  The  architecture,  through  the  whole  of  this  part 
of  the  building,  is  singularly  light  and  beautiful.  .  T^e  erection  consists  of  a  red  ^ee^ 
stone,  which  endures  the  weather  well  in  this  stormy  situation. 

Beneath  the  centre  window,  at  the  east  end,  is  a  dbor-way,  of  excellent  workman- 
ship, conducting  to  the  small  but  elegant  oratory  of  SL  Mary.  On  each  side  of  the 
door  is  a  human  head,  cut  in  a  good  style.  The  apartment  within  is  18  feet  6  inches 
in  length,  12  feet  2  inches  in  breadth,  and  8  feet  in  height  to  the  spring  of  the  arches. 
On  the  south  side  were  three  windows,  on  the  north  side  two  windows,  and  a  circular 
window  to  the  east,  so  elevated  as  to  give  place  to  an  altar  beneath.  There  are  two 
niches  for  statues  at  the  east  end,  a  closet  for  the  vessels  for  sacred  offices,  and  a  bason 
for  the  holy  water.  On  each  side  of  the  window  is  the  figure  of  a  monk  kneeling, 
and  two  of  the  emblematical  animals  commonly  depicted  with  the  Evangelists :  the 
side  walls  are  ornamented  with  pilasters,  from  whence  spring  the  groins  and  arches  of 
stone,  which,  in  various  intersections,  form  the  roof;  the  joinings  of  which  are  en- 
riched with  circles  of  carved  work,  and  the  interstices  of  the  roof  are  arched  and  con- 
structed with  thin  bricks :  the  circles  contain  sculptures  of  the  Divine  personages 
with  the  apostles,  of  workmanship  far  from  being  despicable,  and  all  the  figures  are 
in  good  preservation.    Round  each  sculpture  is  a  circular  belt,  with  a  sentence  in  the 


'  Newe  Aule'  tbe  south  sides.  South  of  the  common  hall  were  the  *  Boterye  Aule  and  Ketcfajns :'  and  then 
'the  South  Court/  occupying  the  remaining  space  to  tiie  cliffs  which  ererlooked  the  Prior's  Haven.  North 
of  the  buttery  hall  and  kitchen  was  'the  Ender  Cowrt/  with  the  'New  Lodgyng'  and  '  Bru  House/  The 
whde  precinct  of  the  abbey  was  surrounded  by  a  strong  wall :  that  part  of  the  scite  towards  Tinmouth,  being 
unprotected  by  the  sea^  appears  to  have  been  rendered  doubly  strong  by  a  wall  and  ditdi.  Adjoining  th^ 
ditch  to  the  south-west  of  the  town  at  Tinmovth  weire  the  *  olde  Fish  Pownds;  now  an  olde  dyke.'— *II.  An- 
otfier  'Platte/  or  Plan  of  Timnouth^  a  kind  of  bird's  eye  view,  indoding  the  Castle,  occurs  in  the  same  vcv 
hime  of  the  Cottonian  manuscripts,  art  7,  but  without  any  explanation  of  the  different  parts  of  the  building." 
The  former  plan  has  been  engraved  by  the  Antiquarian  Society  of  Newcastle. 


486  CASTLE  WARD— K  D. 

old  English  characters,  well  raised,  viz.  Sanct  Petru^  era  P.  nobis,  &c.  each  varied  by 
the  name  of  the  personage  to  whom  it  is  inscribed.  The  centre  row  consists  of  four 
circles :  in  one  is  the  ejffigies  of  John  the  Baptist,  with  the  like  sentence ;  in  a  second, 
towards  the  west,  the  effigies  of  our  Saviour,  with  a  monk  kneeling ;  in  a  third,  to 
the  east,  the  effigies  of  the  Supreme,  with  a  Lamb  bearing  the  ensign  ;  and  in  the 
fourth,  a  representation  of  the  last  judgment,  with  this  sentence.  In  diejudicii  liherare 
nas.  Above  the  door  is  the  effigy  of  our  Saviour,  with  a  globe  in  his  hand,  with 
Morit  P.  NoUs  subscribed ;  on  each  side  of  the  door  an  emblematical  figure,  as  to 
the  east.  There  are  two  escutcheons,  the  dexter  one  charged  with  bearings  of  Vescy, 
a  cross  sable ;  the  sinister,  the  bearings  of  Brabant  and  Lucy  quarterly.  Many  littie 
ornaments  are  cut  on  the  inferior  roses  on  the  arched  works ;  as  croslets,  crescents, 
winged  crosses,  the  old  Saxon  en  an  emblem  of  sacred  masonry,  and  the  usual  charac- 
ters disposed  over  religious  buildings,  I.  H.  S.  On  the  outside  of  the  erection,  at 
the  east  end,  are  two  coats  of  armour,  supported  by  cherubs ;  the  one  charged  with  a 
cross,  the  arms  of  the  monastry  of  St.  Albans ;  tne  other  with  three  crowns,  which 
latter  was  the  proper  arms  of  the  monastry  of  Tynemouth.  Brand  says,  "  There  are 
still  observable  three  recesses  in  the  south  wall,  near  the  entrance  to  the  oratory  of 
St.  Mary ;  one  is  said  to  have  been  Ihe  confessional  chair,  divided  by  a  stone  partition, 
where  there  has  been  evidently  a  grate.  Another  of  them  has  evidently  been  the 
cavity  for  containing  the  holy  water,  and  the  third  the  closet  for  the  consecrated  host. 
It  is  remarkable  that  the  capitals  of  the  columns  have  each  of  them  a  different  kind 
of  ornament.  On  the  outside  of  this  oratory,  are  cut  in  a  sort  of  blue  stone,  different 
from  the  rest,  now  almost  defaced  by  time  and  the  fret  of  the  sea,  the  arms  of  Tyne- 
mouth prior}%  viz.  gules,  three  crowns :  or  those  of  the  abbey  of  St.  Albans ;  that  is, 
azure,  a  cross  saltire,  or,  as  used  at  present  by  the  borough  or  St.  Albans ;  and,  in  the 
middle,  the  common  Greek  abbreviation  of  the  name  of  Jesus,  erroneously  inter- 

?reted  Jesus  hominum  salvator — ^for  it  consists  of  a  Greek  iota,  epsilon,  and  sigma. 
'hese  arms  were  originally  those  of  Oswin,  king  of  Northumberland."  Hutchinson 
conjectures  that  this  oratory  contained  the  shrine  and  tomb  of  St.  Oswin ;  but  Grose, 
who  examined  it  with  much  attention,  believes  the  arms  over  the  door  to  be  those  of 
the  Percys,  which  family  were  great  benefactors  to  the  priory,  and  probably  founded 
this  chapel.  The  Tynemouth  Chartulary  mentions  "  thfe  new  chapel  of  St.  Mary'*  in 
1386 ;  and  authorities,  quoted  by  Brand,  prove  that  Henry  Lord  Percy,  about  that 
time,  assisted  in  repairing  this  church,  after  it  had  been  destroyed  by  the  Scots. 
Hodgson  adds,  *•  To  this  date  may  also  be  fixed  the  origin  of  the  greatest  part  of  the 
edifices,  as  they  stood  at  the  dissolution." 

This  beautiful  chapel  was  occasionally  used  at  funerals ;  but,  during  the  late  war, 
it  suffered  great  desecration,  having  its  windows  walled  up^  and  being  converted  into 
a  powder  magazine.  However,  Mr.  Thompson,  the  present  surveyor  of  military 
works  in  the  northern  district,  and  who  has  a  taste  for  antiquarian  subjects,  has  lately 
cleaned  and  restored  the  fine  ornaments  in  this  beautiful  apartment  with  great  care, 
and  which  is  now  attentively  preserved. 

These  ancient  and  elegant  remains  have  evidently  been  the  work  of  different  ages  ; 
many  of  the  arches  being  ornamented  with  the  zig-zag,  several  of  them  semicircular^ 
and  others  pointed.  Brand  observes,  that  in  the  west  part  of  the  church  there  "  is  a 
pillar  of  the  very  rudest  Saxon  architecture,  which  has  probably  been  a  part  of  th^ 


IX/O.V  CftVN  atHDGE  ACROSS  TJfE TWEED  w 


XOMM  CMtPAT   CnSW  0»LLIt    > 


TYNEMOUTH  PARISH.  487 

oripinal  building.  On  the  south  side  of  the  grand  entrance  to  the  church  is  a  Saxon 
sarm  with  a  Gothic  capital."  This  ia  clearly  the  most  ancient  part  of  the  edifice ;  but 
Brand  is  mistaken  if  ne  supposed  it  bears  the  characteristics  of  Saxon  architecture.* 
All  the  Saxon  churdies  in  England^  except  in  a  few  rare  instances,  were  plain,  square, 
or  rather  oblong  buildingB>  and  generally  turned  circular  at  the  end;  but  the  Nor* 
mans,  in  meeting  their  sacred  edifices,  adopted  the  cruciform  with  high  towers,  and 
ornamented  the  interim  with  columns  and  arches.  It  may  therefore  be  with  some 
certainty  presumed,  that  the  dark  shaded  parts  in  the  annexed  plan  were  built  by  the 
Normans,  who  were  vastly  superior  to  the  Saxons  in  art,  taste,  and  resources.  The 
west  entrance,  which  is  in  the  pointed  style,  seems  to  have  been  formed  at  a  later 
period.  The  choir  is  executed  in  what  is  termed  the  pointed  or  English  style  of 
architecture.  It  has  been  built  after  a  more  elegant  and  noble  plan  than  the  old  church. 
The  transepts  have  been  extended,  and  a  highly  decorated  entrance  has  been  formed 
in  the  wall  of  the  old  traoisept,  leaving  the  plain  Norman  window  above.  This  deco- 
rated English  style  prevailed  from  the  time  of  Henry  III.  The  Lady's  Chapel  has 
been  built  at  a  still  later  period  than  the  choir,  and  is  a  beautiful  specimen  of  the 
pure  English.  The  whole  length  of  this  ancient  and  magnificent  structure  is  279  feet 
The  hi^dth  oi  the  nave,  or  the  we$t  and  oldest  part,  inside  is  26  feet;  and  the 
length  to  the  transept  1S6  feet.  The  old  transept  is  79  feet  in  length,  and  the  side 
of  the  tower,  whidi  was  square,  ao  feet.  The  choir,  or  east  end,  is  31  feet  6  inches 
wide,  but  the  length  oi  the  new  transept  hds  not  yet  been  ascertained. 

These  iminressive  remains  of  sacred  architecture  have  been  destroyed  with  the  most 
wanton  and  barbarous  industry.  Colonel  Edward  Villiers,  who  W9s  governor  of  this 
castle  in  1665,  and  died  in  1707»  puUed  down  great  part  of  the  priory,  for  erecting 
the  barracks,  light-house*  his  own  house  near  it,  and  other  edifices :  he  likewise  strip- 
ped ojOP  the  leaa,  which,  till  then,  had  covered  the  church.  An  old  inhabitant  of  the 
village  says,  that  part  of  Dockwray  Square  was  built  of  stone  taken  from  the 
priory.  The  military  arrangements  made  in  later  times  have  also  contributed  to 
hasten  its  entire  destruction.  Brand  well  observes,  that,  in  walking  ''  among  the  ex** 
tei^ive  and  venerable  remains  of  this  castle  and  monastry,  visitants  of  taste  will  not 
forbear  to  exdaim  in  the  language  of  Shakespeare-^ 

«'0!  it  pities  us 

To  see  those  antique  towers^  and  hallow*!!  walls. 
Split  with  the  wintei^s  froet,  or  mould'ring  down^ 
Their  very  ruins  ruined :  the  crush'd  pavement. 
Time's  marble  register^  deep  overgrown 
With  hemlock,  or  rank  famitory,  hides 
Together^  with  their  perishable  mould. 
The  brave  man's  trophies,  and  the  good  num^  praise^ 
Envying  the  worth  of  buried  ancestry !" 

*  It  is  cybBcuk  to  distiDgaiah  the  Saxon  from  the  early  Norman  mode  of  architecture^  The  diffiaFence,  it 
ia  admitted,  cojisiste  more  in  the  form  than  in  the  ornaments.  But  there  is  no  ecclesiasttoal  building  in  £ng« 
land  whieh.  can,  on  clear  and  decisive  authority,  be  ascribed  to  the  Saxons.  However^  the  little  chapel  at 
Beataa  Ddaval  has  been,  by  good  Judges*  pronounced  older  than  the  Conquest  Th^  old  church  at  Tyne* 
mouth,  in  form,  dimensions^  and  style  of  executioOj  resembles  that  nt  Liiulis&mt 

VOL.  II.  5  S 


48»  CASTLE  WAHD.— E.  D. 

A  representation  has  lately  been  made  to  government,  on  the  idle  wid  disgraoefol 
dilapidations  which  these  fine  remains  of  ecclesiastical  architecture  have  sufibred ;  and 
measures,  to  a  certain  extent,  will  now,  it  is  understood,  be  adopted  to  preserve  them 
from  the  future  ravages  of  the  weather,  and  of  the  ignorant  and  avaricious.*  Mr. 
Lunn,  the  military  surveyor,  will  rejoice  to  execute  the  liberal  intentions  of  govemmetit. 

Several  old,  quaint  epitaphs,  remain  in  the  cemetery  here ;  but  the  modem  one» 
are  peculiarly  neat  and  well  executed.  Brand  notices  a  whimsical  anachronism  in 
sculpture  on  an  upright  stone,  where,  in  the  crest  of  the  Shipwrights'  arms,  Noah's 
ark  is  pierced  for  guns,  and  has  a  quarter-deck.  In  an  inscription  on  a  stone  covering 
the  remains  of  a  child  of  five  years  of  age,  the  infant  (for  want  of  proper  pointing)  is 
plainly  made  to  have  a  wife  and  child.  Here  are  the  burying  places  of  Henry  V  il- 
liers,  Esq.  governor  of  the  castle :  of  the  Reay  family ;  of  several  ministers ;  and  of 
officers  wno  belonged  to  the  garrison. 

Within  the  gates  of  the  castle  are  two  dungeons,  which  had  been  long  shut  up. 
One  of  these  places  of  solitary  confinement  was  explored  some  years  ago  by  an  officer 
of  the  garrison ;  on  one  of  the  walls  there  is  rudely  engraved,  {»obably  with  a  nail — 
**  JOHN  ecadshaw,  1715, — 17  WEEKS  PEI80NER.'*  There  are  some  curious  eaves  in 
the  rock  on  which  the  priory  stood.  One  of  them,  on  the  north  inde  of*  the  precipice, 
is  called  by  th^  town's  people  the  Ginglef^s  Hole^  probably  from  having  been  the  resort 
of  some  juvenile  gamblers.  It  is  now  built  up.  There  are  perhaps  several  crypts  and 
vaulted  passages  beneath  the  church ;  for  in  digging  near  the  south  side  of  the  ruins  of 
the  priory  in  1808,  an  arched  tomb  was  discovered,  with  human  boned  and  skulls  of 
a  large  size.  This  chamber,  which  it  was  supposed  had  not  been  opened  since  the 
dissolution  of  the  priorv  in  15899  was  converted  into  a  powder  magazine.  Behind 
the  Canteen  are  buried  a  row  of  stone  cofiins,  which  range  north  and  south.  The 
sexton,  in  1819»  struck  his  spade  against  a  stone  coffin^  wnich,  on  examination,  was 
found  to  contain  a  perfect  skeleton,  the  bones  of  which  were  covered  with  leather, 
curiously  cut  and  ornamented.  An  adjoining  coffin  also  contained  a  skeleton  without 
a  head,  and  which  was  in  like  manner  carefully  defended  and  decorated  with  leather. 
In  1823,  the  workmen,  who  were  digging  in  the  ruins  of  the  priory  overlooking 
Prior's  Haven,  discovered  a  flat  stone,  with  an  inscription,  supposed  to  be  Roman^ 
which  had  been  broken  and  wrought  into  the  structure  a  second  time.  Rude  carv- 
ings, pieces  of  columns,  and  stones  belonging  to  groin  arches,  were  also  found  in  these 
ancient  walls.  The  whole  were  rebuilt  mto  the  walls  of.  the  new  powder  magazine. 
The  workmen  employed  this  year,  in  making  a  stable  a  littie  to  tne  westward,  also 
discovered  a  vaulted  chamber,  which  had  probably  been  used  for  purposes  of  sepulture. 
On  removing  a  mound  of  earth  near  the  outer  entrance  into  the  castie  in  1804,  vast 

*  It  was  lately  in  contemplation  to  build  a  church  in  Tynemouth ;  and  Mr.  John  Dobson,  architect,  who 
has  often  studied  among  the  ruins  of  the  desecrated  structure  here,  with  all  the  enthusiasm  of  an  architectural 
antiquary  offered  a  plan  to  the  consideration  of  the  projectors.  He  proposed  to  pull  down  the  remains  of  the 
choir,  preserving  the  little  chapel,  and  to  rebuild  it  in  its  original  form.  The  restoration  of  this  light  and 
beautifbl  edifice  would  have  reflected  honour  on  the  taste  and  liberality  of  those  concerned.  The  design 
is  not  yet  abandoned.  It  is  allied  that  the  government  would  object  to  the  erection  of  a  charch  within,  the 
limits  of  the  garrison ;  but  it  is  not  probable  that  any  attempt  would  be  Inade  to  perpetuate  a  dcaeaxtioD, 
which  is  directly  contrary  to  the  repeated  decisions  of  our  courts  of  law. 


TYNEMOUTH  PABISH.  439 

quantities  of  human  bones  were  found,  supposed  to  be  the  remains  of  those  who  had 
^en  in  sonie  attack  upon  the  castle.  The  arms  of  St.  Albans  is  upon  a  stone  in 
the  north  wall,  built  at  the  brink  of  the  diiF,  near  the  depot  for  arms ;  and  there  are 
also  some  curiosities,  lately  found  near  the  entrance  into  St.  Mary's  chapel. 

The  Ught  House  was  erected  by  Colonel  Villiers,  at  the  nc»th  side  of  the  gedund 
which  had  been  the  garden  of  the  priory.  He  also  built  the  adjoining  house  for  the 
mYemor  of  the  castle ;  and,  as  a  compensation,  was  authorized  to  receive  one  shilling 
from  every  British  vessel,  and  six-pence  from  every  foreign  vessel,  anchoring  in 
Shields  harbour,  which  then  produced  a  revenue  of  about  £80  per  annum.  After 
this,  the  Light  House  underwent  many  alterations  and  repairs.  In  1775»  it  was 
taken  down,  and  the  building  of  the^  present  one  commenced.  The  revolving 
light  is  now  considered  the  most  luminous  of  any  on  the  east  coast  of  the  island 
(^neral  David  Douglas  Wemyss  is  the  present  governor  of  Tynemouth  Castle,  and 
Lieutenant-general  James  Hay,  lieutenant-governor:  the  salary  of  the  former  is 
£284,  8#.  6^  per  annum,  and  of  the  latt^  £178,  VJs.  6d. 

The  town  of  Tynemouth  is  chiefly  composed  of  one  good  street,  with  two  or 
three  smaller  ones  towards  the  north.     The  houses  are  in  general  well  built,  and  some 
of  them  are  even  elegant.     During  the  bathing  season,  it  is  a  place  of  fashionable' 
resort,  and  all  the  iims  and  lodging-houses  are  fiSied  with  company.     Being  situated 
in  a  plentiful  country,  visitors  may  indulge  themselves,  and  enjoy  the  advantages  of 
bathing  here  more  reasonably  than  at  any  other  place  of  the  kind.    In  other  respects, 
this  town  has  unquestionably  many  advantages,  as  a  bathing  situation,  over  others 
on  this  coast ;  the  Prior's  Haven  o&ng  sheltered  by  an  amphitheatre  of  lofty  rocks, 
divided  at  the  distance  of  two  hundred  yards  ftK>m  each  other,  and  about  iiaee  hun« 
dred  yards  to  their  extremity,  they  run  parallel,  and  form  a  fine  opening  to  the  great 
Grerman  Ocean :  here  you  are  never  annoyed  by  the  wind  but  when  it  sets  in  from  the 
east,  being  defended  from  all  the  other  points  by  the  rocks.    At  this  haven,  a  little 
above  high  water  mark,  Messrs.  Moses  MarshaU,  of  Newcastle,  and  Thomas  Hut- 
diinson,  of  Tynemouth,  erected  in  1807  very  commodious  and  elegant  baths.    They 
indude  every  desirable  ccmveniency ;  dnd  the  sea  water  is  pumped  Up  every  tide,  by 
means  of  a  horse-gin.     The  terms  for  bathing  are,  warm  baths,  9s*  6d. ;  cold  ditto.  Is. ; 
shower  ditto.  Is.    A  coadi-road  has  been  made  down  to  the  baths,  which  now  belong 
to  Mrs.  Spurrier  and  Mr.  Hutchinson.    There  are  likewise  a  number  of  cov^^ 
boats  for  the  accommodation  of  bathers.    Another  fine  bathing  place,  at  the  ridlth 
side  of  the  priory,  called  Percjr's  Bay,  was,  a  few  years  ago,  formea  by  a  great  storm, 
which  carried  in  an  immense  quantity  of  sand.     Since  that  period,  it  has  been  pro- 
gressively  improving,  and  is  now  completely  divested  of  pebbles  or  rubbish,     ft  is 
much  resorted  to  by  ladies.      Tynemouth,   as  a  bathing  place,  possesses  many 
other  attractions.     The  walks,  particularly  that  in  the  Castle-yard,  are  dry  and  airy, 
and  present  many  romantic  and  pleasing  views.     It  is  also  contiguous  to  North 
Shields ;  while  coaches  and  gigs  pass  and  repass  between  it  and  Newcastle  several 
times  every  day  during  the  season.    On  Sunoays,  exclusive  of  those  who  come  over* 
land,  numerous  parties  come  to  this  place  by  the  steaim-boats,  at  the  small  charge  of 
six-pence  each  person.    This  excursion  is  short  and  pleasant,  and  is  undoubtedly  the 
most  harmless  and  healthy  recreation  which  can  be  obtained  by  people  who  are  con-*, 
fined  to  sedentary  and  depressing  avocations. 


440  CASaXE  WAED— E.  D- 

Tyneoioutb.  contains  a  smell  Methodist  meeting<-house»  and  eight  inns  and  public 
housest  some  of  which  are  very  commodious  and  genteeL  Miss  Jane  Harvey  (who 
will  be  noticed  in  the  History  of  Newcastle)  keeps  a  small  droulating  library*  Seve- 
red neat  houses  have  been  lately  erected ;  but  the  place  might  be  much  improved  at 
ft  very  trijBing  expence  to  the  lord  of  the  manor. 

At  the  northern  extremity  of  the  ridge  on  which  the  castle  of  Tynemouth  is  built, 
a  battery  of  two  guns  was  erected  during  the  threats  of  invasion  by  France,  and 
which  efiectuaUv  commands  the  fine  spacious  beach  that  extends  ft<m  this  place  to 
C^uUercoats.  The  bottom  of  this  part  of  the  cliff  offers  many  convenienoes  to  bathers, 
and  is  therefore  much  frequented;  but  during  an  ebb  tide,  there  is  an  extremely 
dangerous  sweep  of  the  sea,  that  has  occasioned  the  loss  of  some  valuable  lives.  The 
Barracks,  which  were  built  in  1758,  for  the  accommodation  of  1000  men,  were,  after 
the  late  war,  disposed  of  by  government,  and  now  belong  to  the  Duke  of  Northum^ 
berland,  of  whom  they  are  held  by  Mr,  WiUiam  Younger.  The  soldiers'  rooms  are 
fitted  up  into  comfortable  dwelling-houses;   and  some  of  those  that  command  a 

Sood  view  are  tastefully  converted  into  summer-cottages,  by  families  who  reside  at  a 
istance.    The  exercise-ground,  in  the  centre  of  the  square,  is  railed  in  and  cultivated ; 
and  there  is  a  neat  small  inn  at  the  south-east  angle  of  the  barracks. 

The  Church  is  conveniently  situated  where  tne  Morpeth  road  joins  that  leading 
from  Tynemouth  to  Newcastle,  and  was  consecrated,  as  before  noticed,  in  1668.  It 
is  dedicated  to  Christ,  and  was  built  with  bricks ;  the  architecture  being,  agreeably 
to  the  taste  of  the  time,  in  the  style  of  a  Presbyterian  meeting-house«  Some  time 
after^  a  stone  steeple  was  erected  by  subscription.  It  has  at  various  periods  under-* 
pone  alterations  wd  enlargements,  and  in  1792  was  mostly  rebuilt  with  stone«  It 
IS  a  plsdn,  but  commodious  edifice,  containing  three  gaUeries,  and  will  hold  nearly 
SIOQO  persons.  The  late  James  Storey,  Esq,  ship^buuder  at  the  Low  Lights,  was  a 
great  benefactor  to  this  church.  He  gave  a  peal  of  six  excellent  bells,  which  were 
erected  in  the  steeple,  and  rung  for  the  first  time  on  January  18,  1788,  in  honour  of 
the  queen's  birth*aay«  Light  and  elegant  gates  have  recently  been  erected.  The 
Uvinif  is  a  discharged  vicarage,  valuecf  in  the  king's  books  at  £S4,  19^,  4cf.  The 
J>uke  of  Northumberland  ana  Sir  Jacob  Astley  are  patrons  altern«tely.* 

*  Tb^  folWwiog  ooQur  «8  vioan  .«.*^In  1S60,  John  de  Whetele;  1366,  John  de  TynemouUi;  13^,  AUa 
^fWh^ved;  U9%  John  Hebbome,  L.  L.  B.;  15^,  Edward  Feldie,  S.  T.  P.  (resigned);  153S,  William 
HQb^D«  A-  M.;  1540,  Sir  Oliver  Selby ;  1577,  Anthony  Hudson  (resjigned);  X578,  John  Knightly,  clerk;. 
1588,  Gilb^t  Spence;  1(S07,  William  Robinson,  A.  B,;  1628,  John  Heslop,  A.  B.;  1683,  William  Alder, 
A.  Mt;  l6$7y  James  Hume,  A.  M. ;  l657,  Thomas  Lupton,  "Pastor  at  Shields,"  —Gordon,  "Minister;" 
1662,  Henry  Ashbumham,  Vicar ;  l671»  Thomas  Dock  wray,  S.  T.  P.;  1672,  Stephen  Dockwray,  A.M.; 
-*— T  Thomas  Dock  wray ;  1722,  John  Potter  (resigned) ;  same  year,  Leonard  Marant ;  1740,  Charles  Ward; 
1749,  Emanuel  Potter,  A.  B. ;  1789,  Charles  Charleton,  A,  M. 

The  Rev.  Charles  Charleton,  M.  A.  belonged  to  the  ancient  NorthumbHan  family  of  the  Charletons,  ia 
North  Tyne.  His  ancestors  were  long  settled  at  Leeball,  which  is  still  the  property  of  his  nephew.  He- 
died  in  Dockwray  Square,  on  the  18th  of  August,  1824,  aged  63  years;  35  of  which  he  was  vicar  of  diis 
populous  parish.  To  adopt  the  language  of  his  epitaph,  written  by  Mr.  Richardson,-^"  As  a  man,  he  was 
amiable^  humane,  benevolent,  aod  of  an  open  forbearing  disposition.  As  a  divine,  he  taught  the  doctrine  of 
tiia  Blessed  Redeemer  in  mfld  shficerity  of  heart,  and  in  Christian  charity ;  persuading  more  by  hie  virtaoes 
example;  than  by  the  zeal  of  expression.    He  i.iys9  in  tbe  keaits  gt  his  parishionevs,  and  disb  Mspectcd, 


TYNEMDUTH  PAMSH. 


441 


'  NbttTH  SmfELDSi'^-^A  considerable  partctf  the  tcwHrii^bf  North  Shields  is  situated  in 
the  township  bf  Tynemouth.'  'The  town  of  Tynemomth 'doe^ bot  itself^  exclusive  of 
the  Barracks,  contain  above  «80  houses.  Ili  will  therefor^  be  more  convenient  to  de- 
scribe North  Shields  as  diie  undivided  town,,  «ttendS»g  from  Milbum  Pkcetothe 
^ea  iit  the  Low  Ligfets.  *  The*tOtal  i^umb^r  o^  hou^e^s  in  this  ierpace  may  be  about 
2075,  inhabited  by  15,800  persons:  'I'he  township  oiP^  North  Shields  alone  contekis 
but  853  houses;  and  82«)»inhabi»rttt^^    It  is  divided  into  ibur  wa^ds. 

This  large  artd  flotirishirig 'town  does  not  fottn  a^cotispieuoua  figure  in  the  pages  of 
the  historian.  Its  situation  W  highly  advantageous ;;'but'the  impolitic  restrictions  of 
a  barbarous  age  eflfectuaHy*  restricted  its  growth.  In  the  reign  off  Henry  III.  there 
were  no  buildings  neair  the  moiith  6f  t?be  TynC)  e^fte^^t  ^few  skiek,  or  sKeds,  belong- 
ing to  fishermen ;  but  l^  the  rolls  of  pariiament,  in  the  8th  o£.  Edi^iraTdJ.  (1280),  it 


<  t 


I.  .  I 


^teemed,  and?  Iwnwited."  Hi»  fow^al  was  fOMpdeifil^  by  nwivy  thousand  par^oiie,  ,AU  his  m^esty's  officen 
intiie  gairiaon  of  XjntmoUth,  th^  aright ,i»^rthij^ful  the  mayor  of  J^ewcastle,  the  neigl^l^uring  clergymen  and 
fffotlewieni*  with  nki^  .triages,  ibjlowed  th^e  hears^.  <  The  church- wardens,  the  officers  of  tj^e  aever^  town- 
•ehipsj  ship-^owners,  mercha^,  &c.. walked  iu  procession,  two  and  two.  The  colours  on  the  tower  of  the 
church,  ihe  ^^tet-wprks  tower,,  the  ships,  &c^  had  been  hoisted  in  mourning  daily  for  a  week^,  and  muffled 
neals  of  bells  wer,e  rung  at  intervals^    The,  shops  at  North  Shields  were  all  shut  in^early^in  the  afternoon.-^ 

Newcastle  CmfanU  Aug^^i  28,  1824.  )      .   ,     .  ■      .        .  ;  •  *  '    r 

The  Rev,  Hugh  Brown  occurs  33  afternoon  lecturer,  July  20,  177*.  He  died  December  2,  1775,  aged 
64t  year^  He  was  succeeded  by  the  Rev.  —  Thompson,  who  was  followed  by  Jhjp  ftev.  Thomas  Howell. 
The  Rev.  VV,  Mark,  B.  A.  is  the  present  lecturer.        ^     ^,  . 

The  Rev.  William  Haswell  was  40  years  afternoon  lecturer  of  this  parish,  duriAg  which*  long  period  he 
was  highly  esteemed  by  the  parishioners  for  his  persuasive  eloquence  and  enlightenea'  ^icty.  He  was  bom 
at  Sunderland,  in  the  county  of  DnrtiaVn,'  in  1752  ;  finished  his  education  under  Mr.  Yates,'  at  Appleby,  in 
Westmoreland ;  and  in  1774  undertook  the  management  of  a  school  at  Winton-,  in  Curaberlaild.  IVi  the  year 
1777  he  obtained  the  situation"  he  so;' long  and  credibly  held  in  this  pari^;  without  any  powerful  loeal 
interest,  but  solely  in  consequence  of-  hid  superior  attainments  and  amiable  manner^ ;  nof  did  the  reverence 
and  veneration  of  his  flock  ever  suffer  any  diminution.  In  the  pulpit;  his  matmtfr  was  affectionate  and  so- 
lemn, his  prenuneiation  kslear  and  distinct;  and  his  gesticulation  natural  and  polisfaedl  He  only  onoe  pab- 
lisKect  a  sermon,  whidi  wia  fhvomrably  rebeived-  His  exertiMis  in  forming  a'pvhlic  Hbraryi  in  founding  the 
Jubilee  Sehool^mid  in  promoting  qthastchantableiiiBtitiidons, 'weie,at,oiM)e  ohweaicied  and  uaeftiU  Hiai 
health  beginning  to  decline,  loa  pdiyaieian  reoonmended  kim  to  ret9M>ve  to  Heighinglon,  a  village  in  ^Mp 
4l|g;  •  where  growing  worw,  he  at  length  died  on  the  l;8tJi  of  September,  1820,  m  tjie  65th  year  of  h1^^. 
His  remains  wo'e  interred  at  Tyneinouth  friory  on  the  23d  of  the  san^^  months  amfdst  a  concourse  of  12,00P 
people,  who  assembled  to  pay  their  last  respects  at  the  grave  of  their  enlightened  and  faithful  te/icher.  The 
parishioners  afterwards  erected  to  his  memory,  in  the  chancel  of  the  church,  a  tasteful  monument  of  fine 
Parian  while  marble,  with  a  suitable  inscriptimi,  from  the  pen  of  the  late  Mr.  W,  Richardson,  ^md  which  ia 
qloscjd  by  the  fbllowing  lines; —  «     v     1 

"  Sublime  and  pure  were  all  the  precepts  given. 

With  glowing  aeal  from  his  persuasive  tongue  I 
The  OLD  they  warm'd  with  hallow'd  views  of  heaven. 
And  fill'd  with  Christian  hope  the  listning  YOUNG  r 


f^id-^ii^^ 


*  The  population  of  Tynemouth  paridi 
inhabitants  at  the  mouth  of  the  Tyne, 

VOL,  II. 


added  to  that  of  South  Shields,  forats  an  aggregate  ef  41,554 

5  T 


442  CASTLE  WARD.^E.Yl?. 


mpears  that  Nwtlx  SMdds  hdd.  becmD*  ft^plaoip  of  «9i»e ^a@i)6fqiie]M^  |!»r  jthe  priw  of 
Tynemoutli  ahd  the  lnuf;ea8e&  of  Newcaytle  wc^^^wmn^pn^  W^  Bl^^f^^t  poqi^jhe 
sheriff  of  Ncxthumberland,  before,  the  kuig.iii  ii«grU9wmi»i  tp  .^  r^  ooi^eriung 
certain  diargea  preferred  araioat.  tbe>  piiQr..by  we  m^  Wi*gPt^s^»  pf  inyaduig  tbie 
king's  right  and  that  of  the  burgessies*  The  sum  of  thMe  diarjBss  wi^  that  tJie.piuor 
had,  on  certain  grounds  to  him  belonging,  betiyeen  ,Newi»stie  and  t^e.^ea,  cuused 
ships  to  load  and  unload,  and  merchandisi^  to.be  bought  ani  so}^,  wher^  he  had  no 
ri^t,  thereby  making  a  port  where  there  was  no  p^irt  before,  and  thus. injurii^g. the 
kmg  and  the  burgesses  of  Newcastle.*  Thptt  the  said  pripr  had  raised  a  new  tovra  at 
Shields,  in  which  there  were  fishermen,  baker^t  and  tM^^turers^  from  whom  lie  roeeived 
a  revenue  of  thirty  marks  per  annum.  That  be  took  the  lyi^ka  pf  ships  as  bis  own, 
which  specially  beWged  to  the  king.  That  he  had  a  9uurk^t  on  Supgays  at  .Tyne* 
mouth,  in  which  meat,  bread,  and  ale,  were'  sold  without  any  warrant  or  licence. 
That  he  and  his  fellow  monks  caused  leather  to  be  tanned  at  Preston,  with  whidi 
they  loaded  boats'  and  ships  at  Shields,  and  scid  it  to  different  parts  of  the  country, 
to  the  great  dfimage  of  the  kin^  imd  the  town  oi  Newcastle.  Tnat  though  tM  king 
ought  to  have  free  towage  of  his  ships  and  boats  going  up  and  down  the  river,  yet 
the  prior  had  not  suffered  them  to  enter  upon  his  &nd,  whereby  many  persons  being 
compelled  thereby  to  wade  into  the  .4^P  waters,  had  nearly  lost  their  lives :  by  all 
'which  things  the  king  aiid  the  aforesaid  town  of  Newcastle  had  been  greatly  da- 
maged.— ^To  this  the  prior  replied.  That  as  to  the  wreck,  he  and  his  predecessors  had 
claimed  and  taken  these  from  time  immemorial ;  and  as  to  a  market,  he  had  a  charter 
for  it  from  Richard  I.  which  charter  he  produced,  and  it  seemed  strongly  to  support 
his  claim ;  and  as  to  the  town  of  Shields,  he  said  that  there  had  been  houses  tha:e  of 
old  on  his  ground,  to  which  the  king  had  no  claim ;  and  that  he  and  his  predecessors 
had  buUt  houses  there,  and  let  them  out  to  fishermen  and  others. plying  there,  to  sell 
bread  and  ale,  and  fish,  and  fQr  this  they  could  not  }}e  called  upon  to  pay  any  thing 
to  the  king,  but  only  to  the  prior.  He  said  also,  tliat.he  had  no  private  market  at 
Shields ;  and  as  to  the  fishermen  and  the  sale  of  fish^  he  said  hi$  predecessors  had 
their  owti  fishermen,  who  were  used  to  fish  in  the  aforesaid  w^ter,  withouj^.  paying 
any  toll  to  the  king.  That  they  also  had  their  tenants  at  Shidds  with  th^ir.  boats, 
who  lived  upon  the  lands  of  the  monastry ;  and  that  he  and  his  predecessors:  hq^  jbr 
the  support  of  their  house,  bought  fish  and  other  things  thoce,  by  landuwd  water, 
^||hout  disturbance  or  molestalicm.  The  case  was  tried  iq  the,  King's  jiench^  isoist, 
and  the  iudgment  of  the  court  reduced  Shields  to  its  cnriginal  insiguificaQoe...  **Ittii^ 
inhibited  ana  forbidden  the  said  prior  of  Tynemouth,  that  from  thenceforth  he  should 


^  In  Sqitember,  ISIQ,  while  digging  to  make  gss-tankfl  at.  the. Low  Lights,  in  a  place  called 
the  Salt  Marsh,  in  Pow  Dean,  at  the  depth  of  12  feet  6  inches  fnxn  the  surface,  the  workup,  found  a 
framing  of  large  oak  beams,  black  as  ebony,  pinned  together  with  wooden  p^ns  or  treenails ;  the  whole  le- 
sembling  a  wharf  or  pier,  whither  ships  drawing  9  or  10  feet  of  water  had  cgme.  Muscle-shells  lay  under 
an  artificial  spread  or  coating  of  fine  clay,  as  in  the.  bed  of  a  riven  Large  oak  trees  were  also  found,  hoU 
lowed  out  as  if  to  convey  water.  This  convenient  wharf,  at  the  month  of  the  Pow  Bum,  has  been  well 
guarded  from  the  sea  by  the  peninsula  called  the  Prior's  Point,  and  was  probably  formed  at  the  period 
alluded  to  above,  )vhen  Shields  consisted  of  96  houses,  and  the  fishers,  brewers,  and^  vict|ial)eni  wm  a^  rich, 
that  they  could  load  and  victual  above  a  hundred  ships. 


TyNEMOUJTH  PARISft  448 

not  hold,  or  ^tm^f!  to^b^be^;  a  mwket  or  fgir  In*  the  aforesaid  {dace^  aa^waa  4^t»T 
tnined  that  t^Q^pwt  wkh^th?  water  odf  Tjno^  from  the. sea  to  E^eddon  Streaois,  is 
the  free  port  pf  the  kuig:  and  his  he^rs*  with  it$  prises,  custoins,  towageis,  tonnagesi 
with  all  other  promts  and  commodities  ipddent  an^  b^lonffing  to  the  same,  &(C  and 
that  neither  ajt  Tynemouth  nor  atr^hields  ships  are  to  b^  laden  or  miladen.  It  was. 
idso  ordared,  th^  four  ovens  at  T3^^€palQ^th  should  pay  damages  five  marks,  and  thow 
that  took  tonnage  and  make  forertal,  &c»  and  as  to  the  wi^ecks  of  the  sea,  &a  that  tb^ 
king  and  his  heu«  should  have  them  for  ever  hereafter.  As  to  the  markets  and  faiirs, 
that  there  be  not  at  Tynemouth  or  Shi^ds  any  market  or  fair,  and  that  neither  at 
Tynemouth  or  Sbidds  there  be  any  sale  of  things  saleable,  as  hi  meats,  drinks,  or  any 
other  things  whatsoeyer,  whereby  the  king,  his  heirs,  and  successors,  may  be.m^de 
the  worse.  It  was  also  ordered,  that  the  ke^s  and  other  things  levied  and  raised  by 
the  sud  prior  witl^n  the  £k>od-mark  on  th^  kmg's  soil,  should  be  removed  at. the  costs 
of  the  said  prior." 

Newcastle  continued  to  insist  upon  having  the  sole  right  of  holding  a  market  upop 
the  navigable  part  of  the  Tyne;  but  the  want  of  one  was  much  complained  of  at  this 
place  by  its  inhabitants,  and  the  sea*faring  people  that  frequented  it.  Cromwell,  who 
was  always  anxious  tp  encourage  navigation  and  a  free  trade,  seems  to  have  had  a^ 
serious  intenti<Mi  of  constituting  it  a  market-town,  "  two  dayes  in  the  week,  to  bq 
holden  on  Monjday  and  Thursday,  for  the  relief  of  the  country,  the  gaorison  of  Tyne- 
mouth  Castle,  the  great  confluence  of  people,  and  fleets  of  ships."*  It  was  also  in- 
tended to  order, ''  that  suflident  and  well-fenced  ballast-shores,  quays,  and  ste^ths,  b^ 
built  at  Shidds  i  that  all  masters  of  ships  have  liberty  to  make  use  witbiu  the  river 
of  Tyne  whatever  shipwright  or  other  artificer  or  person  they  may  please,  and  find 
fittest  for  their  own  conveniency  in  times  of  distress  and  neo^ssity ;  and  of  what  able 
seamen  they  might  think  fit  for  pilots ;  and  h^ve  liberty  to  buy  and  sell,  or  take  in 
at  any  pkce  of  the  sa^d  pcfft  or  nyer,  In'ead  or  beer,  and  other  necessaries  for  their 
owii  use ;  and  that  all  persons  be  encouraged  and  have  liberty  to  build  ships  ancl 
other  vessels  in  the  river  for  the  increase  of  trade  and  navigation."  But  the  measure  ^ 
was  at  that  time  wev^nted  ,by  the  breaking  up  of  the  parliam^it  However,  the  in- 
crease of  knowledge  and  of  trade  tended  to  counteract  the  unjust  policy  of  the  cor^ 
raticm  of  Newcastjte,  and  at  length  both  bakers  and  brewers  'wex;e  p^mitted  to  0X0*0156 
their  callinjg  w^thput^molestation.  In  1804,  the  inhabitants  of  .tiie  manor  of  T^e* 
mouth  petitioi(^  the  ,Duke  of  Northumberland,  aS:  lord  of  the  manor,  to  estabhsh  a 
weekly  market^  ,^  ^the  Friday,  at  North  Shields ;  also  two  fa[irs  to  be  held  annually  at 
the  same  place,  on  the  last  Friday  in  April,  and  the  first  Friday  in  November,  for 
the  sale  of  c^itj^e  andj  all  other  goods,  and  for  the  hiring  of  servants.  His  Grace 
granted  the  prayp  of  tl>e  nejtitioi^  and  the  m^urket  was  opened  on  Friday,  April  20, 
amidst  great  rejoicings.  The  cattle  fairs  are  held  at  Tynemouth,  and  the  hiring  for 
servants  in  th^  market  at  Shields. 

About  70  years  ago.  North  Shields  was  a  poor,  miserable  place.  An  intelligent 
inhabitant,  now  living,  recollectSr  when  ^t  contained  but  two  tiled  houses.  Tnei^ 
were  then  no  houses  upon  the  banks  above  the  Jjow  Street,  and  which,  on  a  Sunday, 
were  generally  .^pvered  by  loungers,  who  lay  among  the  wormwood  that  grew  there* 

*  See  Gardener^s  EnglaDd's.Cfrievmee^  flvp^.edi  p,  1€4^ 


444  CASTLE  WARI>.-JE^  D. 

oliserving  every  may ement  in  the  ha!rbour,  A^^it  fengii^e^rtottd  close  to  ttie  present 
theatre;  and  one  6i  the  houses  a'Httle  ab6ve  the -Woodtti'Brida^  is  boilt  ov 
mouth  of  a  pit.  The  owners  of  this  colliery,  not  being  peririitted'  tdlo^d  their  coals  at 
Shields,  sent  them  in  carts  to  Cullercoats,  where  tlWy  wer^  shipped.  *  A  small  theatre 
stood  near  the  Ndrthumberlaiid  Arms,  and  wis  bufilt'bf  ^scars  from  the  adjoining  srft- 
pans.  The  extension  and  improyement  of  Shields  ^oeeeded  very  slowly  mitiiaftelr 
the  commencement  of  the  late  Wai-  \  though  it  be  now  the  fi^st  towto'  in  the  county 
for  extent,  elegance,  riches,  and  population..  .  '     ^'  '  ';  ''•       '    .  ,   '  \ 

The  Low  Street,  tlie  most  anci^iit  part  of  t?he  towil^'is  sometimes' by  Way  of  emi- 
nence called  Shields  Street.  It  runs  al9ng  the  margin  of  the  river,  and  at  the  bottom 
Of  a  very  lofty  and  abrupt-bank..  The  breadth'br  this  Afreet  varies ;  but  in  many 
places  it  is  so  extremely  narrow  as  to-  render  it  dlflrcult  for  a  foife  pass^ger  to  pass  a 
cart  or  carriage  without  coming  in  cont^t  Hvitb  it :  -this  renders  tWe  dweffittgs  dark, 
and  the  pavement  dirty  and, disagreeable..  JVJany  of  the  buildings,  however,  have 
been  much  modernized,  and  skilfully  converted  into  shops  or  warehouses.  At  the 
west  end  of  the  street  is  an  opert  space  called  the  Bull-ring,  where  thelBbafoitants 
enjoyed  the  old  but  cruel  sport  of  bulLbaiting.  It  !s  now  the  tendezvbiis  of  most  of 
the  coaches  and  gigs  that  run  between  this  place,  arid  Neweartle.  '  Prom  thence  to 
the  New  Market  the  street  is  very  confined.  The  Market-place  was  recently  formed 
by  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  and  is  about  110  yards  in  length,  and 
about  7©  yards  in  breadth.  On  one  side,  a  spacious  qu&y^  with  a' crane  for  the  deli- 
♦"ery  of  goods,  is  erected,  where  ships  of  300  tons  may  be  delivered  with  safety ;  and 
on  the  other  is.  an  elegant  stone  building,  used  as  an  inn,  surmounted  with  the  Percy 
Arms.  Adjoining  to  this,  on  the  west,  similar  buildings  have  recently  been  erected; 
and  others  are  projected  on  the  edst  side,  which,  when  finished;  will  {orm  a  most 
beautiful  front.  On  each  side,  near  the  river,  a  lofty  buildings  eontaining  ware- 
rooms,  has  been  erected ;  and  on  the  east  side,  a  doyered  market,  for  the  sale  of  fish, 
has  been  built  by  the  Duke  of  Northumberland  \  but  the'flsh-women  steadily  refuse 
to  accept  the  accommodation  thus  provided  for  them.  From  tills  place  the  street 
continues,  with  little  variation,  to  the  Wooden  ^^ridge'  when  an  angle  of  the  street 
stretches  south  to  the  foot  of  the  town,  a  distance  of  upwai'ds  of  a  quarter  of  a  mile ; 
the  whole  being  one  continued  range  of  shops  and  public  houses.  Another  angle 
frona  the  Wooden  Bridge  *  l^ads  north  to  the  Dogger  Letch^  or  Lake,  to  which  the 
tide  formerly. flowed,  throurfi  a  ntirrow  giit,  that  was  crossed  by  a  bridge^  ind  irhere 
a  number  or  smaB  Dutch  fishing-vessels,  called  r/cjgg^r^,  usually  deHver^  their  car- 
goes, from  which  circumstance  it  acquired  its  nOTfie.      - 

Atthehighj  or  west  end  of  the  t/oW  Stireet,  is  a  passage  called* -Dotwick  Street 
(from  an  ancient  village  here,  where  several  lime-kflns  stood),  that  leads  to  MJIbiim 
Plaoe,  which  is  seated  on  a  fine  elevation,  commanding 'a'  beaiitifiil  prospect  ot  the 
bar  and  the  harbour.  It  was  laid  out  by  the  latp  1^.  CoUiugwood,*  Esq.  atid  consists 
of  three  streets  running  parallel  with  the  rfver ;  but  from  want  of  uniformity  in  the 
houses,  and  other  defects,  it  would  seem  that  deviations  hadbeeh  mttde  from  the 
original  plan.  At  the  Wooden  Bridge,  Bedford  Street  commences,  jand  extends 
northward  to  the  turnpike  road  leading  from  Newcastle  ta  Tynemouth,  This,  and 
several  adjoining  streets,  were  laid  out  on  a  regular  and  judicious  plan  by  the  late 
John  Wright,  Esq,  wlk),  with  a  rare  spirit  of  liberality,  sold  the  numerous  building 


TYNEMOUTH  PARISH,  445 

sdtes  which  he  marked  out  without  reserve ;  thus  increasing  the  number  of  free- 
holders, and  encouraging  the  spirit  of  improvement.  The  streets  are  45  feet  wide, 
and  well  paved. 

Union  Street  commences  a  little  above  the  foot  of  Bedford  Street,  and  extends 
eastward  to  the  foot  of  Howard  Street,  where  the  theatre  is  situated.  The  Church 
Way  branches  off  from  Union  Street,  and  runs  parallel  with  Bedford  Street,  the  side 
adjoining  to  which  is  tolerably  neat ;  but  the  opposite  side  has  an  indifferent  appearance, 
being  composed  of  older  buildings,  very  irregular  both  in  size  and  form.  Saville 
Street  extends  from  the  middle  of  the  Church  Way  eastward  to  Norfolk  Street,  and 
westward  to  Little  Bedford  Street.  Cambden  Street  ako  runs  northward  from  Union 
Street,  and  communicates  with  Saville  Street.  Howard  Street  commences  at  the 
summit  of  St.  David's  Mount,  which  overlooks  the  harbour,  and  which  has  recently 
been  converted  into  a  fine  flagged  promenade.  It  is  intended  to  carry  this  street  north- 
ward to  Northumberland  Place,  an  elegant  range  of  stone  buildings,  having  a  large 
shrubbery  in  front,  tastefully  laid  out,  and  endo^  by  ornamental  uron  railing.  The 
east  side  of  this  street  consists  of  handsome  houses,  four  stories  high.  Towards  the 
south  end  stands  the  Commercial  Hotel,  kept  by  Mr.  Ward,  near  to  which  is 
the  bankinff-house  of  Messrs.  Chapman  and  Co.  The  west  side  is  terminated  on  the 
south  by  the  Subscription  Library,  above  which  is  the  theatre,  and  two  spacious 
meeting-houses. 

T3rBe  Street  proceeds  east  from  the  bottom  of  Howard  Street  to  Church  Street, 
and  contains  some  good  shops.  At  the  west  end  is  a  Subscription  News-room,  &ec. 
with  balconies  commanding  an  uninterrupted  view  of  the  entrance  into  the  harbour, 
of  South  Shields,  and  the  river.  Norfolk  Street  branches  northwards  from  Tyne 
Street :  near  to  it  is  an  extensive  rope-walk,  occupied  by  Mr.  Mitcalfe,  of  Preston. 
Stephenson  Stsreet  likewise  runs  off  from  Tyne  Street  towards  Northumberland  Place. 
This  street,  which  was  begun  in  179S,  was  the  first  that  assumed  a  regular  form  in 
this  quarter  of  the  town.  The  south  end  is  open  towards  the  harbour.*  From  the 
extreme  east  end  of  Tyne  Street,  which  is  very  narrow.  Church  Street  stretches  in  a 
north  direction  to  near  the  orchard  waU  of  William  Linskill,  Esq.  whose  rope-walk 
forms  the  west  side  of  the  street 

Dockwray  Souare,  which  was  begun  in  176S,  lies  eastward  from  Church  Street, 
and  was  the  eariiert  ornament  of  consequence  attached  to  this  town.  Three  sides  of 
this  spacious  square  are  filled  with  beautiiul  but  iiregular  buildings,  and  on  the  fourth 
side  stands  the  new,  stately*  and  elegant  light-house.  In  the  centre  of  the  square  is 
an  extensive  area,  embellished  with  a  border  of  odoriferous  shrubs,  and  enclosed  with 
iron  palisades  tastefully  disposed.  This  square  is*  mostly  inhabited  by  opulent 
ship-owners,  and  is  the  principal  promenade  of  the  fashionables  of  Shields.    Toll 

.  *  In  the  year  1810,  the  remains  of  a  human  skeleton  were  dug  up  on  the  bank  side,  near  the  southern 
end  of  Stephenson  Street  An  old  house  had  been  pulled  down  near  the  spot,  in  order  to  enlarge  and  beau- 
tify  the  street,  and  within  a  few  yards  of  its  scite  the  bones  were  discovered :  a  few  years  before,  another 
skeleton  was  dug  up  near  the  same  place.  It  was  believed  this  was  the  old  house  wherein,  in  1705,  the 
Duke  of  Argyle,  then  a  resident  at  Chirton,  received  so  many  bruises  and  wounds  in  a  night  brawl,  or  revel^ 
as  to  occasion  his  death  shortly  thereafter.  It  was  occupied  by  Paphian  nymphs,  and  often  resorted  to  by 
the  noble  duke,  of  pleasurable  and  profligate  memory. 

VOL.  II. — (40)  5  U 


446  CASTLE  WARD.— E.  D. 

Square,  which  is  situated  a  little  to  the  east  of  Dockwrav  Square,  has  a  very  hand- 
some appearance;  the  houses  being  uniform,  and  built  of  hewn  stone.  Before  each 
house  a  neat  parterre  extends  to  near  the  edge  of  the  bank,  from  which  there  is  an 
extensive  I3ea-pix)spect.  Adjoining  this  square  is  Walker  Place,  which  runs  north- 
ward, and  joins  Bird  Street.  This  new  street  has  a  neat  appearance.  Eastward  is 
Percy  Street,  in  which  are  a  few  very  elegant  buildings,  enjoying  an  excellent  pros- 
pect. The  New  Road  joins  this  street,  and  running  westward,  terminates  about  the 
middle  of  Church  Street.  Both  Reed  Street  and  King  Street  run  in  a  north  direc- 
tion from  the  New  Road,  and  terminate  in  a  line  with  Church  Street.  Near  the 
south  end  of  King  Street,  which  communicates  with  Dockwray  Square,  a  large 
commodious  inn  is  situated,  called  the  George  Tavern,  which  contains  several  efe- 
gant  assembly-rooms,  that  are  often  crowded  with  a  gay  assemblage  of  beauty  and 
fashion.  Queen  Street  commences  near  the  western  extremity  of  the  New  Road, 
and  ends  like  the  two  former. 

The  Low  Lights  is  situated  at  the  extremity  of  the  Pow  Dean,  which  separates 
North  Shields  from  Tynemouth.  It  is  composed  of  a  number  of  irregularly  built 
houses,  that  are  not  arranged  into  streets.  At  this  place  ship-building  was  carried  on 
to  a  very  great  extent  a  few  years  ago.  At  the  north  end  is  an  extensive  tan-yard 
belonging  to  Messrs.  William  and  Henry  Richardson;  and  a  little  ftwther  is  the 
Correction-house,  which  stands  in  a  dry  and  airy  situation. 

Near  the  Low  Lights,  and  close  to  the  sea,  is  CliflTord's  Fort.  It  was  built  in 
1672>  at  the  expence  of  government,  and  about  509  square  yards  inclosed  within  the 
walls  of  the  fort.  At  a  httle  distance  from  the  old  light-house  (built  in  1775)  there 
was  anciently  a  fort  of  baskets  filled  with  sand  and  mortar,  with  a  gun  placed  between 
each  basket.  Clifford's  Fort  efffectually  commands  the  entrance  of  the  harbour,  and 
is  constantlv  occupied  by  a  military  guard.  Near  the  fort  is  a  watch-house  for  the 
officers  of  tne  customs,  who  examine  the  shins  that  enter  the  port.  Adjoining  is  an 
handsome  light-house,  and  a  house  for  the  life-boat,*  which  was  presented  to  the 

**  The  dreadful  and  heart-rending  scenes  which  were  frequent! j  exhibitvd  at  the  entranoe  ef  Tynemonth 
Haven  induced  the  subscribers  to  the  New8«room  Law-house,  South  Shields^  in  1799s  to  appoint  a  oommiCteB 
for  the  purpoee  of  obtaining'  models  of  boats  most  proper  Ibr  saving  persons  ftam  wrecked  ehipa.  In  conse- 
quenee  of  dieir  advertiBement,  twx)  models  were  offered  to  thehr  inspectian :  the  one  which  belonged  to  Mr. 
Wouldhave  was  of  tin,  rendered  buoyant  by  cork^  and  incapable  of  being  ovoeet;  the  other  was  brought  by 
Mr.  Greatheady  a  boat4>uildcr^  and  was  made  of  wood>  "  (mi  hmd  no  retembUnux  to  the  life*bb(UJ'  This  latter, 
on  being  submitted  to  the  ordeal  by  water>  floated  bottom  up ;  whilst  the  other  maintaiaed  its  proper  poa*- 
tion.  Both  models  were  rejected :  the  gentlemen  of  the  committee  disapproved  of  Weuldhave'a  plan  -of  a 
copper  boat,  but  gave  him  a  guinea  for  his  trouble ;  Mr.  Grea^ead  received  nothing,  as  it  waa  intended  to 
compensate  him  by  employing  him  to  build  such  a  boat  as  they  should  determine  upon.  Some  time  after, 
Messrs.  Fairless  and  Rock  wood,  two  gentlemen  of  the  committee,  produced  the  model  of  a  cork  boat,  which 
Mr.  Greatliead  was  ordered  to  build.  At  his  suggestion,  a  curved  ked  Was  added,  which  constituted  the 
whole  ctf  his  claim  to  the  invention  !  Yet,  after  the  lapse  of  a  few  years,  he  solicited  the  national  reward  for 
this  useful  discovery,  and  succeeded  to  the  height  of  his  wishes.  Wouldhave,  indeed,  made  some  feeble ' 
efforte  to  enforce  his  claim  to  the  merit  of  the  invention ;  but  in  conseqdence  of  his  poverty,  his  versatility, 
and,  itbove  all,  the  violence  of  his  language,  he  was  not  attended  to.  Several  letters  also  appeared  in  the 
jiewspapers  and  periodical  magazities>  denyingthat  Mr.  Greathead  had  any  right  to  the  honours  and  rewards 
lavished  upon  him;  and  Mr.  Hailes,  a  mathematician  in  Newcastle,  who  is  intimately  acquainted  with  the 


TYNEMOUTH  PARISH.  447 

town  of  North  Shields,  in  1798^  by  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  with  an 
annual  subscription  of  £30  £cn:  its  support.  Between  the  Low  Lights  and  Tyne- 
mouth,  and  at  the  foot  of  the  bank  on  which  the  barracks  are  boilt,  a  strong  wall  was 
erected  above  twenty  years  ago,  in  order  to  prevent  the  rapid  emroachments  of  the 
sea.  A  little  further,  a  coal-pit  was  wrought  within  the  memory  of  some  people  yet 
living ;  but  the  mouth  of  the  pit  is  now  dose  to  the  low«water  mark. 

Besides  the  numerous  streets  before  mentioned  in  Shields,  there  are  several  lanes, 
and  some  detached  clusters  of  buildings,  the  enumeration  of  which  would  be  in  no 
way  interesting.  This  town  certainly  contains  a  great  {proportion  of  noble  and  ele- 
gant houses ;  yet  they  want  those  conveniences,  so  conducive  to  health  and  cleanliness, 
and  which  ought  to-  be  attached  to  every  dwelling-house.  If  every  gentleman's  house 
in  Shields  had  a  communication  with  a  common  sewer,  how  greatly  would  their  value 
'  be  enhanced  ?  Another  circumstance,  not  unworthy  the  attention  of  the  inhabitants 
of  this  opulent  town,  may  be  noticed :  we  allude  to  the  want  of  public  privies,  which 
is  a  serious  inconvenience,  especially  to  ihe  poorer  dass,  and  occasions  the  continual 
exhibition  of  such  disgusting  scenes  in  many  parts  of  the  town  as  must  shock  the 
delicacy  of  every  passenger  of  common  decency.  The  necessity  for  a  practice  so  ini- 
mical to  public  morals,  so  inconsistent  with  our  national  character,  and  so  disgraceful 

principles. of  marine  architecture^  also  published  a  pftmphlet  in  vindication  of  the  claims  of  the  ingenious  in- 
ventor. But  Mr.  Greathead  seemed  content  in  the  enjoyment  of  his  £  1200^  his  gold  medals,  his  diamond 
rings,  &c.  and  could  not  be  provoked  to  make  a  direct  reply. 

Mr.  Hailes  affirms,  that  Wouldhave's  model  embraced  the  two  essential  properties  of  the  life-boat,  viz. 
buoyancy,  and  capacity  of  always  floating  with  the  convex  surface  below;  and  that  the  addition  of  a  curved, 
keel  is  an  error  in  the  construction^  and  the  only  deviation  which  Mr.  Greathead  has  ventured  to  make  from- 
it.  He  also  conceives  that  Nicholas  Fairies,  Esq.  (whose  attention  to  the  constractien  ef  the  li^boat  cannot 
be  sufficiently  praised)  can  have  no  proper  claims  to  priority  of  invention,  as  his  model  had  all  the  peculiar 
properties  of  the  one  exhibited  by  Mr.  W^ouldhave,  at  the  commencement  of  the  business.  However  thia 
may  be,  certain  it  is  that  Mr.  Greathead  pocketed  the  fruits  of  the  invention  very  unjustly.  Mr.  Fairies  re* 
fined  to  sign  his  oeitifiiMte,  and  fteely  confesaad  that  Greathead's  mod^  did  not  "  veaemble  the  life^boat." 
Wouldhave  compared  it  to  ''a  butcher's  tray,  or  a  tailor's  lap-board." 

WilHam  Wouldhave  was  a  native  of  North  l^ields^  where  he  served  his  apprantieeahip  to  a  painter.  He 
was  distinguished  for  his  fertility  of  invention  and  eccentricity  of  mannera;  but -the  vevsatiiity  of  hie  mind 
prevented  him  from  rising  in  the  world.  Gay  and  careless,  he  cared  not  for  to-morrow.  When  some  of  his 
iViends  blamed  himYor  leaving  his  model  of  Uie  life-boat  at  the  Law-house,  when  the  committee  seemed  resolved 
not  to  adjudge  him  the  reward,  he  replied,  "  Never  mind,  never  mind ;  I  know  they  have  sense  enough  to  adopt 
the  good  properties  of  my  model;  and  though  I  am  poor,  if  they  refuse  to  gi^e  me  the  reward,  I  shall  stilly 
have  the  satisfaction  of  being  instrumental  in  saving  the  lives  of  some  of  my  fellow-creatures."  Indeed,  he 
never  thought  of  claiming  any  other  x'eward.  "  Alvray s  employed,''  says  Mr.  Hailes,  "  yet  always  changing 
the  employment.  Sometimes  arguing  on  music  with  the  organist,  and  philosophizing  at  other  times  with  a 
keelman.  As  honest  as  he  is  poor,  and  almost  as  communicative  as  he  is  ingenious,  he  contented  himself 
with  the  idea  of  being  allowed  to  be  the  inventor  by  all  the  unprejudiced  inhabitants  of  Sfaidds."  His  me- 
chanical genius  was  often  usefully  employed.  He  suggested  an  important  improvement  in  the  buikiing  of 
docks ;  and  he  weighed  np  a  ship  that  had  been  sunk,  and  was  abandoned,  at  the  month  of  the  harbour. 
He  amused  himself  by  constructing  various  curious  instruments,  amongst  which  were  an  organ,  a  dock,  and 
an  electrical  machine.  He  was  many  years  derk  of  St.  Hilda's  chape),  at  South  fields  ;  and  died,  poor  and 
neglected,  on  September  2S,  18^,  in  the  70th  year  of  his  age. 


448  CASTLE  WAKD— E.  D. 

to  the  place,  ought  immediately  to  be  removed.  The  numerous  and  liberal  gentle* 
men  of  this  place,  aided  by  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Northumberland,  might  easily 
effect  this  desirable  object. 

It  was  once  in  agitation  to  apply  to  parliament  for  power  to  make  the  Low  Street 
more  commodious,  by  rendering  ihe  acute  angles  more  obtuse,  removing  projections 
of  all  kinds,  and  forming  recesses  for  the  convenience  of  carriages  passing  each  other ; 
but  on  calculating  the  probable  costs,  it  was  deemed  prudent  to  defer  we  execution 
of  the  scheme  t^  a  more  propitious  period.  It  has  also  been  suggested,  that  the 
town  might  be  much  improved  by  building  an  open  quay  in  a  straight  line  from  the 
New  Quay  to  Mitcalfe's  dry  dock,  and  from  thence  to  the  staith  at  the  Low  Lights. 
A  quay,  with  a  fine  broad  carriage-road,  called  Union  Way,  has  lately  been  formed, 
connecting  tiie  eastern  end  of  the  Low  Street  with  the  bridge  over  the  Fow  Bum  at 
the  Low  Lights.  The  corporation  of  Newcastle  subscribed  to  this  useful  improve- 
ment.* It  was  once  intenaed  to  attempt  the  procuring  a  lamp  and  watch  act ;  but 
the  scheme  was  abandoned,  in  consequence  of  the  inequality  of  the  parish-rates  in  the 
townships  of  North  Shields  and  Tynemoutii. 

The  Dissenters  of  this  town  are  very  numerous,  and  possess  several  elegant  and 
commodious  places  of  worship.  The  iSbote  Churchy  in  Howard  Street,  is  a  handsome 
stone  structure,  erected  by  Mr.  Dobson,  architect.  It  was  opened  for  divine  service, 
by  the  Rev.  W.  Knox,  on  the  17th  of  November,  1811.  After  the  deatii  of  Mr, 
Knox,  the  congregation  divided ;  and  the  minority,  who  seceded,  built  the  large  and 
elegant  chapel  of  St  Andrews^  in  Cambden  Street.  It  was  first  opened  for  service 
on  the  15th  of  Februarv,  1818,  by  the  Rev.  John  Wilson,  A.  M.  It  is  lighted  by 
gas,  and  is  adorned  with  a  beautiful  chandelier.  The  congregation  presented  Alex- 
ander Creighton,  Esq.  with  an  degant  and  massive  silver  vase,  as  a  memorial  of  their 
gratitude  for  his  exertions  in  the  erection  of  this  chapeL  The  Rev.  —  Stowell  is  the 
present  minister.  The  United  Secession^  formerly  the  Antiburghers,  have  a  conve- 
nient meeting-house  in  Norfolk  Street.  The  Methodic  Chapel^  in  Howard  Street,  is 
a  spacious  building,  capable  of  holding  about  2000  persons.  The  Methodists  belong- 
ing to  the  New  Cannexian  occupy  the  Law  Chapel,}  on  the  bank  side,  below  Church 

*  Mr.  Rooke^  an  ingenious  painter  in  North  Shields^  haa  drawn  a  large  plan  of  the  town  from  actoal  ad- 
measurement, which  he  intends  to  publish,  if  properly  encouraged. 

t  The  Rev.  John  Lomax,  M*  A.  being  ejected  by  the  Act  of  Uniformity  in  1662,  came  to  North  Shields^ 
where  he  preached,  and  practised  physic  and  surgery.  He  also  kept  an  apothecary's,  shop,  there  being  then 
no  other  in  the  place.  There,  is  a  baker's  shop,  a  little  below  the  Wooden  Bridge,  where  are  some  architect 
tural  remains  that  seem  to  indicate  that  a  chapel  has  been  there,  and  which  some  have  conjectured  might 
have  been  erected  by  Mr.  Lomax  (for  an  account  of  whom  see  History  of  Newcastle).  But  the  Low  Chapel 
is  the  oldest  known  place  of  worship  bdonging  to  Dissenters  in  North  Shields ;  though  no  account  can  be 
obtained  of  when  it  was  built.  Dr.  Watson,  who  is  above  SO  years  of  age,  recollects  the  following  ministers 
in  his  time,  viz.— 1.  The  Rev.  Mr.  Richardson;  2.  Mr.  Wilkinson;  3.  John  Dean,  who  continued  from  176I 
to  1767*  And  then  went  to  Bradford,  in  Yorkshire;  4.  Mr.  Robinson;  5.  Mr.  Machoniche;  6.  Mr.  Smith; 
7.  Mr.  Girl ;  8.  Mr.  Pollock.  Aboat  a  dosen  c^  Mr.  Wilkinson's  hearers,  who  thought  him  not  sufficiently 
orthodox,  withdrew  from  his  ministry,  and  took  a  room  near  the  west  end  of  the  town,  where  the  Rev.  James 
Rea,  from  Annan,  in  Scotland,  preached  to  them,«and  to  whom  they  gave  a  call  and  built  the  High  Meeting. 
He  was  ordained  minister  by  the  Newcastle  pmbytery,  June  13,  17^9*    Hia  congregation  rapidly  increased. 


TYNEMOUTH  PARISH,  449 

Street,  and  which,  during  the  ministration  of  Mr.  Pollock,  belonged  to  the  Unitarians. 
The  Independent  Metkcdists  have  a  chapel  at  the  head  of  the  town,  which  formerly 
belonged  to  the  Presbyterians.  Above  50  years  ago,  the  Methodists  built  a  chapel 
on  the  summit  of  the  bank,  nearly  opposite  the  theatre ;  but,  after  some  time  had 
elapsed,  it  was  discovered  that  some  encroadiments  had  been  made  on  the  ground 
belonging  to  the  Earl  of  Carlisle,  who,  of  course,  demanded  a  small  acknowledgment 
from  the  trustees  :  this  proposal  was,  however,  pertinaciously  rejected,  and,  the  case 
being  brought  before  a  court  of  justice,  the  earl's  right  was  established,  who  took 
possession  of  the  whole  building.  It  was  then  let  to  the  Presbyterians,  but  is  now 
occupied  by  the  Banters^  or  Prmitwe  MethodieU.  Both  the  Baptists  and  Quakers 
have  a  meeting-house  in  Stephenson  Street.  The  latter  formed  a  religious  commu- 
nity here  so  early  as  the  year  1650.  The  Jews  have  a  Synagogue  on  the  declivity  of 
the  bank  upon  which  Tyne  Street  is  built.  The  Roman  Catholie  Chapel  stands  at 
the  head  of  Bedford  Street,  adjoining  the  turnpike  road  from  Tynemouth  to  New- 
castle. It  is  an  elegant  Gothic  edifice,  and  the  interior  is  fitted  up  with  great  neat- 
ness and  propriety.  It  <Was  opnened,  June  14,  1821,  by  the  Right  Rev,  Thomas 
Smith,  bishop  of  Bolina,  and  vicar  apostolic  of  the  northern  district,'  assisted  by  a 
number  of  Catholic  clergymen.  The  priest  who  ofiiciates  here,  the  Rev.  Thomas 
Gillow,  has  a  handsome  stone  house  adjoining  the  chapel. 

North  Shields  can  boast  of  a  number  of  benevolent  establishments  for  lessening  the 
evils  attending  age  and  poverty,  and  for  instructing  the  rising  generation.  The  in- 
habitants have  also  shewn  a  taste  for  fashionable  amusements  ana  literary  recreations ; 
and  they  possess  all  the  principal  religious  estabbshmaits  that  are  to  be  found  in 
other  populous  towns.  The  first  regular  theatre  in  this  town  was  opened  by  Mr. 
Cawdell,  November  5,  1783,  under  whose  management  the  present  theatre  was 
opened,  January  8,  1798.  It  is  a  neat  bride  builmng,  at  the  eastern  extremity  of 
Union  Street.  The  interior  is  handsome  and  convenient ;  and,  when  crowded,  the 
receipts  are  nearly  £  60.    The  present  managers  are  Messrs.  Hillington  and  Bland. 

The  Subseriptian  Library  was  established  in  1808,  partly  through  the  im wearied 
exBtions  of  the  late  Mr.  W.  Richardson.*    The  foundation-stone  of  the  elegant 

After  labouring  faithfblly  amongst  his  flock  for  the  space  of  44  years,  he  died  June  20^  IB03,  aged  7^  years. 
He  was  remarkably  frank,  cheerful,  and  unaflfected  in  his  manners.  The  Rev.  Walter  Knox,  from  Lilliesleaf^ 
Rokburghshire,  was  ordained  assistant  and  successor  to  the  former,  April  22,  1801,  and  died  January  13, 
1817.  His  remains  were  accompanied  to  Tynemouth  church^yard  by  a  large  assemblage  of  genuine  mourn- 
ers. A  neat  marble  tablet,  with  appropriate  emblems  and  an  inscription,  was  erected  behind  the  pulpit  in 
his  dmrch,  by  his  congregation,  as  "a  memorial  of  their  high  esteem  for  his  endearing  private  virtues,  and 
of  their  lasting  gratitude  for  his  valuable  public  labours.  Mr.  Knox  was  succeeded  by  a  native  €£  his  own 
place,  the  Rev.  John  Cochrane^  then  minister  of  the  Presbyterian  church  at  Falstone,  in  North  Tyne,  He 
was  ordained  herd  May  29,  1817>  but  translated  to  the  parish  of  Hawick  in  Scotland  in  1825.  The  present 
Minister  is  the  Rev.  Charles  Thompson,  from  Lanarkshire.  He  was  ordained  by  the  presbytery  of  Lanark, 
and  re-ordained  by  that  of  Newcastle,  November  21,  1823. 

*  William  lUchardson,  of  this  place,  was  bom  at  Little  Harle  Well  House,  m  this  parish  df  Rirkwhelping. 

ton,  May  ^&,  I759>  and  whiire  hte  obtained  an  accurate  knowledge  of  local  antiquities,  lind  a  h^h  relish  for 

the  mum,  fton^,  and  tales  of  thb  ancient  Northumbrian  Bordel'ers.    He  was  a  teacheir  hi  his  youth,  and 

kept  school  for  a  few  years  at  Backworth,  in  the  parish  of  Earsdoni    He  neiA  removed  to  North  flhields, 

VOL.  IL  5  X 


450  CAOTLE  WARD^E.  D. 

fitone  building,  erected  by  thig  society  at  the  foot  of  Howard  Street,  was  laid  by  Wil- 
liam Linskill,  Esq.  June  5,  1806;  and  it  was  opened  by  a  concert  of  vocal  and  mili- 
tary music,  November  5,  1807.  The  library-room,  on  the  seoond  floor,  is  very 
elegant,  convenient,  and  pteesaivt.  The  subscribers,  which  formerly  amounted  to 
200,  have  now  dwindled  down  to  ISO.  Each  subscriber  pays  one  gninfea  ailnnally, 
and  may  dispose  of  his  share  bv  sale,  free  gift,  will,  or  descent ;  but  if  hi^  swccessof 
be  not  approved  of  by  ballot,  ne  may  dispose  of  his  interest  to  some  other  persori. 
The  officers  are,  a  president,  vice-president,  treasurer,  and  ^  committee  of  twelve 
members.  Mrs.  Wilkinson,*  the  librarian,  attends  from  ten  o'clock  in  the  morning 
till  one  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and  again  from  six  to  nine  o'clock  in  the  evening. 
The  library  may  be  visited  by  the  members  of  the  Literary  and  Philosophical  Society 
of  Newcastle  upon  Tyne,  or  by  those  who  belong  to  the  Subscription  Lilntnries  at 
Darlington,  Kelso,  Ayre,  Kilmarnock,  Arbroath,  Dundee,  Perth,  Greenock,  Paisley, 
Coldstream,  and  Dunse.  The  privilege  is  reciprocal.  There  is  an  excellent  clock  at 
the  south  end  of  the  library.  The  dial-face  next  the  ritt^r  is  16  feet  in  diameter,  so 
as  to  render  it  useful  to  the  shipping.  Its  bell  is  a  semi-glttbe  of  seven  cwt.  and  the 
strokes  can  be  distinctly  heard  at  the  distance  of  two  miles. 

where  he  practised  as  a  notary  pubHc  far  the  long  period  of  S4  jeara,  and  became  seortflry  .to  several 
of  the  Manno  Insurance  Clabs  of  die^  port  of  Tyne.  He  might  indeed  be  styled  the  eye  of  the 
flipping  intereat^  its  watdlfbl  guardian^  and'  ready  advocate.  But  he  was  not  a  mere  man  of  bu- 
BmesB  only;  for  hia  powerftil  mind  and'  able  pen  were  always  ready  to  aid  any  patriotic,  usefUl,  o¥ 
philanthropic  undertaking.  His  oorreflpondbaoe  was  knost  extensive^  and  the  ease  and  rapidity  ^ith  whic^ 
he  conducted  it  were  truly  aatonishing.  Ho  contributed  to  ei^Uven  the  pages  di  seveml  periodhsai  pubii^a^ 
tioaa,  and  waa  an  attentive  and  uoeful  oomapondent  to  some  provincial  neivspapers.  Hdtapur^  and  variM^ 
other  specimens  of  his  poetic  tidents  mid  ondquavian  icnowledge,  were  privately  civcukted  amongst  his 
friends.  His  Description  of  Croft  Spa  <)btained  some  oelebvitgr  ^  **  but  h^  h»t  publishfd  w^rlcj  a  translatioii 
of  Anacreon/'  says  a  writer  in  the  Newcastle  Couraat. ''  gives  the  luscious  strains  <^  the  bafd  of  Teos  in  such 
chaste,  smooth,  and  elegant  verse,  9a  places  Mr.  JL  amoilgist  ti^  dasacs  of  his  country,  and  would  hi|ve  4one 
honour  to  the  Clarendon  press  of  Oxford."  In  July,  1824,  the  Dilettimti  Club,  at  Whitburn,  near  Sunder- 
land, presented  this  reviver  of  the  L3n:ic  Odes  o£  Anacreon  with  a  valuable  Caim-Gorum  seal,  richly  set  in 
gold,  and  containing  an  engraving  of,  the  Grecaan  bard,  as  a  memorial  of  their  deep  regard.  In  aooieCy,  Mr. 
JL  was  a  cheerful  and  instructive  companion,  and  his  loss  has  been  much  regretted  in  this  populous  town. 
He  died  suddenly,  while  siuing  at  his  desk,  on  August  29,  1824,  agied  6S  years.  He  haa  left  eleven  addi- 
tional cantoa  of  Hotspuiv  with  many  curious  illustrative  notes»  It  deserves  notice,  that  he  was  a  very  early 
riser,  which  gave  him  the  opportunity  of  lessening  the  cares  of  an  eiitensive  busineas  by  the  eiyf^yments  of 
literature.  His  numerous  friends,  by  a  small  subscription  from  each^  are  raising  the  means  of  wectiiig  ft  mo- 
nument to  his  memory. 

*  Robert  Wilkinson,  the  late  librarian,  was  bom  at  Newton  on  the  Moor,  in  April,  1769..  He  was  mostly 
educated  at  Norham,  and  early  in  youth  displayed  great  skill  in  mathematical  science,  as  is  testified  by  his 
productions  in  the  Diaries  and  other  periodical  publications.  His  calculations,  oflen  made  without  putting 
pen  to  paper,  were  very  astonishing.  His  poetic  compositions  also  possess  considerable  merit.  He  Was  derk 
to  Mr.  £dward  Brown,  corn-merchant,  of  this  place,  for  the  qpace  of  14  years,  after  whidi  he  made  an  un- 
successful attempt  in  business.  After  this,  be  became  an  Arbitrator,  and  was  much  esteemed  fbr  his  know- 
ledge and  integrity.  During  the  war,  he  served  as  seijeant^major  in  the  North  Shields  Volunteers.  He 
died  May  11,  1818,  aged  4S  years. 


TYNEMOUTH  PARISH.  451 

The  Dtspensary,  in  Church  Street,  wiis  kiistituted  in  1802,  under  the  patronage  of 
the  Duke  of  Northumberland.  It  is  supported  bjr  bequests,  donations,  and  annual 
subscriptions.  From  the  commencement,  to  Apnl,  182S,  when  the  last  report  was 
printed,  10,803  patients  were  admitted  to  this  charity,  besides  4594  that  were  Tae* 
einated.  The  funds  are  not  at  present  in  a  flourishing  state.  Dr.  Charlton  is  physi* 
cian ;  Messrs.  Trotter,  Shields,  Gfeeniirow,  and.Bramweli,  surgeons ;  and  Mr.  Stnpart, 
apothecary,  to  this  most  useful  imtftitation.  Tliere  is  alsD  a  charity  for  poor  lyiig^n 
married  women. 

The  Royal  Jubilee  School  is  a  neat  brick  building,  on  the  north  side  of  the  turn* 

Eike,  nearly  opposite  the  termination  of  Bedfwd  Street.  The  foundation-stone  was 
lid  by  j^ohn  Scott,  Esq.  June  31, 1810.  Theoentre  building  contains  a  lai^  school* 
room  for  boys,  and  another  for  girls :  the  master's  dwelllng4iouse  is  at  one  end,  and 
the  mistress's  at  the  other.  The  mastei^s  sakiry  is  £70  per  annum,  to  which  a  gra- 
tuity is  soYnetimes  added.  He  has,  on  an  average,  200  boys  to  teadi.  This  school* 
is  supported  by  annual  subscriptions,  and  is  under  the  patronage  of  the  Duke  of 
Northumberland.  The  other  institution,  called  the  School  of  Inausfyy^  is  supported 
fey  the  ladies  in  a  similar  manner,  the  Duchess  of  Northumberland  being  patroness* 
It  is  at  present  attended  by  75  girls,  who  m*e  educated  and  furnished  with  a  neat 
Sunday  dress.  The  subscriptions,  in  1884,  amounted  to  £81,  18^. ;  and '£5,  18«.  8^. 
was  received  for  work.  ^  Formerly,  above  £60  have  been  received  for  work  in  one 
year ;  but  now  the  girls  are  mostly  employed  by  their  patronesses,  which  alteration 
in  the  rules  was  adopted  ii)  order  that  €»ch  lady  should  keep  such  scholars  as  she  re* 
commends '  under  her  own  immediate  observation.  The  mistress'  salary  is  £40  per 
annum.  This  \tsefiil  institution  is  mudi  indebted  to  the  unwearied  and  judicious 
exertions  of  Mi^s  Hntchhison.  There  are  several  Sunday-schools,  conducted  with 
much  zeal  and  success ;  and  a  number  of  cbay^chools.  Some  of  the  masters  are  able 
teachers  of  the  mathematics,  particularly  of  navigation.!    By  the  returns  lately  made 

•  Thomas  Kettlewell,  Esq.  of  Wdlker  Place,  in  this  town,  died  in  September,  1S24,  and  left  the  whole  of 
his  property  (with  the  exception  of  a  few  trifling  legacies)  to  charitable  uses.  The  greater  part  he  bequeath^ 
for  the  erection  and  endowment  of  a  charity-school  for  orphans,  children  of  cripples,  &c.  in  the  parish  of 
Tyncmouth.  In  choosing  a  master,  a  cripple,  properly  qualified,  is  to  have  the  preference.  The  school  is  to 
be  built  at  the  head  of  Reed  Street ;  and  it  is  calculated  that,  afler  its  erection,  a  ftmd  of  between  5  and 
£6000 will  remain  for  its  endowment. 

t  James  Pringle,  an  able  'loathemattcian,  was  a  natiTe  of  North  Shields.  His  father  was  a  seaman ;  but  he 
"was  principally  brought  up  by  an  ande,  who  occupied  a  mill  and  farm  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Cambo,  10 
this  county,  and  where  he  received  the  small  share  of  education  he  obtained  in  the  years  1 769  and  1770.  He 
was  almost  self-taught,  as  his  acquirementa  in  the  French,  Latin,  and  Greek  languages  testi^ed.  Here  he 
was  distinguished  as  a  most  successful  teacher  for  the  long  period  of  5S  years,  in  a  ecbool-room  that  he  never 
changed.  His  profound  knowledge  of  madiematies,  and  unoommon  expertness  in  making  observations,  rendered 
him  an  able  instructor  in  the  science  of  Navigation.  He  died,  after  a  very  short  illnesa,  on  Monday,  April  S, 
1 824,  aged  71  years,  in  the  same  house  in  whidi  he  was  born;  He  corresponded  with  die  lale  Dr.  Charles  Hot- 
ton,  Mr.  M.  Taylor,  formerly  of  Marley  Ifill,  county  of  Durham,  and  other  scientific  chttacters.  It  is  said  that 
Kvhen  on  a  visit  at  the  Royal  Observatory,  the  Astronomer  Royal,  Nevil  Maskelyne,  L.  L.  D.  wished  him  to 
aee  Dr.  Herschel's  telescopes,  and  for  that  purpoae  gave  ham  reeommeiidatiiry  letters.  Qn  arriving  at  Sleugh, 
in  Buckinghamshire,  the  doctor  happened  not  to  be  at  home,  and  he  never  exhibited  his  letters  to  the  doctor's 


452  CASTLE  WARD.— E.  D. 

« 

to  the  Newcastle  Sunday  School  Unic»]»  2184f  children  attend  day-schools  in  this 
town,  and  1097  belong  to  Sunday-schools. 

The  preceding  sketch  will  shew  with  what  amazing  rapidity  this  place  has,  in  re** 
cent  times,  risen  into  consequence ;  though,,  during  many  ages,  it  consisted  of  only  a 
few  huts,  or  SheeUngs^  whose  inhabitants  we^e  allowed  to  sdl  neither  bread  nor  beer. 
But  'Hhe  river  dragon"  has  lost  much  of  his- power  of  onpressing;  and  the  two  eUh 
cf  Shields  enjoy  many  advantages  from  their  fine  natural  narbour*  It  is  calculated  to 
hold  2500  sail  of  ships ;  and  in  spring  tides,  vessels  of  500  tons  burthen  can  pass  with 
safety.  The  shipping  of  this  jwrt  amounts  to  nearly  800 ;  but  North  Shields  pos- 
sesses the  greatest  share.  It  has  indeed  been  calculated,  that  were  the  rates  of  the 
shipping  of  the  Tyne  divided  into  eleven  shares,  it  would  be  found  that  this  place 
possesses  five  parts.  South  Shields  four  parts,  and  Newcastle  two  parts.  There  are 
thirteen  dry  docks  in  this  harbour,  each  of  which  has  extensive  yards  for  ship-building. 
During  the  late  war,  30  good  ships  were  annually  built ;  but  this  business  is  mostfy 
carriett  on  in  South  Shields.  Some  of  the  largest  vessels  are  employed  in  the  private 
trade  to  the  East  Indies,  and  a  great  number  sail  every  spring  to  North  America  and 
the  Baltic.  In  the  year  1778,  the  Union  Ship  Insurance  Company  was  established 
in  North  Shields.  Since  that  time,  many  associations  for  the  mutual  insurance  of 
each  other's  vessels^  without  the  payment  of  a  premium,  have  been  formed.  During 
the  late  war,  nine  of  these  associations  insured  the  vessels  of  their  members,  against 
risk  bv  sea,  capture,  &c.  to  the  amount  of  £  747,000  :  the  value  of  the  vessels  insured 
would  exceed  this  sum  10  per  cent.  A  similar  mode  of  insurance  is  adopted  with 
respect  to  freights  and  cargoes.  In  1816,  the  merchants  and  ship-owners  of  this  port 
made  a  vigorous  effort  to  obtain  the  establishment  of  a  custom-house  in  North  Shields* 
This  was  as  strenuously  opposed  by  the  oorpcnration  and  inhabitants  of  Newcastle ; 
and,  after  many  conferences  with  ms  majesty's  ministers,  it  was  finally  determined, 
by  the  lords  of  the  treasury,  that  masters  of  colliers  might  be  permitted  to  sign  the 
coast  bond  at  Shields.  Formerly,  goods  directed  to  the  merchants  and  shop-keepers 
here  were  carried  to  Newcastle  by  nie  London  traders,  and  then  returned  down  the 
river  at  considerable  risk  and  expence.  But,  in  1808,  Mr.  Joseph  Scott,  of  North 
Shields,  wharfinger,  established  regular  traders  for  the  conveyance  of  goods  to  this 
place. 

The  dangers  attending  navigation  at  the  entrance  of  this  harboxu*  were  formerly 
much  increased  by  the  injudicious  situation  of  the  leading  lights.     This  ivas  so  con- 

aiister,  who  resided  there,  nor  to  those  who  had  the  care  of  the  instruments ;  and  so  came  back  to  London^ 
saying  to  a  friend  there^  that  he  had  only  seen^  over  ai  high  wall,  the  tops  of  the  large  telescopes.  He  de- 
dined,  it  is  added,  an  invitation  to  go  back  again.  It  is  certain  that  the  retired  meekness  of  his  disposition 
prevented  him  from  stepping  forward  in  life ;  and  his  roodebt,  or  rather  abashed  habits,  intervened  between 
him  and  the  many  opportunities  gratuitously  offered  for  his  promotion.  He  was  for  22  ye^srs  vice-treasurer 
to  the  North  Shields  Subscription  Library ;  and  was^  at  his  death,  the  oldest  member  but  one  of  the  School- 
masters'  Association  in  Newcastle. 

Thomas  Leybum,  at  present  one  of  the  most  able  mathemadcians  in  England,  was  a]^renticed  to  a 
linen  draper  in  this  town  ;  but  he  soon  raised  himself  into  notice  by  his  genius.  He  is  editor  of  the  Ma-* 
thematical  Repository,  and  abo  of  the  Gentlemen's  Diary ;  ail d  professor  of  mathematics  in  the  royal  military 
college  at  Sandhurst  He  has  published  a  new  editicm  of  the  mathematical  part  of  the  Ladies'  Diary,  in 
3  vols*  Svo. 


TYNKMOtJTH  PARISH.  458 

vincingly  stated  by  Mr.  Henry  Taylor,*  of  this  place»  that  at  a  general  meetii^  of 
the  trs^e,  held  on  March  %  1.805,  it  was  unanimously  resolved,  that  the  lights  stood 
too  far  ftom,  and  formed  too  great  an  angle  with,  the  channel ;  and  that  applioaticm 
should  be  made  to  parliament  for  an  act,  for  the  purpose  of  building  two  light-houses, 

*  Henry  Taylor,  a  diatinguidied  philanthrofHst,  flourished  here,  and,  through  a  long  and  active  lile^  ren- 
dered essential  service  to  the  northern  navigation.  He  was  bom  at  Whitby  in  1737)  and  was  one  of  the  early 
friends  of  Uie  celebrated  Captain  Cook.  Aboot  the  13tb  year  of  his  age,  he  went  to  the  sea,  where  he  continued 
2S  years,  12  of  which  he  commanded  ships  mostly  in  the  coal-trade,  that  best  nursery  for  seamen.  After 
the  year  1772  he  was  employed  as  a  ship  and  insurance  broker  in  this  town.  A  few  years  afler  he  had 
settled  on  shore,  he  united  in  society  with  the  people  called  Quakers.  This  benevolent  man  had  long  been 
projecting  schemes  for  alleviating  the  hardships  and  sufierings  of  seamen ;  but  his  sympathy  was  more  than 
ordinarily  excited  by  a  tremendous  storm  that  happened  about  the  close  of  1789,  when  23  ships  were  lost  on 
the  Norfolk  coast,  and  about  300  seamen  perished !  It  was  at  this  momentous  time  that  he  produced  a  plan 
for  making  Hasbro'  Gatt  a  safe  night  passage,  by  placing  two  leading  lights  near  Hasbro'  church,  and  a 
floating  light  at  the  north  end  of  the  Newarp-sand,  with  three  lanterns,  so  that  ships  from  the  eastward  might 
not  mistake  it  for  the  Dudgeon.  This  ingenious  improvement  was  adopted  with  general  approbation.  En- 
couraged by  the  success  of  this  scheme,  he  soon  after  offered  another  plan  for  a  floating  light  at  die  north  end 
of  the  Goodwin-sands,  and  for  removing  that  at  the  North  Foreland  to  Longnose-point ;  but  notwithstanding 
the  great  necessity  and  utility  of  this  measure,  and  the  earnest  solicitations  of  the  ship{Mng  interest  in  tili 
north,  some  time  elapsed  before  it  was  executed. 

Mr.  Taylor,  by  the  advice  of  the  ship-owners  of  this  port,  went  to  London  to  request  of  the  Trinity-boatd 
a  lease  of  the  Goodwin  light  ibr  a  lew  years,  as  a  compensation  for  his  useful  labours.  The  honeonbie 
board,  afler  questioning  his  claim  to  the  invention,  and  asking  a  Hem  flriToloas  questions,  advised  htn,  by  the 
depwty-master,  to  "  go  home,  and  atay  no  longer  in  London  on  eQqwnees  f  Hii  friendsi,  Messrs.  Burden  and 
Wilberforoe,  also  seemed  to  approve  c^his  return,  there  bong  no  probability  that  he  wonld  obtain  the  reoMi* 
aeration  to  which  he  was  entitled. 

In  1798,  Mir.  Taylor  published  instmetieiis  for  managing  ahqw  at  aingle  anchor,  which  was  officially  re- 
eonmended  by  the  Trini^-hottsea  of  London  and  Hull.  This  was  &^wed  by  a  few  general  rules  for  sail- 
ing, and  a  short  address  to  seamen.  During  the  following  year,  he  suggested  an  excellent  scheme  for 
proaaotSBg  tlie  settleaaent  of  differences  among  commercial  gentlemen,  in  consequence  of  which  a  general 
meeting  of  the  aiiip-owners,  merchants,  and  underwriters  of  the  port  of  Newcastle,  was  held  on  the  20th  of 
June,  179^ ;  when  an  association  was  formed,  under  the  denomination  of  the  Newcastle  upon  Tyne  Company 
for  general  Arbitration,  In  drawing  up  the  rules  and  regulations  of  this  useful  institution,  Mr.  Taylor  was 
kindly  assisted  hy  the  Rev.  William  Turner,  of  Newcastle.  At  length  it  became  so  popular,  that,  strange  to 
relate,  its  own  popularity  destroyed  it !  So  many  persons  were  ambitious  for  the  honour  of  becoming  mem- 
bers of  the  committee,  that  some  of  inferior  knowledge,  judgment,  and  character,  were  too  hastily  admitted 
into  it  The  consequence  was,  that  people  dared  not  trust  Uieir  affairs  to  the  abilities  of  every  member,  and 
the  institution  expired,  after  having  rendered  important  service  to  numerous  individuals  who  had  tried  it 

Mr.  Taylor,  ever  occupied  with  schemes  of  public  utility.  In  the  year  17.95  addressed  the  ship|Mng  intereets 
on  the  necessity  of  a  floating  light  at  the  east  end  of  the  Sunk-sand,  to  facilitate  the  passage  up  and  down  the 
Swin,  and  through  the  King's  GhanneL  This  measure  was  readily  given  into  by  the  trade;  nor  did  the 
Trinky-honse  make  any  objections  to  it 

Thf>iigh  Mr.  Taylor  spent  many  years,  and  no  inconsiderable  part  of  his  property,  in  measures  h^hly  be- 
neflcial  to  the  shipping  and  commercial  interests,  yet  such  was  the  petty  jealousy  and  irrtsialible  infloence  of 
the  Trinity-board,  that  his  parliamentary  friends  were  intimidated  from  proposing  that  he  shoold  be  rewarded. 
At  last,  two  gentlemen,  by  Aeir  personal  intimacy  widi  aome  of  the  acting  ■aembew  of  the  Trimty-honae, 
procured  him  the  paltry  reward  of  £500.    Ailerwards,  the  board  gnuoted  him  £lOO  per  enanin;  and 

VOL.  II.  5  Y 


45*  CASTLE  WARD.— .E.  D- 

removing  obstrucstibns  to  a  conspicuous  view  of  them,  and  for  d0fra3ring  the  expeneei^ 
^  levying  on<?  halfpenny  per  ton  per  annum  on  the  ships  in  the  port  of  Newcastle. 
These  light-houses  have  been  finished  in  the  most  substantial  and  elegant  manner. 

The  Shields  pilots,  from  intermarrying  almost  exclusively  in  each  other's  families, 
form  almost  an  isolated  clan.     "  Their  ability,  as  well  as  steady  courage,  in  the  ma- 
nagerfient  of  vessels  leaving  or  entering  the  port,  is  admirable,  and  has  excited  the 
attention  of  every  officer  of  the  royal  navy  who  has  witnessed  their  exertions."* 
Nearly  8000  seamen  belong  to  this  port,  and  who  are  admitted  to  constitute  the 
very  sinews  of  our  navy.     No  seamen  in  the  world  are  better  fed,  or  more  hardy  and 
intrepid.     Their  abhorrence  of  the  impress  service  is  natural,  and  has  sometimes  hur- 
ried them  into  acts  of  violence.     In  1777,  the  impressed  men  on  board  the  Union 
tender  overpowered  the  crew,  and,  notwithstanding  the  fire  from  the  other  tenders 
and  Clifford's  Fort,  carried  her  out  to  sea.     On  her  arrival  at  Scarborough,  17  men 
quitted  her.     An  armed  party  of  about  500  seamen  also  made  an  inefiectual  attempt 
to  seize  the  Eleanor  tender  in  1793 ;  and  in  the  following  year,  a  desperate  conflict 
took  place  between  the  crew  of  this  vessel  and  the  impressed  men,  some  of  whom 
escaped  ashore.     The  seamen  of  this  place  have  likewise  sometimes  disputes  with 
their  employers  on  account  of  wages,  when  trade  is  subjected  to  very  serious  inter- 
ruptions.    In  1796,  they  were  extremely  riotous;  and  in  1815,  when  the  return  of 
peace  occasioned  a  great  discharge  of  hands  from  the  king's  service,  and  a  diminution 
of  die  trade  of  the  port,  the  determined  and  well-organized  combination  of  the  sea- 
men occasioned  much  alarm.    On  the  20th  of  September,  7000  sailors,  belonging  to 
this  port,  Sunderland,  and  Blyth,  held  a  consultation  on  CuUerooats  sands ;  but  on 
the  S4th  of  October,  they  were  subjected  without  bloodshed,  when  near  200  vessels 
proceeded  to  sea. 

About  the  year  1700,  the  principal  trade  of  Shields  arose  from  the  salt-pans;  but 
since  that  time,  this  branch  or  business  has  been  gradually  decreasing,  and  now  there 
are  but  two  salt  manufacturers  remaining.  There  are  five  roperies,  some  of  them 
very  extensive,  where  great  quantities  of  ropes  and  cordage  are  manufiictUTed.  There 
are  also  many  block-makers,  boat-builders,  sail-makers,  and  anchor  and  chsdn  cable 
makers ;  aiid,  by  a  late  enumeration,  there  were  about  50  inns  and  public  houses,  11 
master  bakers,  41  grocers  and  tea-dealers,  13  linen  and  woollen  drapers,  19  boot  and 
shoe  makers,  11  tailors,  17  cabinet  makers,  and  13  jpainters  and  glaziers.  It  also  ap- 
pears  that  no  less  than  10  pawnbrokers  find  business  in  this  pfece.  To  supply  the 
consumption  of  the  town  and  shipping,  there  are  five  breweries,  besides  those  in  the 
neighbourhood.  There  is  an  extensive  steam-mill  for  grinding  com  at  the  high  end 
of  the  town,  and  another  near  the  New  Quay.  The  other  manufactures  here  have 
been  noticed  in  the  general  account  of  the  county. 

the  corporation  and  Trinity^house  of  Newcastle  also  presented  him  with  each  £lOO  for  his  meritonous  ser« 
vices.  After  struggling  with  many  pecuniary  difficulties^  he  died  on  February  80,  1 888,  aged  85  years.  In 
ISll,  this  venerable  man  published  his  own  life,  under  the  title  of  ''Memoirs  of  the  principal  Events  in  the 
Life  of  Henry  Taylor,  of  North  Shields,"  8vo. 

*  The  question  respecting  the  deterioration  of  the  harbour  will  be  examined  in  treating  of  the  conservatQCw 
ship  of  the  Tyne. — See  HUtwy  of  N^vctutle, 


TYNEMOUTH  PARISH.  455 

• 

Formerly,  this  town,  in  dry  seasons,  suffered  great  inconvenience  from  a  scarcity  of 
water;  but,  in  1786,  a  water-work  company  was  incorporated  by  act  of  parliament 
for  supplying  the  inhabitants  and  shipping  with  this  necessary  article.  Extensive 
gas-worKs  have  also  been  erected  at  the  Liow  Lights ;  and  on  October  19f  1830,  the 
inhabitants  were  enabled  to  enjoy  the  benefits  of  this  brilliant  discovery.  The  gas- 
pipes  aire  laid  as  far  up  as  Milbum  Place.  In  short.  Shields  seems  to  possess  every, 
thmg  necessary  to  the  comfort  and  health*  of  its  inhabitants,    ^h  -  t^  u^  (^  i/t  c  rr,  -  *    ^  >  • 

From  the  intimate  connection  that  subsists  between  North  and  South  Shields,'  a 
great  number  of  boats  with  passengers  are  continually  passing  and  repassing  on  the 
river.  But  the  passage  is  often  disagreeable,  and  sometimes  dangerous.  It  was  once 
proposed  to  form  a  tunnel  below  the  river,  for  the  passage  of  people,  carriages,  and 
cattle ;  but  a  chain  bridge,  similar  to  the  one  thrown  across  the  Tweed  by  Captidn 
S.  Brown,  R.  N.  is  at  present  the  favourite  project.  It  is  proposed  to  commence  this 
aerial  erection  at  St.  David's  Mount,  near  the  Library,  and  to  make  it  of  a  sufficient 
height  above  the  water  to  admit  ships  to  sail  underneath  without  striking  their  masts ! 

The  poor-house  stands  in  a  fine  airy  situation,  lat  a  short  distance  north  of  the 
church.  Formerly,  the  poor  were  let  by  the  head ;  but  this  disgraceful  and  inhuman 
practice  was  finally  abolished,  by  an  unanimous  resolution  of  the  inhabitants,  on  Oc- 
tober 25,  1808,  when  a  committee  was  formed,  to  render  this  house  a  comfortable 
receptacle  for  the  poor  widow,  the  disti^essed  orphan,  and  for  impotent  old  a^e.  It 
contains  at  present  88  inmates,  who  are  maintained  by  their  different  townships  at 
the  cost  of  about  3s.  9d.  per  head  per  week.  They  consist  chiefly  of  aged  and  infirm 
people.  Their  earnings,  last  year,  amounted  to  £S5.  In  1810,  there  were  146  poor 
m  the  house,  whose  support  in  one  year  cost  £19S0,  15«.  lOd, 

There  are  some  well-conducted  benefit-societies  in  this  place.  The  Grood  Intent, 
consisting  of  master  mariners  and  others,  is  in  a  flourishing  state.  It  was  established 
in  1799,  consists  of  800  m^nbers,  and  tl^  funds  at  present  amount  to  £3137»  19^.  id. 
An  association,  called  the  ^'  Seamens'  Loyal  Standard,"  for  the  mutual  relief  of  sailors, 
belonging  to  North  Shields  and  its  vicinity^  and  their  families,  in  cases  of  shipwreck, 
sickness,  superannuation,  and  death,  commenced  October  5,  1824,  and  consists  of 
above  2000  members,  who  contribute  above  £  150  monthly  to  the  fund.  This  asso- 
ciation is  viewed  with  some  degree  of  jealousy  by  the  ship-owners.  In  a  letter  from 
the  members  to  Lord  Keith,  dated  January  25,  1825,  they  state  having  paid,  since  the  v 
association  was  formed,  £  850  in  cases  of  shipwi-eck.  ^ 

Considering  the  trade  and  population  of  this  place,  many  cases  must  necessarily 
occur  which  require. the  interference  of  a  magistrate.  Accordingly,  two  or  three  jus- 
tices meet  at  the  George  Tavern  every  Tuesday  to  transact  business.  A  court  is  also 
held  twice  in  the  year  for  the  recovery  of  small  debts,  to  attend  which  a  very  great 
number  of  summonses  are  issued. 

At  a  short  distance  north  from  Chiu*ch  Street,  and  adjoining  the  tumpike^road^i 
stands  Tynemouth  Lodge^  the  seat  of  William  Linskill,  Esq.  who  was  high  sheriff  of 
Northumberland  in  1808,  and  who,  during  the  late  war,  commanded  the  North 
Shields  Volunteers.    This  mansion-house  is  an  elegant  brick  building,  delightftilly 

*  There  are  many  instances  of  longevity  in  North  Shields.    Ana  Turner,  -who  died  November  99*  1805, 
had  reached  her  105th  year. 


4«6  CASTLE  WARD— E  D. 

sitoatod,  surrdunded  hj  fine  pfeasure-^ptHinds  and  plantations,  and  oomnianding  an 
eKtennre  marine  and  rural  prospect  The*  road  is  now  made  to  pass  this  mansicm- 
house  in  a  direet  line  eastward  to  Tynemouth,  and  is  carried  over  the  Pow  or  SpUile 
Dean  by  means  of  a  lai^e  nunind  of  ballast.* 

f 
Chirtqn,  sumosed  to  have  had  its  name  from  having  been  the  scite  of  a  Bxmian 
fort,  adjoins  Smelds  on  the  ncnrth  and  the  west  The  village  is  situated  on  Uie  tum« 
pike  road  leading  ftom  Newcastle  to  Shields,  and  is  distant  about  a  mile  in  a  west- 
north-west  i&ection  from  the  latter  place.  It  has  been  greatly  enlarged  stnoe 
CoUingwood  Main  Colliery  commenced,  and  now  contains  four  public  houses.  Be* 
hind  the  village  is  an  elegant  mansion,  which,  on  the  death  of  die  proprietor,  Edward 
CoUingwood,  Esq.  devcHved  to  his  cousin.  Admiral  Lord  Collin^ood,  whose  lady, 
&om  that  p^iod  to  the  death  of  his  lordship,  resided  in  it.  It  is  now  the  moperty 
oi  this  kN*dship*s  brother,  John  Collingwood,  Esq.f  About  50  yards  west  from  this 
seat  stood  the  neat  and  d^ant  mansion  of  Adam  Mansfield  Lawson  de  Cardonndl, 
Esq.  who  was  high  shemP  of  Northumberland  in  1796.  The  seat  and  estate,  for  a 
succession  of  years,  was  the  property  of  a  branch  of  the  Lawson  family,  which  be- 
coming extinct,  it  devolved  by  will  on  Mr.  Cardonnell^  who  was  permitted  to 
assume  the  name  of  Lawson.  This  gentleman,  on  obtaining  the  property,  made 
many  spirited  improvements.  He  repaired  the  hall,  which  was  mouloering  to  decay, 
|ilanted  shrubberies,  enlarged  the  gardens,  and  walled  in  the  pleasure-grounds.  But 
m  1811,  he  began  to  pull  down  tiie  house,  and  retired  to  his  seat  at  Cramlington. 
Chirhm  colliery,  called  also  Collingwood  Main,  or  Burdon  Main,  stands  a  short  dis* 
tance  from  the  scite  of  this  old  haU.  It  belongs  to  John  Watson,  Thomas  Robson, 
Matthew  Bdl,  Robert  Bell,  and  Henry  Bell,  Esquii«s.^ 

*  Very  few  remains  of  antiqaity  have  been  fonnd  at  Nortb  ShieUk.  When  polling  down  an  old  Sakem 
houie^  to  form  the  new  Market-pkoe^  a  Jew  found,  amongst  the  rubbishy  a  noble  of  very  pore  geld,  of  Honry 
IV.  date  1399,  and  weight  90  grains.    The  Jew  at  fint  said  that  he  had  found  it  in  South  Slnckb. 

t  For  an  aoooont  of  Lord  Collingwood  and  his  family,  see  the  History  of  New^ssde, 

X  The  following  story  Is  remarkable  :^-"  The  way  Cardonnell  got  this  estate  is  curious.  Being  acquainted  with 
old  Lawson,  he  called  on  him  one  day  ;  when  L.  informed  him  that  he  had  just  been  making  his  will,  and,  to 
pnvent  any  future  litigation,  he  had  entailed  it  on  every  relative  that  he  had  to  his  knowledge,  and  that  in 
14  families  (on  whom  he  had  entailed  it)  there  would  always  he  some  one  to  get  the  estate.  Cardonnell,  after 
some  conversation,  laughingly  told  him  that  he  might  put  him  in  at  the  end  of  the  entail ;  which  the  other> 
seeing  very  little  probability  of  his  getting  any  thing  by  it,  did.  Yet  in  less  than  11  years  after  Lawson's 
death,  the  whole  of  the  above  14  families  became  extinct,  and  Cardonnell  succeeded  to  the  estate^" — JL  Spears 
man'9  MS,  Mr.  Cardonnell  was  a  very  ingenious  man,  and  an  able  antiquary.  He  published  "  Ifumismata 
ScotaSf  at  a  Series  of  Scottish  Coinage  from  the  Reign  of  William  the  Lion  to  the  Union ;"  and  he  was  the 
author  of  **  Picturesque  Antiquities  of  Scotland,"  with  numerous  etchings  executed  by  himself. 

4  1m  ISIS,  the  workmen  employed  in  fbrming  a  water  level  for  the  colUery,  discovered  the  bones  of  a 
human  body,  inclosed  in  flag-stones  set  upon  their  edges,  about  four  feet  below  the  surface,  and  covered  over 
by  others  of  a  similar  doscripliimi.  Tfa€  profligate  Ddce  of  Argyle,  while  residing  here  in  the  reign  of  Wil- 
liam in.  had  a  mistress,  who  died  very  suddenly ;  and  as  the  neighbouring  gossips  concluded  she  had  been 


TYNEMOUTH  PARISH-  457 

At  liie  north  end  of  the  village*  tiiere  id  a  small  endosed  burialrground,  which  be- 
longs to  the  JewB.  The  extensive  fruit-gardens^  now  occupied  by  Mr.  Revelly, 
render  Chirton  a  place  of  general  resort  during  the  summer  months.  They  are 
tastefully  laid  out,  with  pleasant  walks^  and  convenient  seats  and  arbours,  for  the  ac^ 
commo^tion  of  parties  of  pleasure.  At  West  Chirton  are  the  ^dens  and  public 
house  of  Mr.  Dobson ;  and,  at  a  short  distance.  West  Chirton  Hail^  the  residence  of 
M.  Robson,  Esq.  It  is  a  plain  and  commodious  building  of  brick,  the  appearance  of 
which  will  be  mudi  improved  when  the  adjoining  plantatians  are  grown  up.  It  is 
in  contemplation  to  build  a  chapel  in  this  neighbourhood,  as  the  population  of  this 
township  has  lately  increas^  to  about  5000  persons.  At  £!ast  Chirton  there  is  a  row 
of  elegant  bouses,  which  stands  an  the  north  side  of  the  turnpike  road.f 

murdered,  her  sf  irit  ev^r  after  took  iU  nocturnal  rambles,  dressed  in  brown  silk,  in  the  shady  avenue  that 
leads  to  Shields:  but  in  modem  times  this  troubled  spirit  seems  to  have  retired  to  rest  The  duke  built  a 
small  house  of  unhewn  stone  in  a  shrubbery,  which  was  afterwards  converted  into  a  brothel,  and  remained 
until  the  late  proprietor  came  to  the  estate,  who  immediately  pulled  it  down.  In  Cushet  Hall,  as  it  was 
called,  many  deeds  of  darkness  were,  it  is  said,  committed.  In  clearing  away  the  rubbish  that  closed  up  an 
old  coal-pit  near  this  house,  in  1814,  the  skeleton  of  a  man  was  found  at  the  depth  of  SO  fathoms,  whom  it  is 
supposed  had  been  a  victim  to  the  ruffians  that  frequented  this  place. 

*  Chirton  is  rendered  remarkable  fir  being  t^  reaidenee  ak  Ralph  Gardiner,  gent,  who  wrote  the  severe 
and  famous  stricture  on  the  corporation  of  Newcastle,  entitled,  ^'England's  Grievance  ^i^sovered,  in  Relation 
to  the  Coal  Trade ;  with  the  Map  of  the  River  of  Tyne,  and  Situation  of  the  Town  and  Corporation  cf  New. 
castle.'*  It  is  a  small,  scarce,  qnarto  vi^ome,  printed  at  L<mdon  in  1655,  and  dedicated  to  the  Lord  Protector 
CromwelL  It  is  oniamented  wxth  the  heads  of  several  kings  and  queens  of  England.  A  neat  edition  in  8v«w 
was  pubKsled  by  Messrs.  Akenfaeads,  of  Newcastle,  in  1796L  Brand  calls  him  ''an  angry  declaimer,"  «id 
accuses  imn  ef  being  actuated  by  <'  malieiousT'  motives ;  and  Bourne  says,  ''  He  was  a  bitter  enemy  to  tkU 
iamn  (Newcasde),  and  did  ail  the  mischief  to  it  that  Itfy  in  his  power,  as  appears  in  every  page  of  hist  book, 
in  wfaidi  are  a  number  of  fefeities."  The  mayor  and  corponttion,  in  answering  his  complaint  to  the  Commit- 
tee  of  Trade  in  lA53t  ftUege  thaft  he  '*  broke  the  gaole  of  Newcastle  last  summer,  being  thei«  imprisoned  ^ 
divers  great  sums  of  money,  and  again  imprisoned  at  the  suit  of  the  sheriff  of  the  said  town  ;"  and  to  this 
they  attribute  his  ^malfdous  charge."  AJderman  Barnes,  in  his  MS.  Kfe,  as  quoted  by  Brand,  informs,  us, 
tbat>  ''upon  some  method^  agreed  on  for  reformation  of  manners  in  the- town,  according  to  that  clause  in  the 
charter  winch  inpowers  them  to  make  bye^laws,  there  was  one  Gardiner  writ  a  malicious  invective  agttnst 
the  government  of  Newcastle;  but  hego<  Ms  reward,  being  afterwarda  at  York  hanged  for  Coyning."  C4^ 
lier,  when  speaking  of  Gardiner,  observes  with  more  candour,  that,  "  thmugh  resentment  of  some  opprearions 
of  the  corporation,  and  tyranny  of  the  burgesses,  he  seems  to  have  written  a  long  detail  of  facts,  in  order  to 
throw  both  the  town  and  trade  open."  He  adds,  "  Indeed,  if  the  abuses  there  stated  were  fiicti,  he  had  but 
too  much  reason  to  complain ;  and  in  all  probability  would  have  obtained  his  design,  had  not  Cromweli,  to 
whom  he  dedicates  his  book,  dissolved  the  parliament,  which  he  had  designed  to  apped  to."  Considfering 
the  deep  antipathy  always  felt  by  persons  in  power  leftist  those  who  venture  to  expc^  existing  abuser  ift  in 
probable  that  the  alderman  would  credit  the  story  or  Mr.  Gardiner^s  disgraoeild  exit  on  very  slight  authority. 

According  to  tradition,  the  Milbakiks  of  Seaham,  See.  are  descended  ftom  Ralph  Milbank,  who  was  cup* 
bearer  to  Mary  queen  of  Scots ;  and,  being  obliged  to  leave  the  odurt  on  account  of  .fighting  «  dnri,  fled  into 
England,  and  purchased  an  estate  at  Chirton.  ^ 

t  In  1813,  Mrs.  Richardson,  of  Cdlingwood  Main,  died,  aged  104  years;  and,  from  the  vigour  sbe  re^ 
tained,  might  have  probably  lived  longer,  had  not  two  of  her  grandsons  been  lost  by  an  explosion  of  the 

VOL.  II.  5   Z 


458  CASTLE  WARD— E.  D. 

'  Preston*  is  a  very  pleasant  village,  situated  abont  one  mile  north  fronf  North 
Shields.  It  stands  on  a  fine  eminence,  the  air  is  good,  and  the  prospect  delightful. 
There  are  some  good  houses  occupied  by  gentlemen,  and  the  cottages  are  peculiarly 
neat  and  clean.  Some  large  gardens  serve  to  give  the  place  a  luxuriant  aspect  Here 
are  two  lai^  breweries,  two  public  houses,  and  a  weaving  manufactory  belonging  to 
Mr.  J.  M*Glashom.f 

Whitley. — ^This  village  stands  near  the  sea,  and  above  2  miles  north-west  by 
north  from  Tynemouth.  It  was  held  of  the  prior  of  Tynemouth,  by  the  singular 
service  of  making,  at  the  tower  thereof,  a  large  annual  feast,  called  "  le  Omteyes^  to 
the  members  of  the  monastry  and  certain  of  its  dependents,  on  Innocents'  Day  and 
the  day  after.  As  horses  and  dogs  were  included  in  tbe  number  of  the  guests,  it  is 
probable  that  hunting  made  one  part  of  the  amusement.  This  village  has  a  pleasing 
rural  appearance,  and  contains  some  genteel  houses,  the  principal  of  which  is  occupied  by 
Sanderson  Ildertori,  Esq!  Here  are  two  public  houses ;  but  formerly  there  were  iSve  in 
the  village.  Whitley  Parity  the  seat  of  Thomas  Wright,  Esq.  stands  at  a  short  distance 
to  the  north-east.  It  is  a  commodious  house,  covered  with  white  stucco,  which,  con- 
trasted with  tlie  green  of  the  adjoining  pleasure-grounds,  has  a  pleasing  effect. 

choak  damp  in  the  adjoiiiiBg  pit.<— WilHam  Elliott  died  here  in  IS  16,  aged  100.    He  never  knew  a  day's 
xlliieas,  and  could  read  without  spectacles  to  the  last. 

**  Robert  Spearmatl  came  into  the  north  with  the  troops  that  suppressed  the  Pflgrimage  of  Grace,  and  was 
at  the  battle  of  Solway  Moss  in  1542.  He  h^d  lands  in  Preston,  S5  Elisabeth,  159S.«-John  Spearman,  gent, 
left,  by  will,  **  To  the  parish  church  of  Tynemouth,  now  called  Christ's  Church,  in  which  parish  I  was  boni» 
a  silver  flaggon  Ibf  the  cominunion  service,  weight  S6  oz.  12  dwt. ;"  a  flaggon,  S^^hl,  15  dwt.  to  the  Bew 
churchy  *'  in  which  parish  I  have  lived  most  of  my  time.  And  to  the  rector  and  efaureh-watdens  of  Tyne^ 
mouth,  and  to  the  rector  and  church- wardens  of  Bow,  £^0  each,  towards  a  stocke  for  each  parish ;  the  yearly 
interest  to  be  applied  for  the  teaching  of  one  or  more  boy  or  boys  of  each  pariah,  by  birth,  die  Cailachism  and 
principles  of  the  Protestant  religion  of  the  established  church,  and  in  reading,  writing,  and  arifthmetick,  and 
navigation  to  fitt  them  for  the  sea  or  manuall  trades— recommending,  in  Tynemouth  parish,  the  towns  of 
£.  Chtrton,  Preston,  and  Tynemouth,  (where  my  paternal  estate  is)  to  have  the  preference,  and  excepting 
Nortfi  Sheeles."  Surtees  says,  <^The  plate  was  given  to  Tynemouth  and  St  Mary4e>BQW  as  ordered,  as 
appears  by  receipts  from  the  churdi-wkrdens  to  John  Spearman,  Esq.  his  father's  executor."  That  at  Tyne^ 
month  is  inscribed,  '^  Johannes  Spbabuan,  Gbn.  D.  D.  Deo  ei  Ecclesut  Chritti.  MDCCI."  This  John 
Spearman,  who  died  in  170S,  was  many  years  under  sheriff  of  the  county  palatine  of  Durham,  and  aakilf)il 
antiquary.— -^'ee  p.  376  and  4S8  cfthU  voL;  also  HitL  of  Durham,  vol.  t.  p.  96. 

t  At  CampviUery  South  Preston,  in  1821,  the  lower  part  of  the  bom  of  a  deer,  of  extraordinary  sise,  wag 
found.  John  Feiiwidc,  Esq.  the  proprietor,  had  ordered  a  well  to  be  filled  up,  first  removing  the  walling 
atones^  Considerably  in  the  earth,  near  the  stones,  the  remains  of  this  large  antler  were  found,  in  the  north- 
east  angle  of  tiie  Roman  camp,  called  in  Brand  "Blake  CkeMers,'*  and  referred  to  by  Camden  as  one  of  the 
oblong  squares  (Blake  Ckeeiers  being  tbe  prindpal)  running  in  a  zig-sag  direction  from  Segedumtm  (Walls- 
end)  to  Tynemouth.  Sscrifioes  of  wild  animals  to  the  gods  were  frequently  made  in  these  stations ;  and 
some  faint  tradition  yet  remains  of  a  temple  to  Diana,  or  some  Heathen  deity,  having  stood  at  Middle  Chir- 
ton,  the  western  sidetif  tliis  camp,  or  cbkin  of  forts.  The  head  of  an  ancient  spear  had  been  dug  up  in  the 
same  sdte. 


'f  Yi^EMOtJTil  iPARISH.  459 

fVkitley  Quarries^  ivhich  contain  excellent  magnesiaii  limestone,  are  wrought  to  a 
great  extent ;  and  eon^derable  quantities  are  conveyed  by  wa^^ons  on  a  raU-road  to 
the  Low  Lights,  and  there  shipped  for  exportation.  The  adjoining  colliery,  called 
Tynemouth,  or  East  P»cy  Main,  is  carried  on  with  great  activity  by  William  Clarke 
and  Thomas  Taylor,  Esqrs.  Mr.  Taylor  occupies  a  good  house  near  the  colliery.  A 
large  brewery  near  the  village  is  now  used  as  a  store^house  for  the  ccdliery.  The 
tower,  which  forms  a  striking  object,  was  built  for  an  ofliee.  The  works  of  the  North 
Shields  water  company  are  here.  The  water  i^  drawn  from  the  excavations  made  in 
the  rocks,  and  conveyed  by  pipes  to  the  town.  An  excellent  spring  here,  called 
Marsden  Well,  suddenly  became  dry  a  few  years  ago ;  occasioned,  it  is  supposed,  by 
the  wat^"  being  diverted  in  working  the  adjoining  colliery.  There  is  a  small  brick- 
work in  this  township.    Iron  stone  is  found  on  Whitley  Links. 

Cui^LEHcOATs. — ^This  marine  village  is  distant  1^  miles  north  from  Tynemouth. 
It  is  mostlv  inhabited  by  fishermen,  and  contains  9S  houses  and  536  inhabitants. 
The  townsnip  does  not  extend  further  than  the  village,  and  a  small  plot  of  ground 
that  adjoins  it.  Here  are  some  handsome  private  houses,  four  public  houses,  and 
warm  and  cold  baths.  The  little  port  has  been  artificiallv  constructed ;  but  the  en- 
trance is  rather  difficult,  and  the  water  shallow.  The  rums  of  an  old  pier,  and  of  a 
waggon- way  for  coals,  with  a  ballast-wharf,  shew  that  this  place  has  formerly  been  of 
more  consequence.  Near  the  town  is  a  small  enclosed  burying-ground  bdonguig  to 
the  society  of  Friends,  but  which  has  not  been  used  since  a  more  convenient  one  was 
procured  at  the  west  end  of  North  Shields.  From  the  registers  of  the  society,  it  ap- 
pears that  Johanna,  the  daughter  of  George  Linton,  who  died  the  20th  of  the  11th 
month,  1661,  was  the  first  interred  here;  the  last  is  Zeph.  Haddock,  who  died  the 
aad  of  the  8d  month,  I7S9.  Many  families  of  the  Quakers  or  Friends  formerly  re- 
sided  at  Whitley  and  Cullercoats.* 

MoNKSEATON  is  a  pleasant  village,  situated  ai  miles  north-west  by  north  from 
Tynemouth.  It  contains  five  farmholds,  a  Methodist  meeting-house,  two  public 
houses,  and  a  large  brewery  belonging  to  Messrs.  Dryden  and  Co.  This  firm  has 
lately  built  a  fine  range  of  cottages,  called  Coronation  Kow.  The  land  here  is  copy- 
hold tenure,  under  the  Duke  of  Northumbei'land,  lord  of  the  manor ;  and  the  princi- 
pal proprietors  are,  R.  B.  Cay,  W.  Linskill,  J.  Crawford,  J.  Moored,  and  T.  Wright^ 
Esqrs.  and  Miss  ElKson. 

Adjoining  a  farmstead  called  Monk-house,  and  near  this  village,  stands  the  pedes- 
tal of  an  ancient  cross,  called  the  Monk  St07ie.  The  place  in  which  it  stands  was 
called,  in  1820,  Rodestane;  and,  in  1757,  Cross  Close  Pasture.  Near  this  rood^ 
or  cross,  the  prior  of  Tynemouth  had  a  gallows.     This  monument  is  of  whinstone ; 

*  At  Cullercoats,  in  December,  1S07»  John  Ramsay^  mariner,  died,  aged  115.  He  served  in  the  capacity 
of  cabin-boy  on  board  one  of  the  ships  in  Sir  George  Hooke's  squadron,  at  the  taking  of  Gibralter,  in  1704. 
He  retained  his  faculties  in  full  perfection  till  within  a  few  days  of  his  death ;  nor  did  his  great  age  damp  his 
lively  spirits,  or  shade  his  blithe  countenance. — In  1814,  Eleanor  Gibson,  of  Whitley,  died,  aged  108  years. 

In  September,  1788,  the  fishermen  of  Cullercoats  caught  two  young  sharks  off  that  place :  each  measured 
about  six  feet  in  length.  ' 


460  CASTLE  WARD.-*E.  D. 

an4  c^  th?  ped^stiyi  is  inscribed,  in  modem  lett^ars  ''  O  JffararU^  KiU  a  mtfi 
Far  a  Pig'e^  head.'"  Mr.  GroAe  e^^plains  thid  motto  by  the  following  traditicuiary 
stoiy»  of  the  truth  of  whioh  he,  however, .  seans  to  ^itertain  oonsid^pi^l^  doubt  :^ — 
'^  A  monk  of  Tynemouth  raonastry,  strolling  abroad,  came  to^th^  hous^  of  Mr.  Dela- 
val,  an  ancestor  oif  the  ancient  family  of  that  nitm^  who  was.  then  abs^  on  a,  hunting 

Earty,  but  was  expected  back  to  dinner :  among  the  many  dishes  prepmng  in  the 
itchen  was  a  pig,  ordered  purposely  foe  Mr^  Delaval'^  own  eating :  »is  alone  suiting 
the  liquorish  palate  of  the  monk,  loid. though  admonished  and  informed  for  whom  it 
was  intendjed,  he  cut  off  the  head,  reckoned  by  epicuf  es  the  most  delicious  part  of  the 
animal,  and  putting  Jit  into  a  bag,  made  the  best  of  his  way  towards  the  moiiastiy. 
D^laval,  at  his  return,  being  inf(»rmed  of  the'  transiaction,  which  he  looked  up^i  as  a 
personal  insult,  and  being  young  and  fiery,  remounted  his  borse^,  and  set  out  in.  sevefa 
of  the  offender ;  when  overtaking  him  about  a  mile  east  of  Preston,  he  so  belaboured 
him  with  his  staff,  called  a  huntrng-ge^d,  that  he  w^s  hardly  able  to  erawl  to  his  oelL 
The  monk  dying  within, a  year:and  a  day,  althouj^^  as  the  story  goes,  the  beating 
was  not  the  cause  of  his  death,  his  brethret)  ^iade  it  a  handle  to  diarge  Del^yal  with 
his  murder ;  whp^  b^ore  he  could  get  absolved,  was  obliged  tQ  make  Qy^ex  to  tbe 
jnonastiy,  as  an.  expiation  of  this  deed,  the  manor  of  £lsj^ :  in  the  neigjibciiurhood  of 
Newcastle,  with  several  other  valuable  estates ;  and  by  way  oi  4imende  konmmMe,  to 
s^t  up  an  obelisk  on  tbe  spot  whevehe  pre^>eiiy  ootr^oted  t]be  monk.  £]dig  was 
afterwai?ds  made  the  summer  reti^t  of  the  pn^s  of  Tynemouth." 

.  ^MuRTON^  or  Moor  Toum,  a  village  sitmtted  about  8  milea  west«n<«th^weftt  from 
J^orth  ShieldB,  contains  57  houses,  induding  three  public  houses,  Bf\^  563  inhabitants, 
who  ^e  mostly  employed  in  the  ^oal-mine^  The  only  meeting-house  here  belongs 
to  the  MethodU^fai.  Murtou  Mouse  is  a  good  .^tone  blrildijpg,^  oimamented  with  trees, 
and  a  convenient  garden  attached:  it  is  occupied  by  Mr.  VT.iilisi^  Fakoner*  The 
principal  proprietors  in  this  township  are,  Levi  Ames,  Esq.  of  Bath ;  Robert  Ck>tbard, 
£sq«  of  Newcastle ;  John  Plummer„  £sq.  Preston ;  John  CdU^gwood,  Esq.  Chilton ; 
and  Thomas  Ratcliff,  and  John  Barker,  Esqrs.  of  North  Shields.  JPhUadelpiiia  and 
New  York  are  also  villa^s,  inhabited  by  pitmen.  SUfy  Milt^  which  consists  of  a 
few  straggling  houses,  standi  upon  a  fine  eminence.  Here  is  a  quarry  of  excellent 
stone,  in  which  the  workmen,  in  1790,  diseoyered^a  stone  coffin*  It  was  about  five 
feet  from  the  surface,  was  waUed  around,  and  covered  bpr  a  large  flat  stone.  The 
skeleton  within  it  appeared  very  perfect,  but  mouldered  to  dust  on  being  exposed  to 
the  air. 

LONG  BENTON  PARISH. 

This  parish  is  bounded  on  the  east  by  the  parishes  of  Tyiiemouth  and  Wallsend ; 
on  the  north  by  Staiinington,  Cramlington,  and.Earsdon ;  on.  the  west  by  All  Saints 
and  Gosforth ;  and  on  the  south  by  the  river  Tyne.  It  is  6i  miles  from  north  to 
south,  and  about  2:|  miles  from  east  to  west.  It  is  divided  into  five  townships.  Long 
Benton  contains  3035  acres.  Little  Benton  455  ditto,  Killingworth  1528  ditto,  Weet- 
slet  2077  ditto,  and  Walker  1061  ditto.  Killingworth  Moor  was  enclosed  and  di- 
vided in  1790*      The  annual  value  of  property,  in  1815,  was  £40,170.     By  tlic 


LONG  BKNTON  PAWSIH.  481 

retmrnt  in  19SI,  tb^  entire  p^h  qontidi)^  098  bpui9(98  9n4  IMM»7  inlmbitante.  Tlie 
poar-r»(m,  in  1911.  Wdaunted  ta  £109].  1«.;  in  1917,  to  £1999, 16«.;  in  1981,  to 
£1999»  lU;  in  1S98.  to  £9194,  16^.;  in  189$,  tP  £9494.  9^.;  und  in  Igdi,  tp 
£1808, 14«.  A  select  vestry  was  established  in  18S1.  There  are  at  preiwt  157  out- 
door poor,  and  19  in  the  poor-house.  In  171S,  there  were  no  poor;  but  at  Easter, 
in  1714,  the  pum  of  ia#.  wM  qrda?^  to  be  Jpvied  fpv  thp  nipport  of  the  poor.    In 

179^,  C^^^mt  Aldwp  by  will,  ye^t^  l#nd  in  the  yww  m^vmtc)^w^^nh  to  the 

dinount  fff  £iS  p^  fuinupi.  for  the  use  <^  the  poor.  By  » Iftte  MJeulatiop,  4^  ebildnm 
attendid  dvy^fahool^,  im^  507  Sund^^ools,  in  this  pewb-  Twenty  giHs  qIiq  ga 
tp  «  sc1)oq1  pt  Gosfortb,  und^  the  dii«ctipn  of  Mf9*  BnmdliD^,  »ud  aie  tfiugbt  for  m. 
ftff  W^k*  A  9chpol-r|Qpin  and  houie  ^r  the  m«9ter,  who  )s  qIso  the  parish  derk, 
Tiriw»  built  about  ^vm  yf^a  fgn,  nt  t^e  expenf^e  of  £905,  OS  t)u9  supi,  £91  wits 
ii44f4  by  subdcrip^n,  and  the  rest  was  paid  l^  the  pariibt  A  9maU  acknowledge* 
in^nt  i«  pi»id  fpr  the  fcite  and  the  gmrdpii,  to  C.  jf-  IBrwdling  and  p.  Bi»wn,  £aqr«. 


ILfpNO  19e¥70]f  iff  distiMlt  3  nUlea  north^epst  from  Newq^stle.  This  place,  witli 
South  Killing  worth,  Wal](#r,  and  the  two  Weetslets,  ware  manors  of  Roger  de  Mer- 
1^,  Baron  of  Morpeth,  part  of  which  came  in  regular  descent  to  the  present  Earl 
PT  Pflrtisl^,  who  sold  it»  ip  1800,  to  the  Brandlings  of  Qosfprth  and  Browns  of 
I^H^g  Bwton.  The  Griffiths  had  posse($«ioiis  here  in  1956 ;  and  half  tbe  yille  \^ 
Ipi^EPd  tP  ^h|e  T)K>^tPi^  of  N^hi^witton  in  142B.  TIhs  yiUiige  cmwU  pf  pne  long 
street^  built  uppn  a  rock,  4ad  if  dry,  i^Moant;  and  bealtby.  It  ppntaiw  fpur  fwm** 
stofdft,  thin^  public  bousw,  aod  a  bqi^niPg-^ft^bop),  kept  by  the  Rev.  AntlvHiy  Allison. 

The  handsome  mansion-house  of  Dixon  Brown,  Esq.  adjoins  the  villagi^^  wbiql^  with  %h^ 
elegant  house  of  R.  Hedley,  Esq.  and  that  occupied  by  Robert  Bell,  Esq.  add  much  to  its 
appearance.  The  church  standi  about  a  quarter  of  a  ipile  north-east  from  the  vill^ff^.  It 
is  i3U4icat^  to  St.  Bartholomew,  mid  wa«  given,  witii  certain  lands  in  tbe  naii^l)*  to 
RaJjpl  Cdkge,  px£9rdf  by  Sir  PhiMp  Spmerville^  of  Wickmon^,  in  Stafibr^ishnRp,  for 
the  perp^tual  maintenrace  of  six  scholars.  The  living  is  a  discbavgevd  vicfueappe,  vfdned 
in  tne  Idng's  books  at  £s,  U.  Sd. ;  and  Baliol  Colleg)^  is  tl^  pfUxop.  The  piieisenl^ 
church  ffas  conpecr^t^  ]lfIovemb^  S;  1701,  by  the  Riffht  Bey,  the  Lprd  Bisbpp  of 
Pejterbprougb.  A  new  vestry  was  added  in  1814-*  The  interior  of  th#  cburcH  ia 
very  plain ;  bnt  a  ^piall  prg^  haf  been  lately  purchased  by  sub^crintio^*  Qn  thia 
right  si4a  pf  the  chapfc^  is  a  monument  to  w^  memory  of  Qeoige  Coipi^  ^^q.  of 
]^iDiugwortii,  who  ^ied  in  October,  1795,  aged  81  ypar^ ;  and  <m  ^e  mt  pid#  is  th? 
no^QPument  of  the  Willi^inaon  fan^iJy.  Here  is  also  a  neat  mur^  monumant  in  fB/Sf 
mpry  of  George  Lakp,  ^sq.  of  Lpng  Bepton,  who  died  ip  June,  1809,  ^ged  79  y Pip^^ ; 
a]>4  aiv>ther  in  memory  of  Nathapiel  PundMson,  Esq.  vrho  died  Jiu^ua^  ^,  1S^9,  ^W^ 
76  yeani,  diuipg  32  of  which  be  served  tlie  office  of  pnd^r  sheijfF  of  ^/^wcasftle.  The 
cbjurch-yard  is  dry  and  spacious ;  wiiile  the  trees,  by  which  it  is  surroupd€4,  ipcrpafp 
the  beauty  and  solemnity  of  the  scene.  There  is  iiere  a  table  moi^ument  to  t^ 
memory  of  Mr.  Thomaa  Barnes,  an  able  coQiiery  viewer,  who  died  A^^  l^ 

*  In  tbe  ipansh  r^gf$ier,  wJHch  commencM  in  IIS70,  j»  tbe  fi^ioiwing  eiftty  i-^Tbiomw,  Kn  of  Joha  and 
Mary  Atksnaoii,  of  East  Link  BeaUi^,  htLyfist^i  t^e  125t^  Defmfim,  1799,  with  M  ^Pgm  m  ai^  kmt, 
mnd  six  toes  on  each  foot. 

VOL.  IL  6  A 


462  CASTLE  WARD.— E  t).  • 

1801 ;  and  another,  recording  the  death  of  Anna  Mildreda,  wife  of  Robert  Bell,  Esq. 
who  died  May  4,  1816,  ag^  33  years.  Lon^  Benton  colliery,  called  Willington, 
Regent,  and  Forrest  Main,  belongs  to  Matthew  Bell,  Richard  Bell,  and  Dixon 
Brown,  Esqrs. 

KiLLiNGWORTH. — ^This  fine  village  is  seated  on  an  eminence,  in  the  midst  of  a 
beautifid  and  well-cultivated  country.  It  contains  two  farmholds,  two  public  houses, 
and  several  cottages,  many  of  which  are  occupied  by  shoe-makers.  The  large  mansion-* 
house  of  Henry  Utrick  R»y,  Esq.  is  now  occupied  by  Miss  Tate  as  a  boarding-school. 
Adjoining  stands  a  house  unoccupied,  where  the  late  Admiral  Roddam  Uved,  plea- 
santly enibosomed  amidst  trees.  Killingworth  Cottage  is  the  seat  of  William  Buckle 
Puncheon,  Esq.  the  adopted  son  of  the  late  John  Puncheon,  Esq.  Killing  worth 
colliery,  or  Waterloo  Wallsend,  belonging  to  Lord  Ravensworth,  the  executors 
of  Lord  Strathmore,  Stuart  Wortley,  Esq.  and  Co.  is  carried  on  to  a  ff^t  extent. 
At  the  West  Moor,  near  the  coal  works,  are  several  rows  of  ]pit-hou$es.  Forest  HaU^ 
below  Killingworth,  is  the  property  of  Mr.  R.  Wilson,  surgeon  in  Newcastle.  Tho- 
mas Pugh,  Esq.  has  two  farms  at  the  west  end  of  the  parish. 

Weetslet. — ^This  township,  which  was  long  the  property  of  the  Alders^  eonsist&l 
of  two  good  farms,  and  is  the  property  of  Ralph  Atkinson,  Esq.  Annefs-fordy  at  the^ 
northern  extremity  of  ihe  parish,  is  a  dangerous  passage  after  neavy  rains,  and  where 
a  bridge  is  much  wanted.  Seaton  Bum  Mouse,  the  property  of  the  heirs  of  the  late 
Joseph  Forster,  Esq.  of  Newcastle,  lies  in  a  fine  sheltered  situation,  and  is  occupied 
by  Henry  Hewitson,  Esq. 

Little  Bekton  is  distafit  erne  mile  sotith-west  from  Long  Benton.  In  the 
i^ign  of  Henry  III.  it  was  held  by  Eustace  de  Benton  under  the  barony  of  Heron. 
In  1882,  it  was  the  lordship  of  Jefteiy  Scrope,  of  Masham,  in  Yorkshire,  one  oi  whose 
family  founded  the  Chantry  of  the  Vitgin  Mary,  in  Long  Benton  church.  It  after- 
wards belonged  to  Ralph  Lord  Greystock,  and  in  the  reign  of  Henry  VI.  to  William 
Fitz-Hugh.  It  became  the  manor  of  Thomas  Bigge,  Esq.  by  his  marriage,  in  1706, 
with  Elizabeth,  the  co-heiress  of  John  Hindmarsh,  Esq.  It  was  afterwards  possessed 
by  William  Bigge,  Esq.  who  married  the  daughter  and  heiress  of  Charles  Clarke, 
Esq.  and  was  hirfi  sheriif  of  Northumberland  in  1761.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son, 
Thomas  Charles  Bigge,  Esq.  who  was  also  high  sheriff  of  the  county  in  1771.  His  son 
and  successor,  Charles  William  Bigge,  Esq.  of  Lindon,  served  the  same  office  in  1801. 
He  married  Eleshia  Wilkinson,  daughter  of  Christopher  John  Wilkinson,  Esq.  of  New- 
castle, by  whom  he  has  issue,  1.  Charles  John,  an  officer  in  the  army ;  2.  Henry  Laun* 
celot ;  8.  Edward ;  4.  WiUiam ;  6.  John ;  6.  Arthur ;  and  three  daughters.  The  late 
Thomas  Han  way  Bigge,  Esa.  banker  in  Newcastle,  and  brother  to  Charles  William, 
resided  here.  He  married  Charlotte,  daughter  of  the  Rev.  T.  Scott,  Hampshire,  by 
whom  he  had  issue.  He  died  in  Decemoer,  1824,  aged  41  years,  much  regretted 
amongst  an  extensive  circle  of  friends.  Another  brother,  John  Thomas  Bigge,  Esq. 
was  lately  sent  as  a  commissioner  to  New  South  Wales,  to  report  on  the  government 
and  circumstances  of  that  rising  colony ;  and  he  is  now  visiting  the  Cape  of  €k)od 
Hope  and  Ceylon  for  the  same  purpose^ 


LONG  BENTON  PARISH.  46S 

lAttle  Benton  House  is  a  genteel  modem  structure,  adorti^  with  flourishing  ^an- 
tations.  It  lately  became  the  property,  by  purchase,  of  Mr.  Brown,  of  Lon^  Ben^ 
ton,  and  is  now  a  residence  of  his  son-in-law,  William  Clarke,  Esq,  of  Belford  Hall. 
The  adjoining  handsome  mansion,  called  Benton  House,  was  built  by  Thomas 
Bigge,  Esq.  brother  to  William,  above  mentioned,  and  is  occupied  by  Mrs.  Bwge. 
Benton  Square  is  a  large  square  of  pitmen's  houses,  about  one  mile  south-east  m>m 
Long  Bentouw 

WALKteR. — ^This  large  and  populous  township  forms  the  south  part  of  Long  Ben- 
ton parish,  and  is  the  property  of  the  corporation  of  Newcastle,  as  will  be  more  parti- 
culany  noticed  hereafter.  Tne  part  near  the  river  is  covered  with  manufactories  and , 
establishments  connected  with  the  trade  of  the  port.  The  most  important  belongs  to 
Messrs.  Losh,  Wilson,  and  Bell.  It  stands  near  the  BUI  Point  rock,  and  is  usually 
called  King  Pit  Mam^uctory.  At  these  works,  which  are  spiritedly  conducted  by 
William  Ix^h,  Esq.  various  kinds  of  alkali  and  great  quantities  of  soda  and  sulphuric 
acid  are  manufactured.  Here  is  also  a  large  iron  foundry,  at  which  many  steam- 
engines  are  madi^.  Mr.  Losh  occupies  a  ffXad  house  at  t^oint  Pleasant  A  litde 
j^rther  down  the  river  is  fFincomolee  Quay,  one  of  the  pleasantest  villages  on  the 
banks  of  the  Tyne.  The  house,  gutlens,  and  grounds  of  the  late  Mn  Thomas  Dan- 
ison,  balliast  assessor,  are  deservedly  admired  for  their  neatness,  and  the  air  of  comfort 
^d  English  snugness  which  they  exhibit  The  genteel  residence  of  Mr.  Beay  also 
attt'acts  notice.  The  Corporation  Powder  Magazine  contains  sr^at  quantities  of  that 
article  belonging  to  merchants,  and  from  whicm  they  supply  the  demands  of  the  col- 
lieries and  lead-mines.  Here  are  th^  large  copperas  works  of  Messrs.  Barnes  and 
Forster,  and  a  tile  and  brick  manufactory  Delonging  to  Forster,  Dale,  and  Co. ;  and 
both  under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Peter  Dale.  Adjoming  is  a  convenient  timber-yard, 
with  an  excellent  crane,  a  coal-staith,  the  store-house  for  Walker  colliery,  and  a  well- 
constructed  ballast-quay.  The  ballast  is  drawn  up  an  elevation  of  above  SOO  yards, 
in  waggons  of  a  ton  each,  by  means  of  a  steam-engme :  the  rise  is  about  seven  inches 
in  a  yard.  This  concern  is  leased  from  the  corporation  by  the  Messrs.  Redheads. 
The  hollow  here,  called  Walker  Dean,  is  filling  up.  About  fifteen  years  ago,  this 
]3ean  was  overflowed  after  some  heavy  rains,  as  the  course  of  the  water  was  confined 
by  the  ballast.  A  boat  was  launched  into  the  water,  and  its  depth  was  found  to  be 
near  46  feet.  Several  attempts  were  made  to  open  a  passage  for  the  water,  during  which 
a  serious  accident  occurred,  oy  which  some  liv^s  were  lost.  At  length  the  flood  burst 
forth^  but  happily  took  such  a  direction  that  but  little  damage  was  sustained. 

Battle  HiU  House,  containing  the  offices  belonging  to  the  colliery,  commands  a  nK)st 
extensive  and  delightful  prospect  of  the  river  and  its  banks.  Near  this  place  is  a  pit- 
row,  containing  about  80  families.  The  South  Field  Copperas  Works,  belonging  to 
Messrs.  Sewell,  Hoyle,  and  Co.  are  conducted  on  a  very  judicious  and  economical 
plan.  At  the  Walker  Copperas  Works  adjoining,  carried  on  by  Messrs.  French,- 
Hunter,  and  Co.  an  article  is  also  produced  of  an  ejccellent  colour  and  quality.  An 
extensive  brick  and  tile  manufactory  is  annexed,  where  glazed  tiles  are  likewise  made. 
At  the  extreme  north-east  point  of  Walker  estate  are  two  public  houses  arid  a  few 
cottages,  with  a  brown  ware  manufactory,  carried  on  bv  Messrs.  Lauder  and  Co.  in 
premises  which  were  formerly  used  &s  a  steam  oom«-mili.    A  little  to  the  north-west 


464  CASTLE  WAHR^E.  D. 

is  %  ftriMtM^  fauilt  on  the  aeifte  ^  the  Rcwdfl  W4L  P^^sf^iilg  Walker  wmd^miU  to 
Bantpn  Lwe-encU  on  the  KewcMtla  niAd»  are  i|  f^nqatead,  a  public  lioq^e,  and  some 
good  dwdling-liou^efi  on  both  sidm  of  the  ropd.  The  a^joimng  collieiy  of  Wfd^er  U 
earned  on  by  M.  HeadenoB,  John  Cfirr  qf  Ford*  F.  Peacock,  J.  Gn^,  and  }f. 
Giwe,  Eaqrs.  In  oqe  pit  the  co»h  on  the  north  side  of  tb?  w^^  ^e  wrought,  aod  in 
another  the  ooak  on  the  south  ^e.  Near  the  latter  is  Old  Wqfker^  oontaining  twp 
farm-houses  and  a  number  of  pit-houses.  The  Scrag  Minue^  about  thr^  funongs 
further  south,  is  another  farmhold  and  public  house.  It  is  remarkable,  observes  a 
ciNTOspondent,  that  ttiU  impprtwt  township  ^^^^^  not  contain  oq^e  single  scbooj  or 
meeting^ioiis^  of  anjr  d^vmptioii^  nor  my  society,  either  iox  mutual  suppprt,  awus^ 
meitt^  w  ifttt2ni«tioq« 

WALLSENP  PARISH, 


This  parish  is  bounded  oa  the  east  by  TyPWC¥Mith  parish,  on  the  north  and  west  In^ 
l«43i^  Benton,  and  on  the  south  by  the  riv^  Ty^^  It  i&  about  1^  mUes  in  lypeadth 
frov  north  to  south,  imt  nearly  S  lailei  in  length  fioq^  east  t?  west.  It  contains 
soqo^  ejd^ent  poal-ioiiies ;  and  the  annual  yalue  of  propcarty  in  the  entire  parish,  in 
1815,  was  St^i^^  It  is  ^vided  into  three  townships,  vijs.  Wallsend,  Willii^gton^ 
aod  Hoffdon  Pans»  whk^,  in  1881,  oniteined  ff60  houses  and  6103  inhabitents.  The 
poof-rates,  in  1619^  amountal  to  £1496, 1«^.;  but  in  l«3i>  liiey  fell  to  £l%58,  fii. 
Theve  is  a  sdiuol*room  and  house  at  the  wit  end  of  WaUsend  valliage,  tbfs  ^oivi^tioif  of 
Mrs.  Stewart,  the  daiMhter  of  Jaiae^  Moncaster,  £sq.  in  the  year  1748.  Tp^i  gaid^l? 
was  the  gift  id  Mrs.  >&neaster.  Both  tb^  hoiiise  m^o.  garden  have  been  eslffged,  ai^d 
mit  into  an  expeUent  state,  by  the  pmsent  master,  Mr.  Mordme,  who  keifema  W  aari^t^int 
The  nuvat^r,  in  1818,  returned  tour  (Aher  sdiools,  oontaining  860  Gh|)drei» ;  9q4  a 
Sunday-4cheol,  eomprusing  100:  but  line  ]i^>ort  of  the  Newcastle  Sunday^^school 
Union  states,  that,  in  18£3,  this  parish  omtaAned  14  schoo&s,  attended  \iif  lff7f>  chiji*- 
dren;  and  that  570  i^taided  the  Methodist  and  Watlsend  Church  8unday-«chool« 
In  the  report  of  the  Car^ille  8unday-«chooU  it  is  said^  that,  siipee  the  6cho(d  hcgan^  0t 
ieagt  if)  ^  the  ehUdren  hane  been  4ruly  ^owv^ted  to  Gad.  mostly  girls ;  ^and  tiiat  one 
boy,  who  is  at  work  the  whcde  week,  had,  In  90  monthsi  ''  committed  the  whole  of 
the  New  Testaokent  to  raeraory,  toffeihi^  with  the  hook  of  Psala»s !"  John  Walker, 
£s^.  who  died  J.anuary  18,  I8fiS,  left  £50  to  the  poor  in  WaUsend  town^p. 

W4M>SEND« — ^This  township,  whidi  contains  1SQ5  acres,  with  the  village  of  Wil- 
lington^  was  given  to  the  mc«Qks  <d  Durham,  I6th  WillM»  I.  (14«3),  by  William  4^ 
Carikfdu>,  bishop  of  that  see,  and  is  stiU  held  of  the  dec^si  and  cha]^-  The  village 
of  Waflaend  is  distasnt  S^  miles  eaat-north-east  i^m  Newcastle,  and  is  ^arkabiy 
pleasant  and  w^U  buik.  In  the  ceijiitfe  is  a  large  grass  area,  ^ivith  a  neat  raised  cau^ 
way  through  it ;  and  on  each  side  are  two  handsome  mas^ion-houses.  JTdbin  Wr^bt,' 
Kso.  possesses  ^  house  and  gardens  <^at  belo^ged  to  the  late  Anthony  Hood^  £sq* 
with  the  estate,  eon^stwgef  146  acres  of  good  land  The  i^easure-giioujnds  have  a 
peculiarly  rwal  and  hyaautisful  appearance.  Miss  Peareth's  house  is  occupied  by  Mr* 
James  iQwpby  AndcmW-    N^ic^Ias  Feiiwi<^»  Esq.  baa  als9  a  good  ina«sion4io^se,  to 


WALLSEND  PARISH.  465 

p 
I 

"which  Mrs.  Carter,  of  Newcastle,  is  ahout  to  remove  her  boarding-school.    Another 
neat  house,  belonging  to  Mr.  Peacock,  is  occupied  by  Edward  Henderson,  Esq. 

The  old  church  stands  on  an  ^ninence,  at  a  short  distance  to  the  north-east  of  the 
village :  the  ascent  is  so  steep  that  it  is  approached  l^  steps.  The  south  entrance  is 
still  standing ;  but  part  of  the  fallen  stones  were  taken  to  assist  in  rebuilding  the  bam 
^nd  stable  a^oining  the  parsonage-house.  W.  Clarke,  Esq.  about  28  years  ago,  con- 
ceived the  idea  of  repairing  this  church,and  for  that  purpose  took' the  roof  off;  but  selling 
his  estate  to  A.  Hood,  Esq.  he  relinquished  the  project,  and  left  the  church  in  a  dilapi* 
dated  state.  For  some  time,  the  rites  of  religion  were  performed  in  the  school-room.  At 
length,  the  parishioners  procured  an  act  for  building  a  new  church,  the  foundation-stone 
of  which  was  laid  November  10,  1807 ;  and  it  was  consecrated,  with  the  burial-giound, 
on  August  27, 18009  by  Thomas  Burgess,  D.  D.  Lord  Bishop  of  St.  David's,  in  the  pre*, 
sence  of  1500  people.  It  is  conveniently  situated' at  some  distance  south*east  from  the 
village,  and  on  the  south  side  of  the  turnpike  road.'  It  is  a  plain  stone  building,  with 
a  small  spire.  The  building  of  the  church  cost  £1985 ;  the  sexton's  house,  and  wall* 
ing  the  church-yard,  £442,  19*.  H^-;  the  ground,  £200;  law  expences,  interest,  &c. 
£  1468, 13*.  Id, ;  total  expences,  £4096,  IS*.  Of  this  sum,  £S294  was  raised  by  tontine. 
The  church  is  dedicated  to  the  Holy  Cross ;  the  fiving  a  curacy  hot  in  charge,  in  the 
gift  of  the  chapter  of  Durham.     The  glebe  consists  of  .S4  acres  of  land, 

CarviUe  is  oistant  about  a  mile  south  from  Wallsend  village.  It  was  formerly 
called  Cosev^B  House^  from  b«ng  built  by  Cosens,  an  officer  of  the  customs.  It  was 
afterwards  the  property  of  the  Lawsons,  and  was  sold  by  Sir  William  Lawson  to  the 
Ewbanks,  who,  aft^r  some  time,  sold  it  to  Mr,  Carr,  of  the  Carrs  of  Etal.  He  rebuilt 
the  haU,  and  gave  it  the  name  it  now  bears.  It  was  ne:j^t  purchfised  by  Mr&  Pro&r 
tor,  who  left  it  tx)  George  Lisle,  Esq.*  The  qei^t  proprietors,  John  Surtees,  Esq.  and 
William  Readhead,  Esq.  effected  xsmxy  improvements  in  the  house  and  grounds.  It 
is  now  the  property  of  John  Thomas  Bigge,  Esq.  to  whom  it  was  bequeathed  by  hi;^ 
unde,  John  Bigge,  Esq.  and  is  the  residence  of  John  Grace,  Esq. 

A  little  to  the  east  of  Carville  Hall  is  a  field  called  the  Well  or  Wall  Laws,  where 
the  extreme  Roman .  station  on  the  Wall  stood,  for  an  account  of  which  see  voL  i. 
p.  181.  This  station,  which  was  called  Segedunumy  has  evidently  been  a  populous 
trading  place.  The  ruins  of  a  quay  have  been  distinctly  traced,  as  w^ll  as  tne  cause- 
way wnich  communicated  with  it. .  Below  Carville,  where  the  vessel^  of  the  Romans 
above  1600  years  ago  were  accustomed  to  discharge  their  cargoes,  large  fleets  of  ships 
^e  now  constantly  loading  with  coals  from  the  adjoining  mmes.  Here  are  the  coal- 
staiths  b^onging  to  piggy's  Main,  F^wdon,  Cox'?  lUpdge,,  an4  W#5e»d  collieries, 

♦  The  Rev.  Wilfrid  Lawson,  A.  B.  vicar  of  Wark worth,  died  at  Carville,  November  2T,  1777,  which  place 
was  left  to  him  for  his  life,  together  with  an  annuity  of  £200  per  annum,  by  George  Lisle,  Esq.  He  had 
been  vicar  of  Warkworth  from  1752,  and  died  at  the  age  of  71.  He  kept  up  a  kind  and'hpspitable  inter- 
course with  his  parishioners,  by  whom  he  was  universally  beloved.  When  his  inftrmities  unfitted  him  for 
the  discharge  of  his  duties,  he  retired  to  Carville,  that  he  might  spend  the  evening  of  his  days  in  greater 
tranquillity  and  comfort.  He  had  succeeded  his  father,  William  Lawson,  A.  M.  who  was  remove^  from 
Galtrim,  in  the  diocese  of  Meath,  in  Ireland,  to  the  vicarage  of  Warkworth,  !n  1717»  ^7  Bishop  NichoUon. 
They  were  of  the  Brayton  Hall  and.  Isell  family,  originally  of  Little  Usworth,  county  of  Durham ;  a^id  the. 
Either  was,  {  believe,  th^  second  9<tn  of  the  first  baronet.  Sir  WiUHd  Itawson,  created  l6BSy^New.  Meig.  1824^ 

TOL.  II,  6  B 


M6  CASTLE  WARD.~E.  D. 

Tbe  regular  and  rapid  nMtion  of  the  numerous  waggons  at  this  pkw,  ig  a  Spectacle 
calculated  to  «urpriae  and  interest  a  stranger. 

<3o8B  to  this  station  stood  die  ancient  wilbtf^ioi  Wallsend,  eaUed  by  Camden  Pa- 
^ida  h^eqmeiM.  A  stane,  marked  with  a  sun-dial,  and  supposed  to  ha^e  been  part 
of  the  cross,  was  discovered  here.  John  Biaddle,  fiaq.*  an  ingenious  coiiiery  viewer, 
who  resides  here,  has  ooUected  many  curious  Ron>an  remains.  About  80  yards  to 
tbe  aoutfa-weet  of  bis  house,  on  digging  deep  for  day  to  make  kricks,  many  founds^ 
4ions  of  buildings  were  discovered,  and  cdao  tKudfws  filled  with  human  bones.  Near 
WaUsend  stailli  are  the  brick^garth  and  Mme-kilns  of  Messrs.  Reay  and  Mordue.  Tbe 
liAStestone  is  isrought  from  Byers  Hcfe,  beyond  Marsden  rock,  near  Whitburn.. 
,  Tbe  pits  belonging  to  WiaHsend  coSierjrf  are  worked  by  William  Russril^  £a(|.  and 
Co. ;  and  the  casTs  are  called  in  tke  market  RusaeH's  Walisend.^  The  We^eyan  Me- 
tbpdisjte  ha¥«  a  good  chapel  at  Garrille^  which  will  hold  1000  persons.  There  Is  also  a 
/eftfniXKidlous  ehapd  near  the  taumpike  road,  belosiging  to  tbe  Independents,  and  c^iable 
^f  holdicig  600  people.  A  smaB  old  meeting  at  a  short  distance  is  occupied  bv  the 
iUnters.  Sever^  neat  convenient  houses  hiave  lately  be^i  erected  on  the  road  side 
ibeie»  hy  Mr.  Hepple.  l^ils  place  is  very  populous,  Cdntains  tiiree  publki  houses,  two 
surgeons,  three  butdiers'  shops^  and  several  meehanKs.^  A  long  range  of  pit^houses, 
caUed  CarviUe  Row»  stretches  soutiiward  from  the  road ;  andtner,.  oonomonly  called 

*  This  gentleman  commanded  tbe  Wa^lapnd  Vohntew  BiOo  Goips  daring  the  iMt  wm,  and  which  Imp  div* 
pp^iiie  and  efficiency  waa  scarcely  ii^iiricyr  to  a  rft^abur  eorpi.   . 

f  On  October  25,  18S1,  a  tragical  catastrophe  occurred  at  Waltsend  cblUery.  The  ivtxrkmen  were  using 
eandlea  to  blast  a  band  (i.  e.  a  stratnm  of  stone)  in  coal,  when  an  explosion  of  hydrogen  gas  took  place, 
which  kiUad  52  men.  Only  five  escaped  oat  of  ^e  pit,  one  of  whom  soon  alter  died.  The  explosion  shook 
the  gTMUdA  like  an  earthquake.  The  snflftrera  were  all  prime  wvirkiBen^  and  40  weie  wider  40  years  of  age. 
Bgr.thia  lamentable  events  26  widows,  and  73  childreo^  were  left  without  support  FoHj^six  of  the  bodies 
were  buried  in  Wallsend  church-yard,  14  of  whom,  being  relatives,  were  buried  in  one  grave.  The  Femain* 
dflr  w^ve  buried  i^  the  yard  of  the  otf  church,  or  at  the  Ballast  Hilhu  On  thia  oecaakm^  the  late  Biatthew 
BuffMll^  £4q*  i|a|l  ^  other  owners  of  the  colKary,  generously  and  hmnanely  atepped  fiirward,  and  became 
fft  ''  fatheca  to  H^  fiitfierlea^  and  husbanda  to  the  widows.* 

X  '^  William  M!<fftin,  the  Natural  Philosopher,**  resides  here.  He  has  published,  under  the  patronage  of 
Us  Grace  the  Djike  of  Northumberland,  "  A  New  System  of  Natural  Philosophy,  on  the  IMnciple  of  Perpe- 
tual Motion;  with  a  Variety  of  other  Useful  Discoveries."  From  the  Lord  having  made  man  a  living  soul^ 
1^  breathing  into  his  nostrils  the  breath  of  life,  Mr.  Martin  infers  that  air  is  the  cause  of  perpetm^  motion. 
The  key  for  opening  the  spiritual  meaning  of  the  scriptures  was  Ibnnd  by  Baron  Emanuel  Swedenboig;  and 
William  Martin  seems  to  have  been  chosen  by  God  to  reveal  the  hidden  mysteries  of  nature.  His  election  to 
Uiia  honour  was  announced  in,  dreams  and  visiona  of  the  night.  Tbb  curious  work  oontaiqs  a  complete  ex- 
posure of  tlie  superlative  ignorance  of  Sir  Isaac  Newton,  and  his  credulous  and  uninitiated  followerar  Mr^ 
Martin's  other  diaopveries  are  nnnfierpus  and  useful.  They  coneiat  of  a  lifiN-pveserver  ibr  seamen,  air-fims  &f 
ventilating  coal-mines,  an  inimitsble  i^fetyrlampi  a  plan  for  cqring  tbe  dvy-rot,  cutting  canals^  and  extiDi- 
guishing  fires  at  sea ;  al8o>  s^  improved  velocipede,  a  suspension  bridgei  &c  &a  But  unfortunately,  though 
under  such  npble  patronage,  his  inventions  hove  not  been  bivught  to  a  successifol  teroiinatioii ;  and  roost  of 
them  have  been  stolen  from  him  by  unprincipled  men!  Mr.  M.  did,  however,  obtain,  in  ISl^,  t^  silver: 
m^4ali  and  tengiwe^^  fion^  the  Society  of  Arts,  for  has  invey^tion  of  a  spring  weighing  puu:hine.    His  br»« 

ther^  the  eelebra^  )j^ter>  viU  b^  iu)ticed  herpfi^^ 


WALLSEND  PARISH.  407 

Bygo'ft  JUm,  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  road,  runs  noMihward.  Shiney  Row  and 
West  Row  stand  at  a  httle  distance  westward.  William  Russell,  Esq.  has  a  farm 
in  this  township,  which  was  sold  hy  William  Clarke,  Esq.  Nichols  Fenwick,  Esq. 
has  a  farm  consisting  of  124  acres.  The  late  John  Wdker,  Esq.  purchased  a  farm 
of  his  aunt,  Mrs.  Waters,  containing  175  acres,  which  is  now  sold  to  Francis  Peacock, 
Esq.  John  Buddie,  Esq.  Mr.  Reay,  aild  Mr.  Mordue.  William  Losh,  Esq.  has  also 
a  farm  at  the  south  side  of  the  parish ;  and  a  good  farm,  extending  from  the  north  of 
the  village  to  the  rirer,  and  comprising  ISl  acres,  belongs  to  St.  Nicholas'  charity- 
school  in  Newcastle. 

WiLLiNGTON,  which  is  distant  one  mile  north-east  from  Wallsend,  is  a  pleasant 
pit-vUli^e,  seated  on  an  eminence.*  WUUngton  Hcuse^  occupied  by  Mr.  Watson,  is  a 
oommo£ou8  building.  The  coals  of  the  colliery  here  are  caUed  Bell  and  Brown's 
WaUsend ;  and  the  owners  are,  M.  Bell,  R.  BeU,  and  Dixon  Brown,  Esqrs.  The 
adjoining  estate,  which  belongs  to  the  lessees  of  the  coal-mines,  consists  of  9&7  acres, 
and  was  one  of  the  original  estates  of  the  Milbank  family  in  Northumberland.  It  was 
sold  under  trust  from  9ir  Ralph  Noel  (late  Milbank)  in  1818. 

WUUngton  Quay  is  distant  above  a  mile  south  from  the  village.  Here  is  a  iSne 
baUast^uay,  extending  a  considerable  way  eastward  from  the  ostium  of  Willington 
Bum ;  and  two  coal-staiths,  with  a  public  house  near  to  each.  Also,  a  large  copperas 
work,  held  by  the  trustees  of  Sir  Ralph  Noel ;  and  a  steam  corn-mill,  carried  on  by 
Messrs.  Unthank  and  Proctor.  The  building  containing  the  mill  is  seven  stories  high, 
being  intended  for  seven  pair  of  stones ;  bul^  with  four  pair,  1600  bolls  of  com  imve 
been  jorround  in  a  week.  Adjoining  is  the  extensive  patent  ropery  of  Messrs.  Chapman 
and  Co.  Some  curious  machinery  is  at  present  erecting  here,  for  the  purpose  of 
making  an  endless  rope,  or  at  least  of  any  length  that  can  be  required  for  practicafale 
purposes.    A  curious  and  ancient  oak  coffin  was  lately  discovert  near  the  ropery. 

Howden*Pans  is  distant  above  3  mifes  east  b^  south  from  Wallserid.  It  is  seated 
in  a  vale  under  a  hill,  frmn  which  cireumstance  it  derives  its  name ;  Haw  signifying 
a  hiU,  and  Hen  a  valley :  the  word  Pan^  has  been  added  from  the  numerous  siQt-pans 
which  were  once  in  it.  Howdeli  was  formerly  eminent  for  its  extensive  glass-works, 
which  principally  bekn^ed  to  the  Henzells.  In  WaUsend  old  church-»yard  there  is  a 
gravestone  of  a  Hjenze%  a  broad  glass  maker,  of  the  date  1684.  The  poor  of  this 
township  were  long  supported  by  this  respectable  family.  In  latter  times,  Howden 
has  derived  its  support  from  the  ship-buildmg  business,  which  was  carried  on  here  for 
many  yeara  with  uncommon  qpirit.  During  the  American  war,  several  fine  frigates 
were  mnh  here,  one  of  whieh,  the  Argo,  was  jdoroed  for  44  guns ;  arid,  since  that 
time,  some  excellent  war-vessels  and  large  Indiamen  have  been  constructed  in  these 
docks.  They  are  now  used  for  the  piurpose  of  repairing  ships,  by  the  assignees  of 
Messrs.  Francis  and  Thomas  Hurry.  There  is  a  covered  ropery  belonging  to  the 
dock-yard.    There  are  five  public  houses  in  this  place.    At  £!Mt  Hawwn^  about  a 

S[uarter  of  a  mile  east  frx>m  Howden-Pans,  there  is  a  lamp-black  and  ooal-tar  manu- 
actory,  carried  on  by  Messrs.  Ritson,  Dodds,  and  Stephenson. 

*  At  the  Low  Row,  near  tbis  place,  Dorothy  Phil]i|Mi  died  on  May  14, 1S16,  atthegrtelageof  llOyears.. 


408  CASTLE  WARD.— E.  D. 

The  adjoining  estate,  belonging  to  C.  Bewick  and  E.  Craster,  Esqrs. '  contains  near 
297  acres.  Humble  Lamb,  .facm)  Maud,  John  Walker,  and  George  Waldie,  Esqrs. 
are  the  owners  of  HmodeiuPans  Colliery^  the  coeds  of  which  are  called  Bewick  ancl 
Craster's  Wallsend,  Percy  Wallsend,  and  Charlotte  Main^ 

GOSFORTH  PARISH. 

Long  Benton  bounds  this  parish  on  the  east,  the  same  and  Pcmteland  on  the  north» 
Newburn  on  the  west,  and  it  is  separated  on  the  south  from  Newcastle  by  a  boundary 
Une.  It  extends  S^  miles  from  north  to  south,  and  3  miles  from  east  to  west.  The 
rental  of  the  entire  parish,  in  ISOQ^  was  £15,034  annually.  It  is  divided  into  seven 
townships,  which,  in  1821,  contained  550  houses  and  3295  inhabitants,  most  of  whom 
are  employed  in  the  coal- works.  In  the  same  year,  the  poor-rates  in  East  Bruntoo 
were  £43,  16*. ;  in  West  Brunton,  £83,  17*. ;  in  East  and  West  Kenton,  £831,  4*. ; 
in  Coxlodge,  £135,  9*.;  in  Fawdon,  £61,  15*.;  in  North  Gosforth,  £84,  1*.;  in 
South  Gosforth,  £  8 :  total,  £  688,  2*.  There  are  no  endowed  schools  in  this  pansh ; 
but  the  inhabitants  support  12  day-schools,  which  are  attended  by  about  SSO^  children^ 
Beside  these,  Mrs.  Brandling  established  a  school  at  North  Gosforth  in  18199  in 
which  above  50  girls  are  taught  reading,  writing,  aoQOunts,  and  needle-work^  About 
35Q  attend  the  Bunday-schoms, 

South  Gk)SFORTH  is  situated  2|  miles  north-east  from  Newcastle,  where  is  a  chapel 
belonnng  to  the  vicarage  of  St.  Nicholas.  Robert  Lisle,  of  Gosforth,  gave  to  nis 
son,  Otwell  Lisle,  with  Isabel  his  wife,  in  frank  marriage.  South  Gosforth,  with  the 
advowson  of  the  church  and  mill,  &;c^  This  Robert  Lisle  married  the  daughter  o£ 
Richard  Canville,  who,  with  the  consent  of  his  wife,  gave  him  Gosforth,  and  Henry 
JI.  confirmed  the  gift.  -  In  the  year  1377,  the  advowson  of  the  church  of  South  Gosn 
forth  ^vas  disputed  between  the  king,  the  bishop  and  prior  of  Carlisle,  and  Matthew 
Bolton,  clerk,  vicar  of  Neweastle.  In  1391>  Sir  Robert  Lisle  was  presented  with  the 
lordship  of  Gosforth,  with  the  mill  and  advowson  of  the  church,  bv  his  elder  brother^ 
Thomas  Lisle.  This  Sir  Robert  Lisle,  knt.  married  Mary,  one  of  the  daughters  and 
heirs  of  Adamer,  who  lived  at  Jesmond,  unde  to  David  Strabolgie,  Earl  of  Athol. 
By  an  agreement  made  between  Humphrey  Lisle,  Esq.  -  and  the  vicar  of  Newcastle, 
in  1494,  th?  former  appears  to  have  quitted  his  claim  to  the  advowson  of  South 
Gosforth. 

The  church  was  rebuilt  about  the  year  1798,  and  considerably  ^ilarged  in  1819* 
It  is  a  plain  neat  structure,  with  a  small  spire :  the  east  end  is  semicircular.  The 
church-yard  is  well  enclosed,  and  contains  a  few  handsome  monuments,  upon  one  of 
l^hich  is  the  following  rustic  epitaph  on  Johu  Ramsay,  who  died  in  1782 : — 

Ye  politicians,  stop  and  p^use ;  To  mathematics  he  inclhied ; 

A  patriot  lieth  here.  His  mind  v^bs  always  gay ; 

Who  lov'd  his  country  and  its  laws,  A  husband  good^  a  parent  kind^ 

Aiid  liberty  held  dear.  Was  honest  John  Ramsay. 

Adjoining  to  the  chxurch  is  a  large  farm-house  and  extensive  offices^  ^iccupied  hv 
Mr,  italph /itkinwiK  >         - 


GOSFORTH  PARISH.  469 

i 

I 

f 

At  a  short  distance  north  from  Gosforth  church,*  Mr.  Brandling  has  sunk,  at  a 
jgr^t  expence,  a  new  colliery  of  considerahle  depth.  In  the  vale  east  from  the  church, 
and  at  the  commencement  of  Jesmond  Dean,  stands  HaddneJ^s  Mill,  the  property 
of  the  heirs  of  the  late  Mr.  T.  Charlton,  of  Newcastle.    It  had  long  been  possessed 

*  The  following  case  of  die  repairs  of  Gosforth  chapel^  from  Bourne's  Histpry  of  Newcastle^  p.  242,  is  of 
suffident  importance  to  claim  a  place  here  :— 

JOr.  Banre,  Archdeaam  tf  NorthumberUtfUth  Leuiar  to  Ik\  Thomoi  Sn^,  Deam  of  CarUik,  daM  AfrAam, 

September  15,  ^674. 

"  Reverend  and  honoured  Sir, — I  did  purposely  delay  my  answer  to  your  last  of  the  22d  past,  till  at  my 
last  visitation  I  had  enquired  after,  and  escomined  the  repamtion  of  the  chappel  of  Gosforth,  within  the  vicarage 
of  Newcastle ;  the  result  whereof  b,  1.  The  said  chappel  is  not  a  chappel  of  ease,  l)ut  a  parochial  chappel, 
which  the  mother-church  is  not  bound  to  repair,  but  belongs  to  theroselyefr:  Yqu  fcnow  very  we]l  the  episco- 
pal sentence  at  the  dedication  of  such  chappels,  the  body  whereof  lies  upon  the  parishioners  of  the  chappel^ 
and  the  chancel  upon  the  impropriators  or  appropriators.  2.  That  by  order  of  Mr.  George  Willoughby,  tenant 
to  the  lord  bishop  of  Carlisle^  for  his  part  of  the  tydies,  Mr.  Carr  Alderman  of  Newcastle,  his  sub-tenant, 
hath  consigned  }0L  about  the  Sth  instant  into  the  hands  of  Capt  Fen  wick  and  Mr.  William  Musgrave  curate 
of  Gosforth,  for  the  repair  of  the  same ;  and  I  am  confident  the  dean  and  chapter  will  be  as  forward  to  follow 
that  example.  5.  You  were  misinformed  concerning  the  pbligation  of  the  poor  vicar  of  St  Nicholas  to  repair 
the  chappel,  upon  a  supposition  that  the  benefit  of  the  mortuaries,  and  of  the  burials  there,  belongs  to  him, 
which  you  say  are  \Ss.  4<f.  for  each  burial,  whereof  the  vicar  i^eceives  but  6s.  Sd,  but  the  burthen  of  repairin|f 
the  chappels  would,  'tis  said,  surduu^  the  vicarage  in  value  tiirice  over. 

^'  Having  no  mbve  to  trouble  you  withal  at  thia  time,  but  to  commend  my  self  to  your  go^  prayers,  I  re» 
main,  reverend'Sir,  your  very  afiSsctionate  friend  and  ftithftil  servant,  *^  Isaac  Basibe. 

"  Pray  present  my  humble  service  to  my  lord  your  bishop/^ 

Dr.  Smith,  the  dean  of  Carlisle,  propos^  the  Mlowing  Quaere  to  Dr.  Exton,  chancellor  to  the  bishop  of 
Londop  i^^Case,  **  Whether  an  impropriator  b^  obliged,  of  common  right,  to  repair  and  uphold  the  diancels, 
not  only  of  the  mother-church,  but  of  all  the  chappels  likewise  within  the  rectory ;  and  whether  the  distinc- 
tion of  chappels  parochial  and  chappels  of  ease  make  any  difference  in  the  case?" 

Answer j'^*^  The  law  is  certalh,  that  where  there  is  a  mother-church  and  a  diappel  of  ease,  or  a  pavochial 
chappel,  which  makes  no  diflbre^oe,  if  the  mothev-chunsh*  be  out  of  repair,  those  inhabitants  within  the  chap* 
pelries  shall  contribute  towards  the  repair  of  that  church :  But  e  contra  neither  the  improiiriatOF  nor  paristuon^ 
era  of  the  mother-church  shall  at'  all  contrilMite  towazda  the  repaira  of  those  diapp^ :  Except  either  di^ 
have  dcMie  it,  and  so  snflfer^d  a  custom  to  grow  upon  them»  tir  thero  b^  some  reservation  so  to  do  it  in  th^ 
foundation  of  diose  ch^>peli^    But  those  persons  only  that  have  the  benefit  of  tjhoee  chappels  shall  repur," 

The  case  is  klso  given,  *'  truly  sti^,"  as  follows  i*-? 

**  1.  It  is  clear  law,  that  when  no  person  or  pekwms  appear  who  are  Kable  to  the  repair  of  eitiier  church  or 
chancel,  that  in  such  case  the  tythes  or  other  profits  within  that  parish  are  to  be  sequesterM  for  the  said  re« 
nain,  after  notice  given  to  the  parties  concerned  in  audi  profits;— -Cofu/thf/.  D.  (Hkmj  p.  SO,  ^. 

*^  De  facto,  notice  was  ftequently  given  to  the  krd  bidtop  and  dean  and  chapter  of  Carli^,  who  are  im« 
vropriators  of  the  tythea  within  the  parish  of  Crosforth,  and  ta  their  farmers  likewise,  who  should  have  ap- 
peared  and  shewed  something  in  discharge  of  the  onue  reparatM}  Ibr  Gosforth  church  is.  neither  chappel  of 
^ase,  nor  parochial  chappel  within  the  rectory  of  St  Nlchohis,  as  the  case  waa  mistated  to  Dr.  Exton ;  4.  Be* 
cause  Gosforth  is  reputed  and  taken  to  be  a  church  and  parish  distmct  2.  The  parish  of  St  Nicholas  is  no 
rectory,  but  a  vicarage]^  and  in  case  two  chuvches  parochial  be  united,  as  probably  these  may  be,  the  repara- 
^on  shall  be  several,  as  before.  Hob.  Gf.  9.  The  case  was  mistated  to  Dr.  Etton  in  a  material  an^  essential 
part  thereof,  being  put,  of  im  impropriiitor  whp  repairp  a  mother-church;  for,  first,  turn  constat,  in  the  case  o|[ 

VOL-  II.— (41)  Q  Q 


47«  CASTLE  WAKD^E.  D, 

by  the  J&dm  family.  Heie  idK  two  or  three  neat  cottages,  with  gardens  annexed, 
Triiidition  states  that  this  plaee  anciently  bc^Qged  to  a  formidable  hand  of  f reebooto:^ 
€)i  the  name  o^  Haddrick^  who,  sheltered  in  the  de^  recesses  of  this  dean,  defied  for 
yome  time  the  public  imthority.  At  a  short  distance  lower  down  is  a  large  stone 
q^uarry,  above  which  are  the  Dean  Souses^  inhabited  by  labourers.  On  the  opposite 
^ide  of  the  bridge,  four  or  five  houses,  called  Crag  JETo/Z,  were  built  in  1811,  and  are 
also  tenanted  by  labourers. 

Low,  OT  North  Gospoeth. — ^This  neat  seat-house,  the  residence  of  R.  W.  Brands 
ling,  Esq.  stands  in  a  low  situation,  4  miles  north  from  Newcastle.  There  was  for- 
merly a  chapel  here,  and  some  of  the  graVe-stoiies  are  still  remaining  in  the  chapel-yard, 
the  names  on  which  are  of  the  families  of  Hedley  and  Robinson,  and  the  dates 
are  from  1664  to  1691.  A  clergyman,  who  was  living  in  1788,  remembered  to 
have  read  the  burial-service  in  ttie  chapel.  In  1586,  Mich.  Frisell  occurs,  a  cu- 
rate here.  He  is  the  tpst  upon  record.  North  Gosforth  was  held  of  the  crown  by 
the  ancient  family  of  Sur-Tees  (so  called  from  their  seat  on  the  banks  of  the  Tees) 
from  the  time  of  Henry  I.  to  the  latter  end  of  the  reign  of  Henry  VI.  The 
last  Thomas  Surtees  died  in  ISOO^  seized  of  North  Gosforth  and  Felling.  These 
;puuiors  then  came  into  the  possession  of  Sir  Robert  Brandling,  by  his  marriage  with 
Ann«  the  co-heir  of  the  blood  of  the  Surtees',  and  dau  j^hter  of  John  Place,  £sq[.  of 
HalWby,  in  Yorkshire.  He  was  sheriff  of  Newcastle  in  1524,  five  times  mayor  of 
that  town,  and  was  knighted  at  Muasdbu^h  by  the  Duke  q^  Somerset.  He  med  in 
1568,  without  issue ;  but  Surtees  says,  *^  Im  obtainal^  by  oomposition»  dominlpn  over 
FeUiBg,  and  probably  Gosforth  at  the  same  time."  He  wm  succeeded  hy  his  biipther, 
Thomas  Brandling,  whose  eldest  son,  WiUiun  Brandling,  of  FeUing;  married  Ann, 
daughter  of  ^^  Hdye.  Their  eldest  scm^  Robert  BrandUi]^  Esq.  of  Fellii^,.was 
high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  16l7f  and  married,  I.  Jane,  daughter  of  Francis 
Wortley,  Esq.  of  Wortley^  county  of  York ;  9L  Mary,  daughter  of  Thomas  Hilton, 
Esq.  Baron  of  Hilton,  and  firom  which  marriage  sprui](g  the  Brandlings  <^  Leathley, 
county  of  York.  His  eldest  son  b^  his  &st  marriage  was  Siir  Franck  Brandling,  knt 
af  Alnwick  Abbey,  and  M.  P.  for  Northumberknd  in  16188.  By  his  &mt  wife^ 
Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Sir  Ralph  Gxe]^,  of  Ctttllinghamv  he  had  six  sons.  The 
fAdesty  Charles  Brandfinfl^  Esq.  of  Ahiwick  Abbey,  married  Ann,  daughter  and  sole 
heir  of  Ralph  Fttdsey,  Esq.  of  Plessey  Hall.    Charles  Bvandting,  Esq.  their  fourth 

GptfoFth.  oburch.  th$t  St  Nidiolss  is  Uie  nMrthtr-chureh^  but  qAtf^er  the  cxmtrioy,  as  above.  Secondly,  it  is 
notorious  thiit  the  dean  and  cbafter  of  Cariisl#  have  reused  to  rqHor.the  diancel  of  St.  Nicholas,  and  partiTi 
cularly  to  allow  ik»,  late  dean's  accounts*  vho  defmslo  onoe  repeixed  it;  so  that  the  case  put  to  .Dr.  Exton 
differing  essentially  Aram  tbia^  his  opinioB,  which  is  allowed  to  he  good  law,  cannot  reach  this. 

*'  The  impreiiriateirs  of  the  parish  of  Gosforth  may  be.  soon  satisfied,  tho'  it  was  onoe  denied  thein,  from  the 
luitihorities  feiDierly  sent,  thai:  improprpators^  as  well  as  the  parson  de  eommvmjure^  ought  to  rq[>air  the  chan- 
odj  unless  thqr.can  prove  ooBtrary  by  custpm  or  oomposition." 

Mn  WiUottghby,  the  bishop's  lessee,  for  one  moiety  of  the  tythee,  did  voluntarily,  before  sequestration,  pay 
jg  10  towards  the  reparation  of  the  cfaanoel,  and  the  sequeebraHars  employed  that  £  10  mid  such  portion  of  the 
tytbes  se^uester'tt  amooiitiiig  to  the  ^^  of  iSlO  moiie,  ;whereby  the  said  chanoel  was  soon  zepaiiedj  as  it 
has  Jmmi  duly  sinoe^that  times*  ... 


GOSFORTH  PARISH.  471 

WD)  bis  eider  brothers  not  leaving  surviving  issue,  iiiheiitiKL  Felling.  He  married 
Maimret»  daughter  of  John  Grey,  Esq.  of  Howiek»  and  was  sucoeeled  by  his  son, 
Ralpi  Brandling,  Esq.  who  married,  in  1729«  Eleimc^^  daughter  of  - —  Ogle«  Esq.  c£ 
Eglingham.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  Charles  Brandling,  Esq.  of  Gosforth,  high 
sheriff  of  Northumberland  in  1781,  and  M.  P.  for  Newcastle  upon  T^ne,  1784, 1790^ 
and  1796.  He  married,  in  1756,  Elizabeth,  daughter  and  bfelrof/ofan  Thompson, 
Esq.  of  Shotton,  county  palatine.  He  left  issue,  I.  Charles  John  BratadUng,  .Esq.  of 
Grorforth,  who  married,  in  1793,  Frances  Elizabeth,  daughtet  of  William  HawW 
worthy  Esq.  of  Hawksworth,  county  of  York^  and  sister  of  Walter  Fawkes,  Esq^  of 
Farnley  HaU,  Yorkshire,  and  has  no  issue;  gl.  Ralph  Hemy  Braoiiiling,  vieav  of 
Kothwell,  county  of  York,  and  perpetual  (Curate  of  Castle  Ed^,  county  pahitun^ 
married,  in  1796,  Emma,  fourth  daught^  oi  Oldfield  Bowtes,  lilstt.  of  N.  Astim» 
oounly  Oxon,  by  whom  he  has  issue ;  3.  John,  unmamed^  IftlS ;  4.  Robert  William 
Bran^ng,  Esq.  of  Liow  Gosforth,  barrist^-atJaw,  married  Mary,  dAudbiter  of  Tho- 
mas Jaques,  of  Leeds,  by  whom  he  has  istal^.  The  daiu^biterB  were,  1«  Eleanor,  maru 
ried,  1779,  to  William  Ord,  Esq.  of  Fenham,  and,  secondly,  to  Thomas  Creevy,  Esq. 
M.  F. ;  she  died  at  Brussels,  1818 ;  2.  Mi«garet»  iaaaitied,  1780^  to  Rowland  Burdon^ 
Esq.  of  Castle  Eden,  died  at  Grantham,  1791 ;  8.  Elisabe^^  mafried,  1777»  to  Ralph 
Wuliam  Grey,  Esq.  of  Backworth ;  4.  Barbara,  matried^  1787>  to  jdie  Rev.  John  Qr4 
rector  of  Langton,  county  of  lideester ;  5.  Mary,  died  aged  18 ;  6.  i\im,  married  to 
Lieutenant-o^onel  GriiBths,  Royal  Artillery;  7.  Sarah  Frances,  wife  to  the  late 
Matdiew  Bell,  Esq.  of  Woolsington.  Charles  John  Brandling,  l£i9q.  was,  on  the  re- 
signaticm  of  his  fauia*  in  1797»  ^osen  a  representative  in  paruament  for  Newcastle 
upon  Tyne.  He  was  returned  for  the  same  place  to  the  parliaments  whidi  .met)  4£d^ 
48d,  47th,  and  48fh  oi  George  III.  After  rdiring  for  a  few  years  from  public  life^ 
he  was  chosen  one  <^  the  representatives  fbrrNortibumberiand  in  the  j>resent  pAriiia*- 
ment.  He  is  Also  Ueutenant-eohiiiel-eonuUiaadBnt  of  th^  N<ni;humberland  and  New* 
castle  Volunteer  Cavaliy. 

Oo^brA  Hamsef  the  seat  of  C.  J.  BrsEKQing,  Esq^  H  ntarly  fimiies  north  from  New- 
eastle.  It  was  erected  in  1760,  by  the  father  of  the  pU^salt  proprietor^  frcnn  a  daadgn 
by  Payne.  It  is  a  large  aiid  ^gant  structure  of  wmte  freest<me,  and  being  seated 
on  a  rising  ground,  nas  an  fetegant  and  betatifiil  appearance*  In  the  mmt  ik 
an  ext^nsite  hiwn,  enetosed  with  fine  plaBtadcms;  The  soil  of  the  adjoining  Imds 
Iras  olri^naUy  bad  and  usfprtHmsing,  htjBt  bai  been  siirprifiingly  improved,  and  formed 
into  good  fields,  pleasure-grounds,  gardens,  and  fish-ponds.  Ferhaps  there  is  no  part 
in  the  north  of  England,  where  the  effects  of  judicious  and  spirited  improvements 
are  more  strikingly  exemplified.  The  fish-pond  is  very  capacious,  being*  about  three 
^rlongs  in  lengfti,  and  containing  nearly  50  acres.  It  is  the  resort  of  innumerable 
flocks  of  water-fowl. 

North  from  Salter's  Bridge,  and  on  the  verge  of  Long  Benton  parish,  lies  a  small 
piece  of  land,  called  Denfs  Mires,  containing  about  seven  acres,  laying  in  ridges, 
alternately  the  nroperty  of  C.  J.  Brandling,  Ksq.  and  of  the  master  and  schokurs  of 
Baliol  College,  Oxford. 

The  Tkree-mile  Bridge  is  so  named  from  its  distance  from  Newcastle.  The  farmer 
who  resided  on  the  north  side  of  the  bridge  was  formerly  a  publican^  and  had  his 
sign  suspended  on  a  pole  near  the  house,  on  which  was  a  portrait  of  the  facetious  Mr. 


472  CASTLE  WARD.— E   D. 

Langhom  the  brewer.  A  litde  further  along  the  road,  and  opposite  to  the  smith's 
shop,  stands  a  stone  pillar,  covered  with  scraps  of  holy  writ.  It  was  erected  bjr  John 
Pigg,  of  Newcastle,  who  lived  in  the  time  of  the  civil  wars,  and  who  is  noticed  in 
the  account  of  Eaesdto;  •  -  -  • 

,  East  and  West  Briwton  are  two  townships,  situated  on  the  west  side  of  the 
great  post-road,  opposite  to  Gosforth,  and  contain  about  400  inhabitants.  The 
extensive  estates  of  the  Haslerig  famUy  in  this  part  of  the  county  contained  both 
these  townships,  and  also  the  townships  of  Fawdon,  Dinnington,  Wideopen,  and 
Weetslet  The  soil  or  surface  was  sold  in  1768  by  an  order  of  the  high  court  of 
chancery,  reserving  the  coal-mines,  which  are  now  sub-leased  to  Messrs.  W  ewmarsh. 
Sons,  and  Co.  from  the  original  lessees,  the  representatives  of  the  late  John  du  Pen- 
thieu,  Esq.  The  whole  manor  or  lordships  contained  4570  acres.*  The  coals  of 
Fawdon  and  Brunton  collieries  are  called  in  the  market  Newmarsh'^  Wallsend  and 
Haslerig  Wallsend :  the  proprietors  are,  John  Newmarsh  and  Co. 

•  * 

e  Kenton  is  distant  above  2^  miles  north  by  west  from  Newcastle.  Bourne  itoa. 
gines  that  its  name  is  derived  from  its  situation,  **  for  it  stands  upon  a  hill,  and  so  is 
a  town  that  one  may  ken  from  far,  or  see  at  a  good  distance."  It  is  a  large  pit  vil- 
lage, containing  1S4  dwelling-houses,  two  or  three  of  which  have  a  very  respectable 
appearance,  ana  a  public  house.  The  Methodists  have  a  meeting-house  here,  and  a 
Sunday-school,  which  is  well  attended.  At  Kenton  bank-top,  or  Blakelaw,  there  is  a 
steam-engine,  by  which  the  coal-waggons  are  drawn  up  an  inclined  plane  from  Faw- 
don colliery. 

,  Kenton  gave  name  to  a  family,  for  in  the  reign  of  king  Edward  II.  ki  1813,  when 
the  battle  of  Banhockbum  was  fought,  one  Sir  John  de  Kenton,  knt.  was  high  sheriiT 
of  Northumberland.  In  1286,  Thomas  Bennett  held  property  in  Kienton  of  the 
manor  of  Whalton  by  knight's  service,  and  which  passed  by  descent  to  his  son,  Wit 
liam  Behnet^  and  from  him  to  his  two  daughters,  IsabeU  and  Margaret,  the  wives  of 
John  Widdrington  and  John  Fenwick ;  and,  in  about  1540,  to  Grs^ard  Widdfington 
and  Robert  Fenwick,  the  sons  of  the  said  Isabell  and  Margaret.  In  13S2^  John 
Fenwick  wrought  coals  here.  Kobert  Fenwick,  in  1609>  ent^ed  his  estates  on  the 
heirs  of  his  four  daughters,  one  of  whom  married  Martin  Fenwick,  another  Hector 
Ogle,  and  a  third  Robert  Errington ;  but  in  1630^  the  whole  was  in  the  possession  of 

^  Dinnington  was  sold  in  three  lots;  two  of  which,  containing  about  SOS  acres,  were  purchased  by  Main 
thew  Bell,  Esq. ;  and  th^  third,  cQptaining  about  2SS  acres,,  by  Matthew  Duane,  Esq.  and  it  now  possessed 
by  John  Bray^  Esq.— West  Brunton  was  sold  in  four  lots,  containing  altogether  about  1141  acres,  and  was 
purchased  by  Bell,  Dawson,  and  Ormston;  but  ^e  whole  is  now  the  property  of  Matthew  Bell,  Esq. — ^East 
Brunton  was  sold  in  four  lots:  two,  containing  about  412  acres,  were  purchas^  by  Thomas  Dawson^  Esq^ 
and  are  now  the  property  of  Messrs.  George  and  Thomas  Hutchinson,  and  of  the  Rev.  James  Robson ;  the 
third  lot^  about  237  acres,  was  bought  by  Richard  Burdon,  Esq. ;  and  the  fburth,  about  2S7  acres,  by  Charles 
Brandling,  Esq.'— Wideopen  was  sold  in  two  lots :  one,  ccmtsining  about  262  acres,  was  sold  to  M.  Duane^ 
Esq.  sind  is  now  the  property  of  John  Bray,  Esq.;  the  other,  contaii^ing  about  384  acres^  was  sold  to,C. 
Brandling,  Esq.-«-Weet8let  was  sold^in  one  lot,  containing  about  539  acres,  and  was  also  purchased  by  C^ 
Bnuidling,  Esq. '  fawdon  sold  in  one  lot,  containing  about  515  acres,  to  M.  Belly,  Esq. 


GOSFORTH  PARISH.  473 

Martin  Fenwick.  Next  occurs  Martin  Fenwick,  grandfather ;  Lancelot,  Martin,  and 
-^—f  his  sons ;  and  — y  Robert,  and  Martin,  his  grandsons,  in  whose  hands  it  continued 
till  1688,  when  Martin  Fenwick  sold  his  share  of  Kenton  to  Mr.  John  Douglas  for 
£6000.  About  the  same  time.  Sir  William  Blackett  held  property  in  Kenton.  Sir 
Arthur  Heseliig  had  lands  in  Kenton  previous  to  his  decease,  which  took  place  in 
1648.  West  Kenton  is  now  the  property  of  Edward  Montague,  Esq.  and  East  Ken- 
ton of  Richard  Fontayne  Wilson,  Esq.  At  the  south-eastern  extremity  of  this 
township,  and  adjoining  the  town  moor,  the  late  J.  G,  Clarke,  Esq.  erep^  a  snug 
country  retreat,  which  is  now  well  sheltered  with  trees, 

Fawdon,  above  mentioned,  the  property  of  M.  Bell,  Esq.  stands  above  2  miles 
north  from  Newcastle.  Robert  dc  Fawdon  was  high  sheriff  of  Northumberland  in 
1307.  Hig^  FawdaUf  or  Fawdon  Square,  consists  of  about  70  pit-houses ;  and  Law 
Fawdon  of  about  20  houses.  They  owe  their  rise  to  the  coal-works.  The  Metho- 
dist Sunday-school  at  this  place  is  generally  attended  by  about  200  children.  In  sink- 
ing the  B.  pit  here,  a  mineralized  tree  was  founds 

CoxLODGE  is  distant  2  miles  north  from  Newcastle.  The  village  so  celled  contains 
SO  dwelling-houses,  a  Methodist  meeting-house,  and  a  day  and  Sunday-school.  The 
north  moiety  of  this  township,  containing  about  560  acres,  was  purchased  in  1808,  by 
C.  J.  Brandling,  Esq.  On  this  part  are  situate  the  Regency  and  Jubilee  pits,  forming 
Coxlodge  coUiery,  tne  proprietors  of  which  are,  C.  J.  Brandling,  R.  W.  Brandling, 
Matthew  Bell,  and  John  W  atson,  Esqrs.  The  royalty  of  the  whole  township  belongs 
to  Ralph  Riddell,  Esq.  of  Felton.  The  coals  procured  here  are  called  in  the  market 
Riddell's  Wallsend,  Coxlodge,  and  West  Kenton.  A  colliery  was  once  attempted  in 
the  Fountain  Close,  a  short  distance  west  of  the  Threcrmile  Bridge,  from  the  workings 
of  which  the  excellent  water  is  procured  with  which  Newcasue  is  supplied.  It  is 
conveyed  in  pipes  through  this  estate,  and  across  the  town-moor,  to  the  new  water 
pond.  The  south  part  of  Coxlodge  township  is  the  property  of  Job  James  Bulman, 
Esq.  The  familv  mansion-house  stands  near  the  southern  extremity  of  the  estate, 
and  verging  on  the  town-moor.  It  is  a  pleasant  and  commodious  structure,  and  the 
gardens  are  neatly  laid  out.  The  Grand  Stand  is  sHuated  oi)  this  estate,  a  little  west 
of  the  house. 

j£SMOND,  Jesumunde,  or,  as  it  is  sometimes  called  in  ancient  writing,  Jesumuth,^ 
(a  corruption  of  Jesus-mountY  is  a  township  of  the  parish  of  St,  Andrews,  distant  about 
a  mile  and  a  half  northeast  from  Newcastle.  It  appertained  to  the  baronv  of  Robert 
de  Gaugy,  as  appears  by  a  certificate  given  3d  kmg  Henry  III,  of  such -manors  as 
this  barony  did  consist  of,  for  which  he  was  obliged  to  the  service  of  three  knights' 
fee.  Adamus  de  Athol,  who  lies  buried  in  the  chapel  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  in  St. 
Andrew's  church,  lived  in  t)iis  village,  and  is  called  Dominus  de  Jesmont.  The  Ord 
family  was  also  in  possession  of  it.  Sir  Francis  Anderson,  knight,  and  others,  srfd 
possessions  here,  in  1669)  to  William  Coulson,  Esq.  whose  descendants  had  resided 
i^pon  them  till  1808,  when  they  were  pmrchased  by  John  Anderson,  Esq.  of  New- 
castle, and  others.  '  *_ 

VOL.  II.  6  D 


V-.V 

^ 


474  CASTLE  WARD.~E.  D. 

There  was  an  andent  hospital  at  Jesmond,  with  a  chapel  appertaimng  to  it,  dedi^' 
cated  to  the  Vir^n  Mary.  In  the  year  1859»  Sir  Alexander  de  Hilton,  of  Hilton,  in 
the  county  palatme  of  Durham,  and  Matilda  his  Mrife,  the  two  patrons  of  the  chapel 
of  Jesmond,  presented  it  to  one  Sir  William  of  Heighit^rton,  to  he  chaplain,  who 
was  accordingly  instituted  hy  Thomas  Hatfield,  huhop  of  Durham.  In  the  8d  of 
king  Edward  VI.  the  corporation  procured  a  avant  of  the  diapel  of  the  blessed  Mary 
of  Jesmond,  and  of  some  messuages  and  hnoB  in  Jesmond,  und^  an  annual  rent  of 
S#.  4c^.*  In  the  same  year,  the  mayor  and  burgesses  granted  the  hospital,  and  the 
hmds  belonging  to  it,  to  Sir  John  Brandling,  his  heirs  and  assigns,  for  ever. 

The  north  aisle  of  the  chapel  was  a  stable,  the  chapel  itself  a  bam,  and  the  burying- 
plaoe  a  stack-garth.  These  curious  ruins  have  latdy  been  cleared  of  buUdingB,  and 
are  carefully  preserved  by  the  present  proprietor,  Jamos  Liosh,  Esq.  They  now  form 
a  very  striking  and  picturesque  object.  One  of  the  little  windows  of  the  hospital 
still  remains  m  the  west  gable  of  a  farm-house,  formerly  a  puhtic  house,  with  the 
sign  of  the  Nag's  Head. 

St.  Mary's  well,  in  this  village,  which  has  as  many  steps  down  to  it  as  there  ar6 
articles  in  the  creed,  was  inclosed  bv  the  late  Mr.  Coulson  for  a  bathing-plaee,  which 
was  no  sooner  done  than  the  water  left  iti  This  was  coopered  as  a  just  revenge  for 
.  TOofaning  the  sacred  well ;  but  the  water  soon  returned,  and  the  miracle  was  ^idedi 
The  Hwy  Well  and  shrine  at  this  place  were  anciently  in  high  eMimaticxi*  Gray 
says,  in  his  Chorography,  ^  With  great  confluence  and  devcltion,  pec^le  came  from 
all  parts  of  this  island  to  the  shrine  of  the  Virgin  Mary."  Bourne  i^  obaarves,  it 
was  resorted  to  by  ^^  pilgrims  who  came  fr6tn  all  parts  of  the  kingdom  to  wixship  at  it*^ 
In  pulling  down  an  old  wall,  supposed  to  have  belonged  to  St.  Mary's  chapel,  a 
religious  medal  was  found.  One  siae  plainly  gives  the  heads  of  Christ  and  the  Virj^ 
Mary  in  profile ;  on  the  other  side  the  emolems  of  the  Eucharist  with  this  inscrip- 
tion— ''  LA.  SI.  IL.  s.  s.  8A6.'^  and  at  the  bottomi,  *'  boma.**  tot  Laudato  sia  UtacrUafM 
mgramentOt  Italian;  which  may  be  Englished  thus,  ^Praised  be  the  most  holy 
sacrament.'* 

In  the  first  year  of  the  reign  of  king  Henry  VIII.  a  gifeat  number  of  the  ptople  o^ 
Newcastle,  headed  hy  s&me  of  the  aldermen  and  principal  tnen  of  the  town,  came  td 
Jesmond  to  kill  the  prior  of  Tviiemouth. 

The  rural  beauties  of  this  delightful  village  rehder  it  a  favourite  resort  of  the  in- 
habitants of  the  town,  who,  during  a  fine  summer  evening,  crowd  the  walks  that 
1^  to  it  The  late  William  Coulson^  Esq*  erecited  Jeemond  JEtoue,  whadh  appear^ 
in  firont :  it  has  been  much  adorned  rad  beautified  by  the  present  proprietor,  Jobn 
Anderson,  Esq.  who  has  formed  some  new  plantations  that  add  much  to  its  appear-* 
ance.    The  pleasant  residence  of  Jamed  Losh,  Esq.  is  intuated  on  the  m>Tth  or  tiie 

*  Bonnie  says,  "  In  the  Sd  of  Edw.  VL  the  town  got  a  grant  of  Ae  chapel  of  tkel  Blessed  Mazy  of  Jesmond^ 
and  some  messuages  and  lands  in  Jesmond,  under  an  annual  rent  of  Ss.  4d.  payable  out  of  some  lands  in  Old 
Heaton,  and  the  chapel  or  chantry  of  9t  Laiuenoe,  with  the  measuages  called  St  Laurence  and  Little  St 
Anne's  Close>  and  lands  in  Byker^  then  in  the  possession  of  Henry  WinklivCj  and  lands  in  Killingworth^  then 
in  the  possession  of  John  Huntley^  an  annual  rent  of  4s.  payable  out  of  the  lands  of  the  then  Christopher 
Mitford,  in  Old  Heaton.-^The8e  were  granted  in  consideration  of  £144^  \3i.  W* 


GOSFORTH  PABI6H.  47S 

hiA6g^,  and  near  the  scite  of  the  hospitals*  Jesmond  Ijodge^  which  is  a  little  to  the 
nor^-west  of  the  mansion-house,  is  occujpied  by  Miss  Deer*  T%e  public  gardens  ^ 
Mr.  Ferguson  add  much  to  the  beauty  of  this  mie  village.  The  soicient  house  caUed 
StoMs  MM  was  formerly  the  mansion-house  of  Sir  Richard  Stote,  whose  three 
daughters  dying  without  either  issue  or  heirs,  his  principal  estates,  after  a  series  of  law 
proceeding,  are  noW  the  property  of  Messrs.  Bewidce  and  Cnster.  The  second  of  Sir 
Kichard's  daughters  married  the  celebrated  William  Sfeappeni,  Esq.  whio  frequently 
^ent  the  summer  here,  among  his  wife^s  relations^f  At  a  iniott  distanee  fimn  Stote's 
[all,  and  on  the  summit  of  the  hjli  dbote  Benton  bri^pe^  tiie  Rev.  Edward  Moiseshaa 
erected  a  neat  villa  \X  and  on  the  opposite  side  of  the  road  is  another  fine  eminenee, 
formerly  the  propwty  dl  tiie  Coukcm  fiunily,  aftawards  of  Mr^  John  Raine^  and  niarw 

*  About  ten  (/dock  in  the  evening  of  Marcli  f2,  ISli,  the  driverof  acarru^,  whieh  wm kftving  the  reri« 
^ce  of  Mr.  Loah,  mistook  lihe  proper  tarn  to  go  fthiag  thebrN^ge,  and  the  carriage  and  hcMes  were  preei« 
pitated  oVer  a  loir  fence  into  the  entrance  ef^sflMmd  DeaA,  the  height  of  at  leait  IS  or  SO  fceC  There  wev^ 
two  gentlenien  in  the  carriage,  one  of  whom  lofied  mtm  the  vehicie  was  peBsing  over  tba  ftnoe;  Um  ether 
was  carried  to  the  bottom,  and  miraculonsly  escaped  any  ii^nry.  The  driver  was  severdy  bruised  ;  and  one 
of  liie  horses  died  a4bw  minirtes  after  liie  aocident 


\  "Ax.  Bonkm,  in  Us  Materials  for  Thinkii^^  ranks  Shippen  with  AlAed.  Hampden,  Sydney,  and  MarveL 
Thoagh  Cose,  in  hia  Life  of  Walpole,  denies  the  name  of  patriot  to  SUppen,  yet  he  <'  was  die  steady  opposer 
f|f  the  nMwt  corrupt  administration,  exc^  ooe^  that  erer  disgraced  thia  country.  He  was  attached,  it  is  tnie» 
from  early  prquiUce,  to  the  boose  of  Stuart;  yet  he  partook  of  none  oftheir  arbitrary  maidbn^,  but  was  the 
censtant  friend  and  adrocate  of  liberty.  Being  committed  to  the  tower  for  dedaripg  that  the  king's  speech 
Was  rather  ctdculated  for  the  meridian  of  Germany  tlun  of  Ekigland,  the  Prince  of  WaleS)  then  at  variance 
With  his  &ther,  sent  him  an  offer  of  £  1000  as  a  present,  which  he  declined.  Sir  Robert  Walpole,  not  only 
during  his  life,  but  after  his  death,  repeatedly  declared,  '  that  he  could  not  say  who  was  or  was  not  corrupted, 
but  he  could  say  who  was  hot  corruptible/  This  Mr.  Coxe  relates  from  the  authority  of  Lord  Orforcf. 
Thottgb  he  was  publicly  the  enemy  of  Walpole,  he  had  personally  a  ri^spect  for  him^  and  used  flvquently  to* 
sky,  'Robin  and  I  are  two  honest  msb:  he  is  for  king  George,  and  I  am  fbr  king  James.  Hie  rest  on^de- 
sire  places 'under  either/  His  speeches  were  |^ointed  and  ftaruWe,  but  hitf  mamier  of  delivering  them  too 
vehemeot  and  rapids  The  strong  Matures  of  his  character  were  firmness  and  integrity.  His  fauraomr  was 
keen  and  sarcastic^  though  his  temper  was  gentie.  He  ^^vs  regular  and  eeonomieal  in  the  disposition  of  \b» 
time  and  fortune^  and  never  sutiered  his  ekpences  to  exceed  his  income.  His  winter  residenee,  which  was  in 
Norfblk  Street,  in  ifae  Strand,  and  was  the  rendieimAis  of  men  of  rank,  leammg,  and  tAlents,  who  were  drawn- 
tiiither  by  the  attraction  of  bieeheeffal  sod^.    Re  lived  and  died  a  fai«  example  of  virtue  in  degenerate 

m  _^ 

umes* 

The  elde^  of  the  daughters  of  Sir  Richard  Stnte  married  Jdin  Tong,  rector  of  Brancepeth ;  .and  the 
youngest  a  younger  son  of  Lord  Windsor.  The  latter  outlived  her  sisters,  and  daimed  the  property  of  her 
family ;  bat,  after  long  law*suits«  Cdvedy  Bewicke  ef  Close  Hooee,  and  Danid  Ctaster  of  Crastev^  Esqrs. 
became  possessed  of  the  estates  wraaining  at  UnmoiNU  Kirki>Beaton,  WiUingten,  Long  Benton,  &c.  » 

The  Newcastle  Joumd  of  January  13,  17S4,  contains  an  advertisement  respecting  the  ^fesmend  estate^ 
which  was  dakned  by  Stote  Manby,  of  Louth;,  in  LinooliiehiN^,  as  cousin  and  heir  of  the  Honourable  Dorothy 
Windsor,  fitan  Edward  Stot^,  of  Neweastle  upon  Tyne^  merdlant,^  captain  of  a  foot  company  in  the  service 
^  king  Charles  L  and  ftther  of  Sir  Richard  Stote^. 

\  The  land  on  which  this  erection  stands  bdongs  to  the  Ho^td  of  St  Mary  the  Virgin  at  Newcastle,  as 
will  be  particularly  noticed  in  the  History  o^  that  town. 


476  CASTLE  WARD— K  D. 

in  the  possession  of  Armourer  Donkin,  Esq,  sx)Iicitor,  who  intends  to  erect  a  mansion^ 
house  here.  At  a  short  distance  ahove  Benton-lmdj^ei  and  on  the  north  »ide  of  the 
bum,  lies  the  small,  pleasant  village  called  Stuy  Cottage^  enclosed  on  each  side  by 
steep  and  lofty  banks.  Here  is  an  iron  forge  and  roUing^null,  carried  on  by  Mr. 
Robert  Raine. 

.  The  beauty  of  this  place  has  been  augmented  by  the  late  Mr.  Dewar's  new  and 
extensive  tea  and  fruit  gardens.  This  parcel  of  ground,  which  Mr.  Dewar  purchased 
with  the  savings  of  industry,  affords  an  honourable  proof  of  skill  and  labour.  An 
imseemly  pit-heap,  which  covered  part  of  the  ground,  was  removed,  and  the  whole 
brought  into  a  surprising  state  of  order  .and  fruitf ulness„  producing  ^bijmdam^  of  de- 
licious fruits  for  the  refreshment  of  the  numerous  parties  who  visit  this  delightful 
spot.  At  the  east  end  of  the  garden  Mr.  Dewar  erected  a  convenient  house,  lor  the 
entertainment  of  company.  The  interior  is  neatly  fitted  up,  and  commands  a  most 
delightful  prospect  oi  Heaton,  seated  amidst  an  amphitheatre  of  wood,  and  of  the 
meanderings  ot  the  Ouge  Bum ;  while,  on  the  other  hand,  the  tawn  of  ](f ewcastle, 
Fenham,  the  moor^  and  the  adjoining  village,  constitute  one  of  th^  pleasantest  views, 
imaginable. 

The  road  from  Stote's  Hall  to  West  Jesmond  oonunands  a  view  of  the  most  ro^ 
mantic  and  picturesque  scenery,  and  is  a  favourite  walk  of  the  inhabitants  of  New^ 
castle.  West  Jesmond  is  the  property  of  Sir  Thomas  Burdon,  knt.  colonel  of  the 
South  Tyne  Hussars,  and  who  was  mayor  of  Newcastle  in  1810  and  1816.  The 
situation  of  the  house  is  very  fine,  and  has  been  much  improved  by  plantations  judi*^ 
ciously  disposed.  In  the  vale  below.  Dr.  Headlam  has  recently  erected  a  very  hand^^ 
Some  mansion-house  of  polished  stone,  from  designs  by  Mr.  Dobson,  architect. 
Attached  to  the  south  front  is  an  ornamental  green-house.  The  situation  is  low  and 
well  sheltered,  and  the  view  which  it  commands,  though  confined,  is  peculiarly  rich 
and  variegated.  When  the  gardens,  plantations,  and  pleasure-grounds  a^ume  the 
Sspect  intended,  the  whole  wffl  present  a  scene  at  once  nch,  luxuriant,,  and  romantic^ 

Jesmond  Place  ccmsists  of  a  few  houses,  situated  between  the  foot-path  leading  to 
Jesmond  and  tb?  north  turnpike,  A  number  of  building-scites  were  marked  out 
here,  but  not  many  have  beeji  sold^  A  large  vill^e,  called  J^randUng  Places  has,, 
however,  rapidly  sprung  up  nearer  to  the  great  north-road^  It  already  consists  of 
about  one  (lundred  conyenient  freehold  houses  and  cpttages^^  When  properly  drained 
and  paved,  this  will  become  a  healthy  and  desirable  residence  for  tub^e  whom  busi-. 
ness  permits  to  enjoy  the  countrv  air.  Sir  Thomas  Burdon  has  a  coUierv  at  the  north 
side  of  the  village,  and  has  ^uhk  another  pit  at  a  short  distance  west  from  Jesmond. 
House. 

Heaton  is  a  township  in  the  parish  of  All  Saints,  and  is  distant  If  miles  north- 
east from  Newcastle.  Kespecting  this  place  and  its  ancient  possessors,  Mr,  Bourne 
has  the  following  remarks : — 

<*  It  has  been  handed  down  by  tradition  to  the  present  day,  that  it  was  a  place  of 
retreat  for  king  John  when  he  came  into  this  country,  and  there  are  still  to  be  seen 
the  ruins  of  an  ancient  building,  now  in^the  possession  of  Richard  Ridlw,  Esq.  which 
'  carries  the  name  of  King  John's  Palace.     W  hatevei:  truth  there  may  be  in  this  tra- 
dition, this  is  certain,  that  there  is  in  the  said  gentleman^s  ground,  on  the  north  side 


I 


ALL  SAINTS*  PARISH. 


477 


bf  this  old  building,  ttie  remains  of  a  fortification,  which,  it  is  natural  to  conjecture, 
was  built  for  the  s^ety  and  security  of  this  house,  and  cansequently  this  house  must 
have  been  of  some  great  distinction.  And  when  it  is  further  considered,  that  this 
village  of  Heaton  is  a  part  of  the  barony  of  Robert  de  Gaugy,  it  may  not  be  impro- 
bable to  conclude,  that  this  ancient  buUding  has,  in  some  measure,  been  what  tiadi- 
tion  says  it  was.  For  Robert  de  Gaugy  was  a  great  man  in  the  reign  of  king  John, 
and  was  entrusted  by  him  with  the  government  of  divers  castles  at  times,  to  defend 
them  gainst  the  rebellious  barons,  which  he  did  faithfully  and  to  his  own  advantage ; 
for  in  l£e  8d  of  Henry  III.  it  was  certified,  that  the  barony  of  this  Robert,  in  this 
county,  consiirted  of  this  and  the  other  manors,  which  he  held  of  the  king  by  the  ser- 
vice of  three  knights'  fee.  This  Robert,  therefore,  mwht  have  had  his  own  house 
here  upon  this  part  of  his  barroiy  9  imd  4w^  ka  was^so  faiAiful  a  servant  to  king  John, 
and  entrusted  by  him  with  matters  of  such  great  concern,  it  is  not  improbable  but 
when  the  king  came  to  these  parts,  he  lodged  at  this  house ;  and  this  perhaps  was  the 
reason  of  its  getting  the  name  it  bears  at  tais  day." 

Th^  manor  of  Heaton  belonged  to  the  Babingtons  of  Hamham  for  many  years, 
and  was  the  seat  of  Sir  Henry  Babington  in  1628.  A  descendant  of  this  family,  in 
an  humble  situation,  recovered  a  share  of  Heaton  colliery  in  1796.  Her  name  was 
Atkinson ;  and  she  was,  prior  to  this  recovery,  scullion  at  an  inn.  The  Pulleins  got 
this  estate  by  marriage,  but  were  in  no  wav  descended  from  the  Babingtons.  (>ie 
moiety  ctf  the  manor  of  Heaton  was  held,  the  lOtb  of  queen  Elizabeth,  1668,  by  Sir 
Ralph  Lawson,  and  the  other  moiety  by  John  Mitford,  Esq«  of  S^^hill.  The  An* 
deirson  and  Cramlington  families  had  afterwards  posse«MonB  here ;  and  the  Ridleys* 
obtained,  by  purchase,  a  considerable  part  of  the  estate. 

There  was  anciently  a  chapel  at  Heaton,  which,  on  the  7th  of  December,  1899f 
Was  honoured  wit^  the  presence  of  king  Edward  I.  to  bear  a  boy  bishop  perform  the 
Vespers  of  St.  Nicholas. 

*  For  p9rticulars  of  this  &mi!y,  see  pf^es  521  and  SQS,  Nicholas*  fticRiey,  son  of  John  Ridley,  of  Hard* 
l*iding^  Esq.  one  of  bis  majesty's  justices  of  the  i>eace  for  the  county  at  Northumberland,  a  major  in  die  army, 
&c.  was  bom  in  the  ancient  family  mansion-house  at  Hardriding,  in  the  patish  of  Haltwhistle,  and  afterwards 
vrsLS  an  eminent  merchant  in  Newcastle.  He  was,  says  Bourne, ''  twice  mayor  of  Newcastle,  in  the  year  l6S8, 
and  in  the  year  1706,  and  was  esteemed  a  man  of  great  honour  and  integrity,  and  an  excellent  magistrate.  By 
his  last  will  and  testament,  dated  7th  December,  1710,  he  gave  and  bequeathed  to  tlie  poor  of  the  parish  cf 
Haltwhistle  40s.  per  annum,  out  of  a  little  farm  or  tenement  called  Wagtail  Hall.  He  also  gave  a  rent-charge 
t>f  JE4  and  IOj.  per  annum  to  the  poor  of  Newcastle  upon  Tine,  vnd  £50  to  die  poor  of  the  city  cf  Carlisle. 
Which  said  charities  he  order'd  to  be  distributed  every  year  to  the  more  aged  and  iniSrm,  eight  days  before 
Christmas.  He  left  also  £20  to  the  poor  of  the  township  of  Hexham.  He  died  January  22d,  17^0,  and  Hed 
buried  in  St.  Nicholas  in  this  town,  at  the  entrance  into  the  chance)  from  the  body  oi  the  church."  He  had 
issue  by  Martha  his  wife,  daughter  of  Richard  March,  of  Newcasde  upon  Tyne,  merchant,  fhre  sons,  viz.  John 
(who  died  young),  Richard,  Nicholas,  Edward,  and  John ;  and  four  daughters,  viz.  Mary,  wife  of  Gawen 
Aynsley,  of  Little  Harle,  Esq. ;  Anne,  who  died  young;  another  Anile,  wife  of  Joshua  Douglas,  of  New-* 
castle,  Esq. ;  and  Martha,  who  died  unmarried.  Hifi  eldest  surviving  son,  Richard  l^dley,  who  was  also  an 
alderman  and  mayor  of  Newcastle,  viz.  in  1713  and  1732,  built  Heaton  Hall,  and  improved  the  conveniences 
and  beauties  of  the  adjoining  grounds.  An  extensive  pedigree  of  this  ancient  family  is  m  Herahfs  College, 
Vincent,  Northumb.  No.  149,  fol*  55.  See  also  Dugdale's  Visit  Northnmb.  M.  S4;  and  Regist  Howard, 
fol.  100,  &c. 

VOL.  ii.  6  E 


478  CASTLE  WARD.— E  D, 

.  Heaton  Hall  was  ori^nally  built  of  brick  in  171S,  aiid  intended  for  convenienoe 
rather  than  pleasure,  bein^  at  that  time  in  the  centre  of  several  large  collieries  that 
belonged  to  the  family,  ft  was  the  late  Sir  Matthew  White  Ridley,  who,  from  de- 
sims  furnidied  by  Mr,  Newton,  gave  this  building  its  present  elegant  appearance,  by 
a£ling  the  two  towers,  and  facing  the  front  with  stone.  He  also  added  to  this  estate 
the  groimd  laying  between  the  nail  and  Shields  turnpike,  by  purchase  of  Sir  John 
Lawson.  r  The  situation  of  this  handsome  mansion  is  particularly  fine.  On  the  west 
it  overlooks  the  town-moor  and  Fenham ;  on  the  south  and  east  it  commands  an  en- 
liveninff  view  of  the  country  towards  Shields  and  of  the  river  Tyne ;  and  on  the 
north  there  is  an  agreeable  prospect  of  the  windings  of  the  Ous^  Bum,  of  its  woods 
and  banks»  and  of  the  builcungs  interspersed  amongst  them. 

The  road  up  the  Ouse  Bum  from  below  H^ton  is  one  of  the  sweetest  walks  in 
the  vicinity  oi  Newcastle.  At  a  litde  distaiice  up  th^  bum,  Rennoldson's  water-mill 
presents  a  very  picturesque  object.  Above  this  ^ands  Goldspinh  HaUy  the  residence 
of  Robert  Clayton,  Esq.  who,  by  yarious  imraovements,  has  rendered  it  a  snug  and 
pleasant  retreat.  Opposite  to  tnis  place,  and  just  within  tiiie  wall  of  the  Heaton 
plantations,  is  Robin  Sheep's  Cave,  wVch  seems  to  be  partly  natural  and  partl^r  hewn 
out  of  the  rock.  Tradition  states  that  Bobin,  a  poor  piendicant,  lived  m  this  cold 
^.and  solitary  excavation.^ 


*  A  dreadfbl  accident  took  place  at  Heaton  Main  etiStery,  between  three  and  fbop  o'clodt  in  tile 
'cf  Wednesday^  Aprfl  30^  1815.  At  thk  time,  the  workings  of  the  colliery  were  in  the  Beam  termed  the 
High  Main,  which  dips  in  a  westerly  direction^  and  the  shafts  were  sitaated  at  the  lowest  extremity  of  the 
mine.  The  upper  and  neighbouring  seams  had  formeriy  been  wrought  as  a  colliery ,  under  the  name  of 
Heaton  Banks,  by  shafts  distinct  from  these  workings,  and  which  shafts,  when  die  colliery  was  given 
up,  were  covered  over  with  boards  and  earth.  In  the  course  of  time,  these  old  workings  had  become  en« 
tirely  filled  with  water,  which,  at  the  time  above  mentioned,  broke  through  the  loof  in  the  north-west  part  of 
the  present  colliery,  at  a  point  where  the  strata  are  disturbed  by  a  dyke,  and  inundated  the  workings.  Some 
<^  the  men,  who  were  working  near  the  spot  where  the  water  forc^.  its  entrance,  ran  immediately  to  the 
shafts,  and  happily  escaped  from  the  pit  On  their  way,  they  met  Mr.  Miller,  the  under-viewer,  and  infmmed 
him  of  what  had  happened,  whei^  he  ran  to  alarm  the  men  who  were  working  in  the  higher  part  of  the  pit ; 
but  the  water  rushed  in  with  such  dreadful  rapidity,  that  escape  sqon  became  impossible.  When  this  catas- 
trophe occurred,  there  were  95  persons  in  the  pit  On  the  first  alarm,  20  escaped ;  but  75  persons,  vis.  41 
men,  including  the  under-viewer,  and  34  boys,  perished !  The  sufferers  left  25  widows  and  S5  orphans* 
Thirty-seven  horses  were  likewise  lost 

When  the  alarm  was  given  above  ground*  a  most  heart-rending  scene  was  exhibited.  Crowds  of  people, 
particularly  pitmen,  flocked  from  all  parts ;  and  hopes  were  generally  entertained  that  the  men  below  would 
escape  to  the  higher  parts  of  the  workings.  Exertions  were  immediately  made  to  reach  the  spot  wh^re  they 
were  supposed  to  be,  by  the  old  workings,  but  without  success,  as  the  rubbish  which  covered  the  mouths  of 
the  abandoned  shafts,  when  deprived  of  the  support  of  the  water,  fell  in,  dragging  after  it  many  trees  whidi 
bad  been  planted  near  the  spot  An  old  shaft  in  front  of  Heaton  Hall  had  not  presented  a  like  impediment, 
and  here  parties  of  workmen  with  great  alacri^  attempted  to  open  a  communication.  By  Saturday,  the 
scaffolding,  5  &thoms  from  the  surface,  was  reached ;  but  the  work  was  not  encouraged,  and  apprehensions 
were  expressed  that  this  shaft  was  filled  with  inflammaUe  air.  An  effort  was  next  made  to  reach  the  rise 
workings  of  Heaton  colliery  (where  it  was  presumed  the  unfortunate  workmen  had  taken  refuge)  by  means 
of  an  old  pit  in  Byker  colliery.  The  distance  to  the  nearest  old  workings  at  Heaton  was  260  yards,  which 
had  been  closed  up  by  a  creep  for  about  90  years ;  but  on  reaching  the  bottom  of  this  pit,  a  passage  was  dia« 


ALL  SAINTS'  PARISH.  479 

'  Bye^b  is  another  township  in  the  parish  of  All  Saints.  The  Village  and  park  of 
Byker  gave  name  to  a  family,  and  were  held  hy  grand  seijeancy,  by  carrymff  the 
king's  writs  between  the  rivers  Tvne  and  Coquet,  and  making  distresses  of  goods  for 
the  king's  debts^  and  keeping  and  disposing  of  them  for  his  use ;  by  which  service  it 

covered,  about  2^  feet  square,  leading  nearly  in  the  direction  to  be  pursued.  This  passage  seemed  to  have 
been  cut  through  the  creep  for  the  purpose  of  ventilation.  The  workmen  proceeded  with  great  perseverance 
through  this  passage ;  but  it  was  so  charged  with  styth,  or  carbonic  add  gas,  that^  notwithstanding  the  opera* 
tion  of  an  air-pump,  the  workmen  were  compelled  at  times  to  suspend  their  labours.  After  reaching  the  end 
of  the  passage,  an  excavation  was  commenced  in  the  solid  coal ;  but  the  attempt  was  reluctantly  abandoned. 

Immediately  after  the  aociHent.  three  large  engines,  one  of  them  of  130  horse  power,  were  employed  in 
drawing  the  water  from  the  pit.  It  had  soun  risen  to  19  Ikthom*  ^  and  at  three  o'clock  of  the  day  after  it 
first  burst  forth,  it  stood  at  30  fathoms.  On  the  next  day,  it  was  fbund  to  be  33  fathoms,  though  the  engines, 
which  were  incessantly  in  motion,  discharged  1200  gallons  per  minute.  At  length  the  quantity  of  water 
began  gradually  to  be  diminished;  but  it  was  not  until  the  6th  of  January,  1S16,  that  the  first  body  was 
brought  to  bank.  It  was  that  of  an  old  man  employed  on  the  waggon-way }  and  a  fact  worthy  of  notice  is, 
that  the  waste-water  in  which  be  had  been  immersed  had  destroyed  the  woollen  clothes,  and  corroded  the 
iron  parti  of  a  knife  ^  deceased  had  in  his  pocket,  yet  his  linen  and  the  bone  haft  of  the  knife  remained 
entire.  Shortly  after,  Mr.  Miller,  the  under-yiewer,  the  waste-men,  and  six  others,  were  discovered ;  thej 
had  met  a  siinilar  £ite,  having  be^n  overtaken  by  the  water  about  a  hundred  yards  from  the.shaft,  to  which 
tb^  had  been  hastening  to.  save  themselves.  But  their  lot,  and  that  n^  some  others,  may  be  considered  fortunate. 
£br  their  sufferings  were  transient  when  compared  with  those  which  awaited  the  unhappy  beings  left  at  work 
towards  the  rise  of  the  mine,  and  as  yet  unconscious  of  their  dreadful  situation.  About  the  l6th  of  February, 
the  higher  part  of  the  workings  were  explored,  and  now  a  scene  truly  horrible  was  presented  to  view ;  for 
here  lay  the  corpses  of  56  human  beings,  whom  the  water  had  never  reached,  being  situated  35  fiithoms  above 
its  level.  They  had  collected  together  near  the  crane^  and  were  found  within  a  space  of  30  yards  of  each 
other ;  their  positions  and  attitudes  were  various ;  several  appeared  to  have  fallen  forwards  from  off  an  in« 
equality,  or  rather  step,  in  the  coal  on  which  they  had  been  sitting ;  others,  from  their  hands  being  clasped 
together,  seemed  to  have  expired  while  addressing  themselves  to  the  protection  of  the  Deity ;  ^wo,  who  were 
recognized  as  brothers,  had  died  in  the  act  of  taking  a  last  farewell  by  grasping  each  other's  hi|nd>  ^d  one 
poor  little  boy  reposed  in  his  father's  arms.  Two  slight  cabins  had  been  hastily  constructed  by  nailing  up 
deal  boards,  and  in  one  of  these  melancholy  habitations  three  of  the  stoutest  miners  had  breathed  their  last, 
and;  what  seems  singular,  one  of  them  had  either  been  stripped  of  his  clothes  by  his  surviving  companions^ 
or  had  thrown  off  all  covering  from  mental  derangement  A  large  lump  of  horse  flesh  wrapped  up  in  a 
jacket,  nearly  two  pounds  of  candles,  and  three  others,  which  had  died  out  when  half  burned,  were  found  m 
this  apartment,  if  it  can  be  so  called.  One  man,  well  known  to  have  possessed  a  remarkably  pacific  disposi* 
tion>  had  retired  to  a  distance  to  end  his  days  alone  and  in  quiet;  and  that  this  would  be  the  case  was  pre- 
dicted by  many  of  his  fellow  workmen,  who  were  acquainted  with  his  mild  temper.  Another  fiad  been 
placed  to  watch  the  rise  or  fall  qf  the  water,  to  ascertain  which  sticks  had  been  placed,  and  was  found  dead 
at  his  post  There  were  two  horses  in  the  part  of  the  mine  to  which  tfa^  people  had  retired ;  one  had  been 
slaughtered,  its  entrails  taken  out,  and  hijQd-quarters  cut  up  for  use  ;  t!he  ptiier  was  fastened  to  a  stake,  which 
it  had  almost  knawed  to  pieces,  as  well  as  a  corf  or  coal-ba&ket  that  had  been  left  within  its  reach. 

How  long  these  iUofi&ted  people  existed  in  their  horrible  tomb  it  is  impossible  to  determine :  but  that  th^ 
perished  for  want  of  respiraUe  air,  and  not  from  hunger  and  thirst,  is  certain;  for  most  of  the  flesh  cut  from 
the  horse,  together  with  a  considerable  quantity  of  horsie-bea^s,  were  unconsumed,  and  a  spring  of  good 
water  issued  into  this  part  of  the  colliery ;  besides,  the  unbumed  remains  of  candles  afford  evidence  of  a  stilj^ 
stronger  nature ;  and  by  these  data  the  coroner^s  jury  was  enabled  to  pronounce  a  verdict  accordingly. 


480  CASTLE  WARD—E.  p. 

was  held  by  Nicholas  de  Byker  in  the  reisn  of  king  Henry  III,  and  by  Robert  de 
Byker,  who  died  seized  of  two  parts  of  ByKer  and  I^mpedon,  15  Edward  I,    It  was 

e)sse86ed  by  Ro^r  de  Byker,  the  19th  king  Edward  III.  but  belonged  to  the 
ercys  in  the  reign  of  king  Henry  VI.  It  was  in  the  possession  of  the  crown, 
2  king  Edward  I V .  and  was  then  given  to  the  Duke  of  Clarence,  the  king's  brother. 
It  came  afterwards  into  the  possession  of  the  ancient  family  of  the  Lawsons ;  and 
was  possessed  by  Sir  Ralph  Lawson,  knt.  10  queen  Elizabeth ;  by  his  nephew,  Henry 
Lawson,  Esq.  in  the  same  reign ;  who  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  Ro^er  Lawscm,  Esq. 
in  whose  time  we  find  a  third  j>art  of  it,  with  a  capital  messuage  and  other  tenements 
in  Byker,  possessed  by  the  family  of  the-  Dents ;  by  Henry  apd  Robert  Dent,  Esqrs. 
who  had  a  fishery  in  the  river  Tyne,  and  a  colliery,  parcels  of  the  manor  of  Byker. 
The  late  Sir  John  Lawson,  during  his  Ufe-time,  sold  s^  «#n«iderable  part  of  the  Byker 
estate.  Mr.  Rowe,  of  St  Feter'«  Quay,  was  the  greatest  purchaser;  but  on  that 
gentleman's  failure,  his  property  here  was  resold  to  Mr*  Maittnew  Phunmer,  Mr.  Jo» 
seph  Arundale,  who  belongs  to  Byker  Cottage^  and  othera. 

The  village  of  Byker  stands  on  an  emisienoe^  1^  .miles  east  from  Newcastle,  and 
commands  a  most  extensive  and  beautiful  prospect  of  that  town  on  one  side,  and  oi 
the  course  of  the  Tytie  on  the  other.  The  Wesleyan  Methodists  have  a  chapel  \\s3te% 
adjoining  the  house  of  Mr.  Johnson.  There  is  a  curious  old  house  on  the  south  side 
otihe  vma^e,  now  a  pubHc  house,  known  by  the  name  of  the  Mue  Bell.  TTie  wallsi 
like  all  ancient  buildings,  are  very  thick ;  in  one  of  the  rooms  thdre  is  still  part  of  the 
old  tapestry,  on  which  several  figures  are  wrought  in  a  very  masterly  style,  and  are 
well  worth  the  inspection  of  the  curious.  The  rock  on  which  the  house  stands  is 
worn  down  below  the  foundations*  On  the  west  side  of  the  village  there  is  an  arti* 
ficial  castellated  ruin,  which,  viewed  from  a  distance,  has  a  fine  effect. 

The  village  of  St.  Anthony's^  where  Mr.  Sewefl*s  extensive  pottery  is  carried  on^ 
and  that  of  St  Petet^s^  distinguished  for  its  fine  ship-building  aocks,  are  supposed  to 
have  derived  their  name  from  some  ecclesiastical  establishment ;  but  there  exists  no 
tradition  or  record  to  support  the  conjecture.  Others  deduce  the  name^  St  Peter^ 
from  Sir  Peter  Riddell,  knt.  who  is  ssod  to  have  built  the  quay.  Denfs  Hole  is  a 
small  village,  a  little  west  from  St  Peter's  Quay,  and  probably  derived  its  name  from 
the  Dents  of  Byker,  who  possessed  a  fishery  here.  It  is  mostly  inhabited  by  kedmen, 
and  the  workmen  employed  in  the  adjoining  buUding-yard. 

Byker  township  has  no  collieries :  but  it  contains  two  glass-houseb ;  five  potteries ; 
three  wind  flout-mills,  one  steam  flout-mill,  and  two  mills  for  grinding  nuit ;  one 
lead  factory ;  one  flax-mill ;  one  sal  ammoniac  work ;  two  copperas  w(»rks ;  one  smifl 
tannery ; .  one  small  skinnery ;  and  otie  glue-factory  i  tt  ako  contains  nine  public^ 
houses,  and  the  population  at  present  exceeds  ^fmr  tkamandi  Its  whdie  surface  con-* 
teins  about  850  aiores.  In  1744,  this  township  raised  £2  in  rate^  tot  the  poor ;  but  in 
1804^  they  amounted  to  £1490, 18^.  6d,  at  7e.  9€L  in  the  pound  on  th^  rack-rent.  Du-> 
ring  late  years^  the  business  of  the  township  has  been  ably  conducted  by  Mr:  John 
Coulson,  the  permanent  overseer.  In  the  year  ending  May  S,  1825,  the  rat^  amounted 
to  £751 9  8s.  Sdf.  being  is.  4^.  in  the  pound  on  the  rack-rent.  It  is,  however,  strictly 
speaking,  **  a  plebeian  district,"  few  others  than  poor  people  residing  within  it. 

Many  particulars  resnecting  this  township,  and  the  others  adjoining  to  Newcastle^ 
will  be  more  properly  aetailed  in  the  History  of  that  towui 


ADDENDA. 


BERWICK  UPON  TWEED. 

IThIS  town  was  first  lighted  with  &s  on  the  1st  of  January,  1822.  The  gas-works 
were  erected  u&dar  the  difSction  of  Mr,  Joseph  Giynn,  of  Newcastle,  in  a  manner 
that  gave  general  satisfaction. 

As  early  as  the  twelfth  century,  a  fidiery  at  Berwick  let  for  £20  yearly.  The 
fishery  of  Wndehom  at  Tweedmouth  let  for  14  marks.  Since  that  period  the  salmon 
fishery  has  coirtinued  to  add  to  the  trade  and  riches  of  this  place.  On  the  1st  of 
September,  1S14,  upwards  of  10,000  salmon,  which  had  been  caught  in  the  Tweed, 
were  in  Berwick  market.  On  the  3d  of  February,  in  the  same  year,  a  salmon  waa 
caught  in  the  Tweed,  which  weighed  60  lb.  11  oa.  avoirdupois  weight  It  measured 
4  feet  4  inches  19  length,  and  2  i^t  5  inches  in  girth,  and  was  sold  for  fiye  guineas. 

NORTH  DURHAM. 

In  1788,  the  outer  light-house  of  the  Fem  Islands  was  swept  away  by  the  sea,  in 
a  heavy  storm  from  the  south-east.  The  low  Hght  on  the  Fem  Island  was  first 
Sghted  in  February,  1811. 

Tweedmouth  Pi  Cu.^^Middle  Ord. — The  following  is  a  more  extended  and  cor* 
Kct  deso^ipticm  of  the  anci^it  encampment  at  this  place  than  what  is  given  in  vol.  i 
p.  325 : — Two  sides  are  defended  by  the  river  Tweed  and  a  ravine,  or  dell,  at  the 
bottom  of  which  runs  a  very  small  bum,  nearly  choked  with  weeds.  The  Imnks  of 
the  river  are  upw^i^  of  100  feet  in  (perpendlieular)  height,  and  very  precipitous. 
The  dide  of  the  dell  next  the  rivear  is  nearly  as  h^h,  but  becomes  gradually  lower  as 
it  recedes  from  the  river ;  at  140  yards  distance  &om  which  commences  the  rampart, 
or  third  side  of  the  enclosure,  which  runs  in  a  regular  curve  till  it  meets  the  river  at 
the  distanced  nearly  450  yards  to  the  east  of  the  mouth  of  the  dell,  and  thus  fo^s 
a  triangular  area.  The  l&n^^h  of  the  rampart  i^  about  S30  yards ;  its  height  above 
the  ini»de  grounds,  5  or  6  leet ;  the  width  of  the  ditch,  21  ysords ;  and  in  the  middle 
of  this  ditdi,  at  both  extremities,  are  two  mounds^  which  one  may  presume  have 
stood  on  eadi  side  of  the  entrance^    The  mounds  at  the  dell  end  of  the  wall  are  not 

VOL.  n.  6  F 


48d  ADDENDA* 

near  so  large/  or  distinctly  marked,  as  the  others ;  either  having  heen  originally  much 
less,  or  having  suffered  greates  diminution.  You  can  walk  along  the  top  of  the  wall, 
now  covered  with  fine  £ort  grass,  and  which  gradually  diverges  to  its  base.  There 
is  an  old  hedge  growing  on  the  outer  side  of  the  ditch  for  a  considerable  part  of  its 
length,  forming  part  of  the  fence  of  the  field.  Standing  within  the  enclosure,  the 
curve  of  the  earthen  or  turf  wall  has  a  vely  pletising  effect ;  also  when  you  view  it 
from  the  top  of  the  large  mound,  which  seems  to  have  been  raised  for  exploratory 
uses,  for  which  it  is  weU  fitted.    The  depth  of  the  ditch  varies,  but  is  not  great. 


The  Union,  or  Chain  Bridge j  across  the  Tweed  near  Paxton  Ford,  about  6  miles 
above  Berwick,  is  one  of  the  boldest  and  most  successful  efforts  of  art  in  this  inge^ 
nious  land.  This  aerial  structure  was  invented  by  Cmtain  S.  Brown»  R.  N.  and  was 
the  first  of  the  kind  attempted  in  Great  Britain.  The  span  of  the  airch  is  45  feet, 
and  is  sufiidently  wide  to  allow  two  carts  to  pass,  and  a  foot-path  on  eadb  side.  The 
extreme  length  of  the  suspending  chains,  from  the  point  of  junction  oil  each  side  of 
the  Tweed,  is  590  feet ;  from  the  stone  abutments,  432 ;  and  the  height  above  the 
siu^ace  of  the  river  is  27  feet,  'the  weight  of  the  chaiils,  platform,  &d.  is  about  160 
tons ;  but  the  bridge  is  calculated  to  support  S60  tons,  a  greater  weight,  in  aU  proba- 
bility, than  it  will  ever  bfj  subjected  to.  The  building  wa§  commenced  in  August, 
1819 ;  and  it  was  opened  on  the  26th  of  July,  1820.  The  projector  first  passed  in 
his  tandem,  followed  hy  twelve  double-horse  carts  laden  with  stones,  and  a  gentleman 
in  his  carriage.  The  Uight  Hon.  the  Earl  of  Home,  ahd  the  commissioners  of  the 
high  roads,  preceded  by  the  bands  of  the  Berwickshire  and  Northumberland  militias, 
then  passea  along  it  in  the  presence  of  several  thousands  of  spectators.  This  cuiiotis 
and  elegant  structure  Cost  only  £5000 ;  whereas  a  stone  bridge  in  the  same  situation 
could  not  have  been  erected  for  £20,000.  The  trustees  were  so  pleased  with  the 
utility  and  cheapness  of  this  erection,  that  they  presented  the  engineer,  Captain 
Brown,  with  1000  guineas  above  his  estimate. 

GLENDALfe  WARD. 

Ford. — ^Died  here,  August  7»  1807»  a^ed  85  years,  Mr.  Robert  Sanderson,  whd 
served  as  an  ordinary  surgeon  to  General  Wolfe  at  the  memorable  attack  on  Quebec, 
and  is  the  person  represented  in  the  engraving  of  the  death  <^  that  hero  as  support- 
ing the  British  geheral  after  he  had  received  his  fatal  T^ound.  "*  He  oftep  boasted  that 
he  was  the  person  who  shot  General  Montcalm,  the  French  conunander  at  that  place. 

CKOOKHAM.^i-Mrs.  Armstrong  died  here  Maj  5,  i7tl.  She  was  sister  to  General 
Armstrong,  who  commanded  the  rebel  forces  m  the  hoHh  of  England  in  1715,  and 
was  a  lady  of  great  knowledge,  and  of  amazing  activity  and  fortitude  in  her  youth. 
When  her  bromer,  the  general,  was  imprisoned  at  Lonaon,  she  was  permitted  to  see 
hiih,  and  having  a  piece  of  day  in  her  pocket,  took  thereon  the  figure  of  the  prison 
door  key,  with  which  she  returned  to  Newcastle ;  and,  getting  a  key  made  by  it,  she 
went  directly  back,  and  opening  the  prison  door,  got  the  general  conveyed  out» 
dressed  in  her  own  clothes.  Tms  anecdote  Mrs.  Amstrong  and  her  friends  ofteil 
acknowledged  as  a  real  fact. 


ADDENDA-  48S 


WooLEli, — ^The  Protestant  Dissenters  of  this  place  have  erected  a  new  and  ponye- 
nient  meeting-house,  of  which  the  Rev.  James  Mitchell  is  minister.  The  foundation 
stohe  was  laid  with  gr6at  ceremony  on  March  37, 1818,  at  which  the  Wooler  Masonic 
Lodge  assisted. 

• 

LowicK. — In  vol.  i.  p.  880,  it  is  said  that  the  Presbyterians  at  Lowick  <*  fcmn  one 
of  the  oldest  Dissenting  congregations  in  Engknd"  It  was  originally  formed  by 
the  Rev.  Luke  Ogle,  minister  of  Berwick,  who,  having  resigned  ms  charge  there  iu 
1661,  in  consequence  of  the  act  of  uniformity,  retired  to  his  paternal  estate  at  Bows- 
dcm.  His  excellent  character  brought  many  to  hear  his  ministrations  privately; 
afterwards  a  chapel  was  built  neaf  to  where  Barmoor  Castle  now  stands.  The  con- 
gregation increasing,  a  larger  one  was  built  at  I^wick  about  the  year  1741,  which 
falhng  to  decay,  the  present  chapel  was  erected  in  18SL 

KiBK  Newton  was  purchased  of  J.  S.  Kerr,  Esq.  of  Nenthom,  in  Berwickshire, 
by  the  father  of  the  present  proprietors,  William  and  Colin  James,  Esqrs.    It  was 

never  in  possession  of  the  Blake  family. 

« •■ 

BAMBROUGH  WABD. 

Beadnel. — John  Harding,  who  belonged  to  the  Beadnel  fatalily  (see  vol.  i.  p.  417, 
note),  was  bom  in  1878.  At  the  age  of  12,  he  was  admitted  into  the  fEunily  of  Sir 
Henry  Percy,  eldest  son  to  the  Earl  of  Northumberland,  familiarly  known  by  the 
name  of  Harry  Hotspur,  on  account  of  his  impatient  spirit.  He  was  one  of  the  most 
esteemed  warriors  of  his  time,  active  and  enterprising,  nad  a  large  vassahy,  numerous 
partizans,  and  unlimited  authority.  His  household,  as  Lord  of  the  E^t  March  of 
England,  was  constantly  held  at  Berwick  upon  Tweed.  Harding,  it  appears,  was 
with  his  patron,  as  a  volunteer,  in  the  batties  of  Honulden  and  Cokelaw.  After  the 
death  of  JPercy,  he  enlisted  under  the  banners  of  Sir  Hbbert  Umfraville,  with  whom 
he  had  fought  at  Homildon,  and  who  was  connected  with  the  Percys  by  the  ties  of 
affinity  as  well  as  thode  of  arms.  In  1405,  when  king  Henry  IV.  i^uced  the  for- 
tresses of  Lord  Bardolph  and  the  Earl  of  Northumberland,  Sir  Robert  Umfraville's 
services  in  the  expedition  were  rewarded  with  the  castie  of  Warkworth,  under  whom 
Harding  became  the  constable.  How  long  he  remained  at  Warkworth  does  not  ap* 
pear,  but  his  knowledge  of  Scottish  geography  seems  soon  to  have  engaged  him  m 
the  secret  service  of  his  country.  In  1415,  we  find  him  attendant  on  me  king  at 
Harfleur ;  and  his  journal  of  the  march  which  preceded  the  memorable  battle  of 
Agincourt  forms  one  of  the  most  curious  passajges  among  the  additions  to  the  late 
reprint  of  his  Chronicle.  In  1416,  he  appears  to  havie  accompanied  the  Duke  of 
Bedford  to  the  sea-fight  at  the  mouth  of  the  Seine.  In  1424,  he  was  at  Rome,  and* 
employed  partiy  in  inspecting  **  the  great  Chronicle  of  Trogus  Pompeius  ;'*  but  soon 
after,  he  was  again  employed  in  collecting  documents  for  ascertaining  the  fealty  due 
from  the  Scottish  kings,  which  seems  to  have  been  attended  with  some  personal 
danger.  He  has  even  been  accused  of  forging  deeds  to  answer  his  royal  master's 
piirpose ;  but  the  truth  of  this'charge  cannot  now  be 


484  ADDENDA. 

Aetiyc^  as  Hardkig  was  ^mgttgeA  m  publie  lile»  he  f dund  tine  to  jpither  mataials 
fer  Ihs  ^'Ommcle^'*  and  appeavs  to  have  finished  tiie  first  eomposition  of  it  toward 
ttie  latter  end  of  1^  minonty  of  kiniff  Heiuy  VI.  The  Lansdowne  manuscript  closes 
with  llie  life  of  Sir  Robert  Umfravme,  who  died,  according  to  Dugdale,  January  27» 
1436,  and  under  whom  Harding  seems  to  have  lived  in  his  latter  years  as  constable 
of  Kyme  Cattle  in  lincidnsfaire.  Of  the  rewards  which  he  received  for  his  services, 
we  find  oidy  a  grant  for  life  of  £l€  per  amium  oat  isi  the  manor  or  alien  preceptory 
ef  Wylougnten,  in  tiie  county  CKf  Jjmcota,  in  the  ISth  year  of  Henry  YI. ;  and  in 
1457>  he  had  a  penflmn  of  £20  »  year  for  life  by  letters  patent,  charged  upon  the  re- 
venues of  the  oounty  of  Linoolii.  During  his  iatter  cutys,  he  appears  to  have  re* 
composed  his  <' Chronicle''  fat  Richard  Duke  of  York,  father  to  king  Edward  lY 
who  was  slain  in  tiie  bffbtle  of  Wakefield,  December  81,  1460,  It  was  afterwards 
presented  to  king  Edward  lY.  himself.  I^e  history  comes  no  loiver  than  the  flight 
of  Henry  YI.  to  Scotland;  but  firom  "the  excusacion'V touching  his  ** defaultes,"  in 
which  the  queen  is  mentioned,  it  is  evident  that  Harding  could  not  have  finished  his 
work  before  1465.  How  long  he  survived  its  completion  is  imknown,  but  he  must 
then  have  been  at  least  87  years  of  age.  His  "  Chronicle  of  England  unto  the  reigQ 
of  king  Edward  lY.**  is  in  verse,  and  as  a  metrical  composition  is  beneath  criticism, 
but,  as  a  record  of  facts,  is  highly  interesting  to  the  English  historian  and  antiquary. 
It  was  first  printed  by  Grrafton  in  1543,  with  a  continuation  by  the  same,  to  the  34Ui 
year  of  Henry  YIII.  A  valuable  edition  was  published  by  the  booksellers  of  Lon-^ 
don  in  181S,  witii  a  biographical  and  literary  Frefaoe  by  Henry  £31is.  Esq, 

ANTiQiimiES. — In  the  angle  made  where  ^  road  from  Budle  and  Outchestar 
unites,  and  is  carried  to  Bambrougb,  there  are  the  remains  of  an  oid  encampmait 
The  eminence  is  called  Crook  Hiil,  upon  Spindlestcm  faian,  about  2  miles  souu-west 
from  Bambrough  Castle, 

There  is  another  encampment  situated  north-west  ftom  Crook  Hill,  and  distant 
about  700  yards.  It  stands  upon  Spindleston  Crags,  and  is  extremely  difiScult  of 
access.  The  axag  on  the  muth  side  is  about  40  feet  in  hdight,  and  nearly  perpendi- 
cular.  The  east  fosse  eonmienees  just  above  Spindle  Stone,  which  is  but  about  6& 
yanls  west  from  Laidler  Worm  HilL  An  accurate  plan  of  these  curious  encamp^ 
ments  was  made  in  188S,  by  Mr,  Nicholas  Weathedy,  surveyor. 

COQUETDALE  WARD. 

Alnwick.— -An  act  of  poiiiament  has  recaitly  been  obtained  for  paving  and  im« 
proving  this  town.  The  commissioners  are  now  proceeding  in  the  execution  of  their 
plans  witi^  uncommon  i^irit,  and,  aided  by  his  Grace  the  Duke  of  Nordiumberlanc^ 
will  soon  render  this  one  of  the  cleanest,  most  oonvenient,  and  pleasant  country  towns 
in  this  part  of  the  kingdom.  Preparations  are  also  making  to  light  the  town  with 
oil-gas,  the  w<»rks  for  whidi  are  now  erecting  in  a  field  south  of  the  church.  The 
ground  for  this  purpose  has  been  given  by  the  Duke  <^  Northumberland.  A  Me^ 
ehofMfs  Institute  nns  likewise  been  organized  here  und^  the  auspices  of  many  of  die 
nobility,  gentry,  and  d^gy  of  the  town  and  neighbourhood.  The  contracted  plan 
of  this  In^tution  will  cerSunly  limit  its  utility ;  still  it  must  operate  to  check  ~ 


ADDENDA.  485 

t 

of  idlaniess  abd  dissipation  amongst  the  working  classes  in  this  district,  and  to  render 
them  more  intelH^nt  and  inoraL 

It  deserves  notice  that  this  town  has  be^i  fortunate  in  possessing  many  very  able 
teachers  of  youth.  The  celebrated  mathematician,  Mr.  William  W iUcin,  died  here 
of  the  small-pox,  January  15, 1777.  Lik^  his  friend,  Mr.  Cou^hron,  he  was  cut  off  in 
his  youth,  being  only  in  the  24th  year  of  his  age.  (See  vol.  u,  p.  72.)  The  late  Mr. 
Adam  Oliver  is  also  well  known  to  the  readers  of  the  Diaries,  and  other  mathemati- 
cal puMications.  His  extreme  modesty  and  diffidence  prevented  him  from  rising  in 
life,  nor  did  he  desire  it,  as  leisure  and  retirement  cons^tuted  his  happiness.  Here  it 
would  be  improper  to  omit  mentioning  the  ingenious  Miss  Hindmarsh,  who  died 
Decembo-  1,  1828,  aged  25  years.  She  wrote  the  ^'Cav^  of  Hoonga,  a  Tongian 
tradition,  and  other  Poems,''  which  were  published  in  1818. 

.  Flotteeton.— The  proprietor  of  this  place,  Christopher  Wealands,  Esq.  is  now 
greeting  a  handsome  and  convenient  mansion-house,  from  designs  by  Mr.  jDobson, 
architect.  .  It  is  situated  about  3^  miles  west  from  Rothbiuy. 

Elsdon. — ^A  correspondent  calculates  that  this  parish  is  about  23  miles  in  length, 
and  about  12  in  its  greatest  breadth.  **  It  is,"  he  says,  *^  an  extensive  vale,  formed  on 
the  north  side  by  an  irregular  rid^e  of  hills,  and  on  the  south  side  by  a  ridge  much 
more  regular.  The  hills  on  both  sides  are  of  considerable  height,  and  invariably  dad 
in  heath,  except  a  small  part  of  those  near  the  source  of  the  river,  where  they  begin 
to  participate  of  the  nature  of  those  in  Roxbii^hshire.  Several  brooks  or  bums  fall 
into  the  Heed  from  the  hills  on  both  sides.  Tne  parish  appears  to  have  been  at  one 
time  almost  an  entire  forest,  several  remnants  of  which  stiU  remain  on  the  banks  of 
some  parts  of  the  Reed,  consisting  duefly  of  birch,  alder,  i^nd  willow,  with  here  and 
there  a  mountain  ash. 

^*  There  are  no  very  particular  plants^  but  such  as  are  to  be  found  in  almost  every 
highland  district  in  this  cpuntry.  The  perspective  in  almost  every  situation  is  dreary, 
bleak,  and  horrific  The  only  cultivated  patches  of  land  are  bordering  on  the  Reed, 
some  of  which  are  indeed  very  productive  in  a  propitious  season ;  but  agriculture  in 
a  systematic  shape  has  not  as  yet  made  any  great  progress.  The  soil  is  calcareous, 
with  a  few  instances  of  argillaceous  earth.  A  good  turnip  soil  is  to  be  met  with  in 
many  parts.  Many  of  the  hills  are  capt  with  n-eestone  rocks  of  considerable  dimen- 
sions* Coal,  limestone,  and  iron-stone,  abound  in  almost  all  parts  of  the  parish ;  but 
up  to  this  time,  no  metallic  veins  have  been  discovered,  althouff b  a  great  many  ap- 
pearances indicate  that  there  are  such.  The  hUls  on  the  north  side  of  the  Reed,  near 
the  source,  are  trap  and  £rey  wacke,  resting  on  gneisses,  and  traversed  by  veins  of 
day  slate,  sandstone,  and .  several  other  mineral  veins  of  different  kinds.  Very  fine 
jaspers  are  found  in  the  sand-banks  of  the  Reed,  near  its  source ;  also  some  agates, 
calcedony,  &(C.  Scarcely  any  granite  is  found  larger  than  a  pigeon's  egg.  The  lime- 
stone is  nearly  all  of  the  secondapPy  dass,  and  abounds  with  organic  remains  of  many 
kinds,  The  shells,  in  the  limestone,  iron-stone,  freestone,  and  shale,  are  all  well  pre^ 
iierved,  and  chanced  to  the  nature  of  their  respective  surrounding  minerals.  There 
are  two  solitary  blocks  of  extremely  fin^  silicipus  pudding-stpne  near  the  top  of  a 
bigh  hill  on  i^e,  ^outh .  side  of  the  Reed.    They  are  beaiUtifuly  ^d  of  great  value, 

VOL.  II,  6  G 


48^  ADBEKDA. 

Thei^  are  aibo  some  eon^mcRtod  stones  in  dilH»ciit  pnrte  of  the  ptrWi.  lUt  y 
entirely  a  coal  district.  Five  collieries^  upon  a  small  scale,  are  iirarked,  and  depend 
chiefly  upon  Scotibiid  ^mr  aede;  hut  their  number  pierents  them  from  doii^  any  good 
to  the  renteee,  some  €t  whom  have  latterly  sustained  eonsidenible  lom^  Theie  wte 
three  Bme^kiliis  which  are  in  the  samie  state. 

**  The  fiMPms  are  mosdy  large,  ranging  from  one  to  five,  and  eight  hunfred  pounds 
yearly  rent.  They  may  aQ  be  callea  stodc  fiarms,  as  Mttie  or  no  grain  is  la&nd  either 
for  the  market  or  focal  sale.  Stock  and  wool  are  both  good«  The  gracing  or  feeiKng 
forms  are  oidy  partial,  and  of  limited  extent  There  is  only  0990  etm^mSi  in  tlda 
extensive  parish,  and  that  one  at  ^sdon,  at  its  extrenHty.  There  isa  Roman  station 
at  Brndee^^  about  a  mile  and  a  half  south  from  Ekdon;  and  on  a  farm  called  Even* 
stones,  about  seven  miles  north-west  from  Blsdon,  thcte  are  seven  or  eight  Dniidical 
circles  or  temples.  The  line  of  the  Watling  Street,  in  this  parish,  contams  a  chain  of 
five  Roman  campe;  and  on  the  east  <^  whidi  line  are  severu  British  camps^  consider- 
ably  inore  in  nixmber  Hian  fte  former,  and  aB  on  the  summita^  neighboiunng  \iSSis. 
Some  of  the  Roman  camps  are  less  theai  two  miles  dbtant  from  each  other. 

'^  There  are  many  instances  of  longevity  in  this  parish.  I  had  Matthew  Hall  once 
iat  a  partner  at  carda,  at  that  time  104  years  <^iige.  On  Mr.  Reed's  tond>-fltene^  his 
age  is  marked  10019  f  int^Mbd,  no  doubt,  for  110  years.* 

MORPETH  WARB. 

MoAPKTH. — A  ScientlJSe  and  JUteek/micttl  ImtUutkm  has  just  besn  Ibrmed  in  this 
town,  under  the  patronage  of  severdi  public  spirited  gentiemen.  The  connexion  and 
sympathy  which  these  associations  eataUish  amount  the  diflferent  chases  of  society, 
must  eminentiy  tend  to  jpromote  general  harmony,  and  fedmjn  of  mntuid  kiadbaa. 

Morpeth  was  tiie  chiei  residence  of  the  familv  of  Admiral  Sir  John  Orde,  and  may 
dierefore  claim  the  hcmour  of  havkig  producea  an  officer  whose  nautiesd  skUt  added 
to  the  celetofty  of  his  country.  Tm  CMe  family  appears  to  be  of  great  antimity. 
Mid  was  loi^  possessed  of  considerable  landed  estates  iu  Northumbenand  and  Dor- 
ham,  and  most  c^  whaeh  still  remain  in  the  femShr.  Orde,  Grindcm,  &e.  descended  to 
Jc^n  Orde,  Esq.  Lord  Bidton,  and  Shr  John  Ode^  Bart..;  but  Norhun  Castle  and  it^ 
demesnes,  Sandybank,  and  other  tmentailed  estates,  were  inherited  hy  the  three 
daughters  of  William  Orde,  Esq.  ei  Sandyb«nk.  The  eldest  married  first  Hqny 
Ogle^  of  Caus^  I\ffk,  and  seeonmy  Sir  W.  Carr,  Bifft.  of  Etal ;  the  second  married 
ffist  Thomas  Forster,  Eso.  ot  Atherston,  and  secon^y  Robert  Fenwiek,  Esq.  <^ 
Lemmington,  ivho  idone  left  children ;  the  tinrd  married  Walter  Kettieby,  Esq.  Join 
Orde,  Esq.  fived  clnefly  at  Morpeth,  and  acted  for  many  years  as  a  magistrate  and 
deputy  lieutenant  of  the  county  of  NcMrthumbo^and,  and  med  1784,  B^psd  80.  He 
was  man;^,  first,  to  Mary,  daughter  o£  Edward  Wai^,  Esq.  of  Ntmnykirk,  by  whomi 
he  had  one  s<m,  William  Orde,  Esq.  of  Morpeth  and  Nuimykiric,  who*  Inherited  the 
ftraily  estates,  and  also  those  of  the  Wards  of  Nmuiykirk,  byhis  marriage  with  his 
eousin,  Anne,  daughter  and  since  heiress  c^  Wi]li«n  Ward,  Esq.  He  married,  se*' 
condly,  Anne,  widow  of  the  Rev.  William  Pye,  and  by  her  had  two  sons  and  two^ 
daughters;  Thomas,  created  October  20,  1797»  Baron  Bolton,  ^hed  1807,  leaving 
Wifiiam  Lord  Bolton  and  other  issue ;  John,  afterwaitb  Sh*  John  Orde,  Bart.  Vie^^ 


ABDEKDA.  isr 

« 

admiral  of  the  White ;  Anne,  uiiin^rriad ;  andMavy,  iliarined  to  Sdberfe  LJgle^  Emf. 
oi  Acton  Houw,  in  the  coiuity  of  Northambetknd.  The  said  WiDQuim  was  tatixt  oi 
William  Orde,  of  Nimnykirk,  who  was  high  sheriff  of  Northmnberiand  in  lUft  (see 
vol.  ii.  p.  156). 

Sir  John  Orde,  Bart,  married,  first,  in  1780,  MargaMt»  daughter  and  heiress  ef 
Richard  Stephens,  Esq.  of  St.  Hdena,  in  South  Candina,  <who  died  in  1789)  by 
whom  he  had  one  son,  John,  who  died  in  his  afancy ;  aaomdly,.  Jane^  eldast  dea^ 
ter  of  John  Frere,  of  Finningham,  in  Suffolk,  Esq.  by  whom.he  had  cme  daughter^ 
named  Emma,  bom  in  1801,  and  died  Ootol^,  18M»  and  a  aen^  nanoed  John,  bom 
1803.  Sir  John,  in  1766,  first  entered  the  navy ;  in  1773,  woa  made  m  Ueutenant ;  in 
1777»  promoted  to  i^  rank  of  conmiander ;  in  1778,  post  captain;. and  in  1788,  kt 
Was  appointed  governor  of  the  island  of  Dominiea.  In  1790^  he  was  created  a  haio» 
net  In  179&9  he  was  promoted  to  a  flag;  in  17d7»  he  was  made  Vice^dndsal  of  the 
Htue;  in  1801,  Viee-adbniral  of  the  White;  in  ;i8M,  VicMidmhid  of  the  Bed ;  Nov. 
9, 1805,  Admiral  of  the  Bhie  sqfuadron,  and  was  M,  P.  for  YBxmoaA,  Hanipslnve^  ki 
1810. 


LoNOHOESLET.— -Iii  1880,  C.  W.  BIgge,  Esq.  of  Lindja  House,  monifioeKtiy  emu 
tributed  to  the  improvement  of  the  chnra^,  by  building  a  new  vestry,  vepaiiii^  and 
enlarging  the  chancdi,  and  presenting  an  slej^mt  ahar-tuile  and  tmis,  aaade  oi  pott  of 
an  immense  ancient  oak,  dug  out  of  a  moss  on  the  Lind^li  estate. 

TIKDALE  WARD. 

'  GREEimcH  HospiTAC  Bsa:ArB.^-Tiiis  a{mc«rs  to  be  the  jwopeiest  ^hMe  lor  n<v 
tieing  the  al)le,  liberal,  and  mteresting  RecMtor  E^ard  Hawhe  Ixxdcu^  £e^  F.  B.  S« 
and  secretary  to  Greemrich  Hospvtal.  Th«agh  this  document  be  dated  Ootofaenr  19f 
183t,  yet  tfaie  fiiets  and  reasoning  wMctk  it  GontaiBs  aiu  ap^Jieable  to  all  times,  and,  in 
the  present  fluctnaf»ig  state  of  we  cireulating  medKm,  may  again  beeome  peeidiariy 
knportant.  After  observing  that  the  Hosmtw*s  estates^  iia  gaSemi,  were  eonsidembly 
over-rated,  and  urging  the  necessity  of  smnding  imme£ate  relief  to  the  snIKanilg 
tenantiy,  he  proMeds  to  state  the  u»im  modes  ad^>ted  to  tan^ 
rents  when  tne  markets  are  depressed*— 1st,  To  idlow  tibe  taiants  to  resign  tlidf  re* 
ffleetiTe  leases,  and  advertise  the  farms  fot  new  Mddiii^^  fld,  To  release  thmi  fWmi 
their  present  en^^metits,  and  allow  them  to  hold  then*  faxma  as  yetaif  tenants; 
8d,  To  fix  a  pfnuanent  standard  of  abatement,  aoeotdbig  to  the  areraae  pnee  of  com^ 
4th,  To  retiun  to  aD  the  tenants  alike  an  equal  per  entage  for  the  half  year.  Ilth, 
To  make  sm  abatement  upcm  each  farm  separately,  for  the  remwinder  erf  tile  laase; 
8tt,  To  reduce  ^le  resit  fbr  a  certain  period, 

Mr.  Locker  objects  to  the  JSfst  mode,  on  the  ground  of  the  iaspofic^  of  disdiaiging 
respectable  tencents  who  had  drained  their  own  fesoizvoea  to  noiufisls  tAm  dianty. 
*  The  true  mterest  c^  the  tandlord  and  tenant,*^  he  observes,  "^musC  ever  be  inseponu 
ble.  The  rigorous  system  has  proved  to  be  a  mirtaiken  p<dky,  for  a  hard  maiter  n 
generaCljr  requited  by  a  fraudolenft  or  unprafitable  tenant;  and  on  die  otiher  hand,  it 
IS  dmost  invariably  found  that  those  who  pursue  a  libcfai  aaed  pradesit  ccmdMCt  to« 
war&  their  tenaot^,  dmve  the  largest  ^pi^^^  The 


488  ADDENDA. 

second  expedient  he  objects  to  as  being  indcMDiaistent  with  **  the  Act  of  Settlement ;" 
and  further  remarks  that  yearly  taiants  are  commonly  an  inferior  dass  of  farmers, 
and  that  the  system  operates  directly  against  that  spirit  of  enterprize,  and  that  liberal 
expenditure  of  capital  which  has  proved  so  profitaole  to  estates.  The  third  method 
he  dismisses  with  the  remark  that  it  has  not  obtained  general  approbationi  as  it  not 
only  diminishes  the  certain  income  of  the  landlord,  but  produces  a  disrewd  to  the 
state  of  the  markets,  the  fluctuation  of  which  is  the  great  impulse  to  industry  and 
skill.  He  reprobates  ihejburth  plan  as  having  *^  heen  productive  of  great  mischief — 
prejudicial  to  neighbouring  land-ownerft*-*delusive  as  to  their  own  expectations — and 
meqtiitable  to  their  tenants.;  some^  of  whom  must  necessarily  receive  too  much,  and 
others  too  little,  imdtt  this  mistaken  system.  It  is  hardly  possible  that  the  circum- 
stances of  any  two  farms  on  an.  estate  can  be  precisely  similar;  the  capital,  the 
ability,  the  zeal  of  the  t^aant,  and  the  soil,  situation,  and  accommos^ations  of  the 
ftrm,  must  necessarily  create  much  disparity  in  their  respective  claims  for  reduction. 
Such  an  indiscriminate  abatement  of  rent,  has  comm<mly.  some  less  i^t^osible  motive 
than  the  mere  relief  of  the  tenant.  It  has  sometimes  been  adopted  with  a  view  to 
popularity.  Other  proprietors  have  resorted  to  it  when  driven  to  the  necessity  of 
raising  a  sum  of  reaSy  money  from,  their  tenants,  on  finding  the  longer  contmuance 
of  high  rents  impracticable.  In  all  sudb  cases,  the  reduction  has  been  allowed  only 
on  condition  of  prompt  payment  of  all  arrears ;  the  landlord,  in  exacting  this,  seldom 
considering  that  he  is  *tiiereby  exhausting  the  tenant's  me^s  of  paying  his  future 
rent^  by  driving  him  to  a  hiinous  sale  of  nis  produce,  or  obliging  him  to  appear  on 
the  settling  day  with  borrowed  money,  to  entitle  himself  to  the  abatement.''  The 
Jlfl^  mode  IS  extremely  difficult  to  carry  into  execution  without  prejudice  to  one  or 
other  of  the  parties,  as  the  scale  of  rent  ought  to  vary  according  to  the  productiveness 
of  the  farm,  and  the  industry  and  d^abiHty  qf  the  tenant ;  and,  after  sdl,  it  would  be 
found  almost  impossible  to  make  an  arrangement  which  would  with  propriety  em* 
brace  any  corndda^ble  ext^it  of  years.  For  these  reasons,  Mr.  Locker  recommends 
the  sixth  scheme,  viz.  the  limitation  of  relief  to  a  fixed  period,  instead  of  a  permanent 
reduction  of  rent  for  the  whole  remainder  of  the  px^esent  leases.  '^  An  abatement  to 
almost  any  amount,^  «  single  year"  he  obsa*viss,  '^  will  aJBford  the  tenant  no  effectual 
relidf;  such  aid  gives  no  encoura^em^it  tocoiitiniAe  his  ex^tions  with  a  losing  pros- 
pect before  him.  He  ought  to  have  some  security,  that  his  future  labours  ihay  be 
beneficial  to  himself,  as  weU  as  to  tibie  Hospital,  which  has  profited  at  his  expepse  for 
the  last  three  years.  The  most  intelligent  of  those  whom  I  have  consulted  on  this 
point  concur  with  me  in  recommending  ;that  the  indulgence  should  be  granted  for  a 
longer,  term,  not  too  far  removed  to  deprive  the  Institution  of  it$  advantages  in  case 
of  any  important  rise  in  the  market,  nor  so  limited  as  to  abridge  the  tenant  of  a  fisiir 
chance  of  recovering  himself.  Perhaps  the  Board  will  consider  three  years  a  proper 
limit  for  the  continuance  of  the  reduced  rent,  at  the  end  of  which  the  former  rent 
may  be  resumed,  or  the  relaxation  continued,  according  to  the  price  of  the  agricul-^ 
tuial  produce  of  that  period.  This  proposition  has  the  advantage  of  leaving,  all  the 
covenants  of  the  leases  undisturbed." 

In  the  summer  of  1828,  the  Board  of  Gre^iwich  Hospital  had,  it  seems,  resolved 
that  the  junior  receiver  should  reside  at  Haydon  Bridge ;  but  Mr.  Locker  states 
many  strong  reasons  why  the  two  receivers  should  continue  to  reside  at  NewcasUe« 


ADDENDA.  489 

He  next,  in  adverting  to  the  profits  of  the  receivers  in  future  years,  says,  "  On  the 
^decease  of  the  late  Mr.  Forster,  the  general  court  made  a  new^arrangement  respecting 
the  allowance  to  the  receivers,  appointing  to  each  a  commission  of  two  and  a  half  per 
cent,  on  the  nett  rental,  but  fixmg  a  nunimmn  of  £1100  par  manum  for  the  semor 
receiver,  with  the  advantage  of  any  increase  should  the  commission  exceed  that 
amount.  The  per  centage  has  hitherto  yielded  to  the  junior  receiver  about  £800  per 
annum ;  and  as  the  ranK  and  responsibility  of  these  oificers  are  the  same,  I  beg  to 
suggest  that  this  sum  should  be  fixed  as  the  minimum  of  his  allowances,  giving  him 
the  advantage  of  any  future  increase  in  the  rental  of  the  estates.  It  is  now  intended 
to  relieve  the  tenants,  by  reducing  their  rents  for  a  considerable  neriod,  which  would 
materially  lessen  the  junior  receiver's  emoluments ;  but  as  his  auties  are  rather  in* 
creased  than  diminished,  it  does  not  appear  advisable  that  his  very  modemte  ineoniQ 
should  fall  below  the  average  he  has  hitherto  received." 

Mr.  Locker  next  contend  that  the  erection  of  the  churches  and  parsonage-houses 
on  the  division  of  Simonbum  parish  did  not  yield,  as  has  been  alleged,  any  considerable 
profit.    "  The  enormous  expense  of  these  buildings,"  he  says,  **  is  to  be  attributed  to  the 
remote  situation  in  which  they  were  erected,  and  the  want  of  all  those  facilities  which 
in  a  populous  district  are  given  to  such  undertakings.    The  materials,  as  well  as  the 
workmen,  were  to  be  collected  from  a  considerable  mstance.    The  stone  was  quarried 
from  two  to  four  miles  from  the  spot  where  it  was  to  be  placed ;  the  quarries  in  ge- 
neral were  difficult  of  access,  and  requiring  in  some  cases  roads  to  be  made  for  uie 
conveyance  of  such  heavy  burthens,  at  considerable  cost  and  delay,    The  whole  of 
the  timber,  iron-work,  and  lesser  materials,  were  conveyed  at  great  expense  of  land 
caxriage,  principally  from  Newcastle,  from  25  to  35  nmes  distant  from  the  several 
parishes,  and  procured  at  a  time  when  building  materials  bore  a  far  greater  price  than 
at  present.     The  churches  are  very  well  finished,  and  unexceptionable  in  design. 
The  parsonage-houses  are  upon  a  scale  so  moderate,  that  most  of  the  incumbents 
complain  of  the  want  of  adequate  accommodation ;  but  being  finished  in  a  manner 
superior  to  farm-houses,  they  have  cost  a  far  lar^r  sum  than  such  houses  of  similar 
dimensions."    To  the  objection  that  the  population  is  toa  scanty  for  so  large  a  provi«. 
sion  of  church-room,  Mr.  Locker  replies,  that,  in  erecting  *^  these  works,  it  was  proper 
to  provide  for  a  remote  posterity  y*  and  a  "  progressively  increasing  population." 

Mr.  Locker,  in  a  Report  to  the  Board  of  Greenwich  Hospital,  oated  November  51, 
1822,  says  that  the  manor  of  Aldstone  **  extends  nearly  seven  miles  in  length,  and 
contains  (with  the  new  allotments)  about  80,000  acres.  It  formerly  belonged  to  the 
family  of  Hilton,  of  Hilton  near  Sunderland,  who  in  the  year  1629»  considering  the 
lead-mines  nearly  exhausted^  sold  the  whole  to  Sir  Edward  Raddiffe  for  the  trifling 
sum  of  £2500.  This  included  a  reserved  rental  of  £60  a  vearon  certain  lands,  which 
had  been  sold  in  1611  to  several  individualis  on  lease  k^  1000  years,  and  also  the 
lands  of  Lowbyer,  Mark  Close,  and  Aldstone  Mill,  which»  so  long  as  the  Hiltons  still 
held  the  manor,  were  retained  in  their  own  possession.  The  other  lands  within  this 
manor  now  possessed  by  the  Hospital,  were  purchased  in  the  course  of  the  last 
twenty-five  years,  and  have  cost  somewhere  about  £  10,000.*'  The  present  rental  of 
the  farms,  Mr.  L.  continues,  is  about  £  1200«  They  are  almostall  in  pasture,  not  more 
than  80  acres  being  under  the  plough.  About  500  acres  are  reserved  for  plantations^. 
Nent  Force  Level  was  commenced  in  July,  1776,  under  the  direction  of  the  celebrated 
Mr.  Smeaton,  who  was  at  that  time  one  of  the  receivers  of  Greenwich  Hospital, 

VOL.  II.  '  6  H 


490  ADDENDA. 

The  total  expense  of  this  imdertakijEig  amounted^  exdusive  of  interest  up  to  Slst 
December,  1831,  to  upwards  of  £60^000.  A  new  level  was  opened  in  1818,  on  a 
higher  level,  "  whidi  will  yet  require  20  year^  to  reach  the  mines  of  Scalebum  Moss 
and  Rampgill,  the  proposed  termination  of  this  immense  undertaking." 

The  mines  withm  this  manor  yield  an  annual  produce  of  upwards  of  £  100,000. 
The  extraordinalry  productiveness  of  the  mines  belonging  to  Greenwich  Hospital  is 
attributed  to  th^  long  leases  of  21  years  by  which  they  are  held,  the  invariability  of 
the  duty  required,  and  the  purchasing  of  the  ore  from  the  lessees  at  the  market  price. 
There  were  at  this  time  (182S)  ih  the  manor  106  mines  working,  besides  60  under 
trial.  There  are  empk>yed  in  these  mines  889  pickmafi,  130  labourers,  and  449 
washers,  men  and  boys.  The  company's  lead-w<H4&s  at  Langley  employ  5^  men,  and 
the  contiguous  works  of  the  Hudgill  Bum  company  an  equal  numoer.  These  mills 
were  erected  at  Langley  for  the  advantage  of  procuring  coals  from  Stuhlkk  colliery, 
whidi  lies  adjacent,  and  bekmgs  to  the  H^pital.  Im  1821,  the  lead  from  the  Hud^ 
Bum  mine  yielded  silver  that  sold  for  £8400;  but  the  lead  from  the  Hospital 
mines  produced  only  £  5502«  Hopes  are  expressed  that  NungUme's  copper  vein  will 
prove  v^  productive.  Mr.  LodoBir  speaks  Jbt^hly  of  the  2eal  and  abilities  of  the 
Keceivers,  the  Moor  Master,  the  Cleric  oi.  tiie  DeUverkts^  and  the  Bailiffs  in  the  ser- 
vice (rf  the  Hospital. 

DiLSTON. — ^The  portrait  of  James,  the  third  Earl  of  Derwentwater,  is  from  an  old 
painting  in  the  possession  of  Miss  Laidlaw,  of  Ncnrth  Shields^  who  is  related  to  the 
Katclifr  family.  The  artist  has  also  been  assisted  hy  an  aigraving  erf  the  Earl  by 
Virtue,  from  a  pamting  by  Sir  G.  Kneller.  According  to  tradition,  this  amiable  no- 
bleman was  low  in  stature,  and  delicately  formed^  with  a  mild  and  engi^ging  counte- 
nance. Serjeant  Bearpark,  of  Hexham,  has  a  small  portrait  oi  Charies,  me  Earl's 
brother,  in  which  the  lamily  resemUance  appears  very  striking. 

Blanchland. — Water-engines  have  again  superseded  the  use  of  steam^n^es  in 
the  lead-mines,  as,  from  the  great  improvements  made  in  water-wheels  and  water  pres- 
sure engines,  Ihey  have  been  found  to  be  nearly  as  effective,  and  far  less  expensive^  than 
steam-engines.  Formerly  the  supply  of  water  was  divided  amongst  a  number  of  wheels, 
and  thus  rendered  of  littibe  power ;  but  it  is  now  collected,  and,  by  an  admirable  amaige- 
ment,  the  whole  body  of  water  available  is  made  to  pass  over  and  supply,  first,  a  pressure- 
engine  at  Whiteheaps,  next  a  water-whe^l  44  feet  matneter  at  Ramshaw,  and  anerwards 
a  water-wheel  4^  feet  diameter  at  Jeflfrey's,  aU  for  pumping ;  besides  going  over  and 
supplying  several  wheels  for  the  crushing  mills  and  smelting  mills.  John  Skottowe, 
Esq.  IS  now  dead,  and  is  succeeded  by  his  nephew  of  the  same  name,  a  ward  in  chan«- 
cery.  The  upper  strata  of  Shildon  mines  are  now  drained  by  a  level,  without  any 
puinping  apparatus.  The  working  of  Beldoh  mines  is  at  present  suspended,  though  it  is 
confmently  anticipated  that  th^y  "mil  prove  amongst  the  most  productive  in  this  district 

Hexham. — ^The  Rev.  Robert  Clarke,  M.  A.  rector  of  Walwick,  and  lecturer  of 
Hexham,  died  April  20, 1824,  in  l^dge-street,  Blackfriars,  London,  in  the  5Sd  year 
of  his  age.  The  remains  of  this  benevolent  man  were  met  near  Hexham,  on  the  3d 
of  May,  by  most  of  the  inhabitants  in  deep  mourning,  and  who  were  accompanied  by 
many  respectaUe  gentlemen  of  tiie  neighbooihood.    The  shops  were  all  shut,  and 


ADDENHA.  491 

the  fuii^fal  ceremony  was  conducted  in  the  mottt  soknin  knd  hn(>06ihg  mannet. 
Chtuichmen  and  Dissenters  vied  widi  each  other  in  testifying  their  respect  for  the 
deceased ;  and  many  sermons,  odes,  elegies,  &Cw  were  published  dn  the  occasion. 

West  Boat,  above  Hexham.^— Various  plans  were  suggested  for  budding  a  bridge 
across  this  ferry,  where  the  new  Belhngliaxn  road  commences ;  but  it  is  liow  decided 
to  erect  a  chain  bridge.    This  useful  work  was  commenced  in  April,  ltZ5. 

Haltwhistle. — ^A  wood  bridge  is  about  bdng  buBt  acfora  the  Sdwth  Tyne.  ileor 
this  place.  It  is  to.be  erected  by  subscription,  under  the  direction  <tf  Mr.  Dobsoix, 
architect,  and  will  consist  of  five  arches,  each  60  feet  in  spatn. 

Wylam. — ^The  following  accurate  and  extei^ded  itccount  of  the  Blackett  family  of 
this  place,  was  received  too  late  for  insertion  in  the  proper  place : — 

Wylam,  the  seat  of  the  Blacketta,  was  tmgkially'  an  a^ipurtenance  to  the  monastry 
of  Tynemouth^  and  was  granted  by  the  crown  to  a  bi^ancn  of  the  Fen  wicks,  of  Fen- 
wick  Tower.  Nicholas  Fcnwiek,  of  Wylam,  icmmed  Margaret  Baddyflfe,  ^ter  t6 
Francis  Earl  of  Derwentwater.  About  the  year  1^Y9,  the  manor  of  Wylam  passed 
to  John  Bkckett,  son  to  ChriiStopher  Kadostt,*  of  Hoppyl^nd,  county  6f  Dimkam, 
Esq.  (eldest  brother  to  the  first  Sir  Wifliam  Blaekett,  Bart.j  by  Aliee  his  wife, 
dEuighter  and  sole  heir  to  Thomas  Femticdc,  Eiq.  of  West  Matfen. 

William,  eldest  son  of  Christopber  stnd  A^ee  Blackett,  was  mcmy  yeas^  eilvoy  from 
king  Charles  II.  to  the  etmrt  of  Stockholm,  where  he  married  a  daughter  6f  the  Due 
de  Bois,  and  dying  without  israe  in  December;  109^5,  was  suooee^Glm  at  Hoppylam^ 
and  other  lands  in  the  county  of  Durham,  Ity  hib  brtrtber  and  heir-at-law,  tne  f£cfpk^ 
named  John  Blackett,  Esq.  of  Wylam,  who  served  the  office  of  Mgh  sheriff  for 
Northumberland  l«ba,  and  died  1707,  ^«^{e*  7*.  He  mtarried  MJory,  daiugfater  and 
at  length  sole  heir  to  Wifiiam  Ermigton,  of  Portgate  (son  to  John  Errington,  Esq. 
of  Errington  and  Beaufront,  by  Dorothy  his  wife,  sister  to  Sir  Henry  Widdrington, 
knt.  and  aimt  to  William  Lord  Widdrington),  by  whom  he  had,  amongst  other  issue, 
j4ohn  lEHackett,  Ym^  son  and  heir,  who  marri^  l^izafoeth,  daughter  of  John  Bacon,  of 
Staward  Peel,  Esq.  and  died  (aged  34)  in  1714^  in  which  year  te  was  high  sheriff  ft)l* 
the  county.    Hi»  only  son,  John  Blackett,  Esq.  of  Wylam,  served  the  office  <rf  high 

*  The  Black^tts  had  been  seated  for  some  centuries  at  Woodcroft,  in  the  county  of  Durham,  of  which 
Bichaid  de  Kaek-hevedj  forester  of  Weardale^  died  seized^  anno  1350; — Sir  John  Blackett,  knt.  embarked  at 
Hartleypool  with  12  followers,  to  join  the  forces  of  king  Henry  V.  before  the  battle  of  Agincourt.  He  was 
afterwards  high  sheriff  for  Leicestershire,  4  Henry  VL  having  married  Margaret,  widow  of  Sir  tfoger  Heron, 
knt.  and  daughter  of  Sir  Ralph  Hastings,  knt.  by  Isabel  de  Sedington,  his  wife,  in  right  uf  whom  her  daugh- 
ter liforgaret  was  possessed  of  the  manor  of  Noseley,  county  of  Leicester. — Alexander  Blackett,  of  Woodcrofl, 
married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  William  Barbon,  of  Bradwood,  by  whom  he  was  father  of  Nicholas  6lackett, 
Esq.  who  married  Alice,  daughter  and  co-heir  of  Rowland  Tempest,  of  Holmside,  Esq.  by  Margaret,  daugh- 
ter of  Sir  Edward  Riadclyffe,  knt  of  Cartington  Tower,  county  of  Northumberland. — Edward  Blackett,  of 
Hoppyland,  grandson  to  Nicholas,  was  father  of  William  Blackett,  of  Hoppylaiid,  who,  by  Isabel  his  wifi^, 
bad  issue  three  sons,  viz.  Christopher,  born  I6l2  (ancestor  of  the  BlackettB  of  Wylam) ;  Edward,  whose  isstte 
is  extinct;  and  William,  bom  1620,  created  a  barotlet  December,  1073,  ancestor  to  the  baronet  fhmilies  df 
Matfen  and  Wallington,  county  of  Northumberland, 


492  ADDENDA, 

sheriff  for  Northumberland  in  1785»  and  died  November,  1769)  having  sold  his  family 

S^ssessions  in  Durham,  as  well  as  West  Dafiton,  Newhaiin,  and  other  lands  in 
orthumberland.  He  was  twice  married.  By  his  first  wife  he  had  four  sons,  viz, 
John  Blaekett,  of  Wylam,  who  died  unmarried  1791 ;  Edward  and  William,  both 
officers  in  the  army,  died  unmarried ;  and  Thomas,  heir  to  his  brother  John,  who 
married  Patience,  daughter  of  Mr.  Pool,  and  dying  without  issue  in  May,  1800,  wa^ 
succeeded  at  Wylam  by  his  half-brother,  Christopher  Blackett,  Esq.  the  present  pos- 
sessor, whose  eldest  son,  Christopher,  married,  in  1818,  Elizabeth,  daughter  and 
co-heir  of  Montagu  Burgpyne,  Esq.  of  Marks  Hall,  Essex,  younger  son  of  Sir  Roger 
Burgoyne,  Bart,  of  Sutton  Park,  Bedfordshire,  by  his  wife.  Lady  Frances  Montagu, 
daughter  to  the  Earl  of  Halifax.     . 

CASTLE  WARD. 

North  Shields. — -The  gigantic  project  of  erectiuj^  a  suspension  bridge  over  the 
Tyne  between  Norl^  and  South  Shields,  was  before  almded  to,  A  plan  and  estimate 
have  now  been  presented  by  Captain  Brown,  and  approved  of  by  public  meetings, 
held  at  North  and  South  Shields  and  at  Sunderland!.  The  middle  arch,  which  is  to 
be  800  feet  in  length,  and  100  feet  above  high  water»  is  to  be  suspended  from  two 
stone  pillars  to  be  erected  at  low  water  mark.  The  arches  on  each  side  will  be  300 
feet  in  length.  The  whole  expense  of  this  stupendous  undertaking  is  estimated  be- 
low £  100,000.  The  corporation  of  Newcastle  have  declared  that  they  will  not  oppose 
the  project,  if  approved  of  by  the  lords  of  the  admiralty,  who  have  ordered  a  survey 
to  be  made,  in  oraer  to  judge  how  far  such  an  erection  would  affect  the  navigation  of 
the  port.  If  this  building  be  completed,  it  will  form  one  of  the  most  wonderful  mo- 
numents of  art  ever  exhibited. 

A  Scieniffic  and  Mechanical  Instituiian  has  just  been  formed  in  this  populous  and 
important  sea^port,  and  which  is  warmly  supported  by  several  enlightened  and  publiq 
spirited  gentlemen^ 

New  Rail  Road.— The  improvement  of  the  communication  between  the  German 
Ocean  and  the  Irish  Sea,  has  occupied  the  attention  of  the  public  at  different. periods 
during  the  last  half  century.  At  the  summer  assizes  in  1824,  a  county  meeting 
was  convened  by  the  sheriff  of  Northumberland,  when  a  committee  wa«  appointed  to 
enquire  into  the  practicability  of  improving  the  existing  communication  between 
Newcastie  and  Carlisle.  Mr.  Chapman  and  Mr.  Jessop  were  requested  to  examine 
the  line,  and  both  agreed  on  the  ehgibility  of  a  rail-road,  which  they  conceived  would 
be  an  important  and  advantageous  undertaking.  This  report  was  presented  to  an- 
other county  meeting,  held  March  26,  1825,  wmch  resolved  that  the  establishment  of 
a  rail-road  between  Newcastle  and  Carlisle  was  "  an  object  worthy  the  countenance  of 
the  county."  The  proposed  line  commences  at  Newcastie,  and  terminates  at  the  basin 
of  the  canal  at  Carlisle,  a  distance  of  64^  miles.  The  capital  required  is  £800,000, 
divided  into  3000  shares,  at  £100  each,  of  which  one-sixth  is  reserved  for  the  land, 
owners  of  the  country  through  which  the  line  passes.  The  other  shares  were  all  sub.* 
scribed  for,  and  the  books  shut,  on  the  6th  of  May,  1825.  A  board  of  directors  haa 
been  chosen,  and  this  desirable  object  will  now  probably  be  attained. 


SHEBIFFS  OF  NORTHUMBERLAND. 

\Wkere  a  chasm  occurs  in  the  date,  it  U  to  be  considered  as  occupied  by  the  preceding  Sheriff,  if  not  otherwise  expressed^} 


Kino  Hbnbt  II.  vackAN  bis  rbign 

1164. 
Anno  Regni» 

1  Odarcius 

2  WiU  de  Veacf  Mill. 

16  RcjgerStateTiile;  William  deVes- 
cy  half  the  year 

31  Roeer  de  GlanviU^  amerced  £10 
ror  not  coming  to  the  £z<»ieqaer 
whensammoned.-Mad<Mr«p.  165. 
No  records  for  the  last  two  years. 

Kino  Richabd  I.  6tu  Junx«  1189. 

1  lUtter  dd  GJaville 

2  Wm  de  Stuteville  &  R^n.  Basset 

3  Nul.  Tit.  Com.  in  hoc  I&tula 
No  reoordi  fftr  the  two  following  years. 

6  Hugo  Bardolph 
10  Hugo  Bardolph,  &  Ol  FU  WU 

Kino  John,  6th  Apbil,  1199. 

1  Huffo  Bardolph 

2  WiU  StttteviDe  fipd  Job  liakmaa ; 

Roh  Fitz  Roffor  half  that  year. 

3  Roh  fil  Rog  and  Rad  de  Furnell 

6  Rob  fil  Rog 

8  Rob  fil  Rog  and  Rob  de  Kent 

9  Rob  fil  Rog  and  Ang  de  Corvo 

10  Rob  fil  Rog  and  Tho  Haltem 

11  Rob  fil  R^  and  Will  de  Blunyill 
No  records  for  the  14th  and  i5th. 

16  Aimericus  Archd  Dunelm,  &  Phil. 

Ulcote,  of  West  Matie^ 

17  Phil  de. mooted  Will  de  Stratton. 

No  records  for  the  last  year. 

Kino  Hknry  III.  19th  Oct.  1316. 
1  Phil  de  Ulcot 
5  Rob  de  Witcbaater 

7  Will  Briewere,. jun.  &  RogLangford 

8  Will  Briewere,  jun.  at  Gustos  and 

Tho  de  Titlebnm 

9  Joh  fil  Rob  and  Will  Coniers,  g«h 

yemor  of  Newcastle 

12  Joh  fil  Rob  half  that  year 

13  HngdeMagnebyandBrifil  Alani, 

^v.  of  the  castle  of  Newcastle 

16  Bn  fil  Alani  and  Joh  de  Mersley 
No  record  pf  the^  20th. 

21  Alan  de  Kirby  and  de  Bolbec,  go- 
vernor of  the  castles  of  Bun- 
brough  and  Newcastle 

28  Ha  de  Bolbec  and  Rob  de  Camho^ 
of  Camhoe,  knt. 

31  Will  Heymn,  of  Ford  Castle 


Anno  Regni. 

42  Joh  de  Pleaset 

44  Tho  filios  Mich 

46  Adam  de  Jesmont  (alias  Cresnor) 

and  Hu  de  Hereford  Clericos 

47  AdamdeCresnor&Jc^Lidegreynes 
52  Wischardas  de  Chamy,  amerced 

IQOs.  for  not  makiae  his  proiTer 
at  the  £zchequer.-Auii^^ jp.645. 
54  Rich  de  Chamy 

Kino  EbwAbo  I.  16th  Nov.  1272. 
1  Robert  de  Hampton 

4  Joh  de  Lichegreynes 

.  7  WaltdeCannbUon— ^«Cambhow? 
9  Tho  de  Dyvelston 
17  Rich  Knoul* 
22  Hn  Oubium 

25  Joh  de  Kirkby,  or  Will  de  Halton 

26  Rob  de  Bahok 
28  Rog  Mynot 

30  Joh  de  Cambhow 

31  Lucas  Talbf^s 

33  JohdeCreppinge&Jokde£aieffield 

Kino  Edward  II.  7th  Jui«y>  1307*  ' 

1  Rob  de  Faudon 

2  Ouid  Charroum 

3  Johan  de  Cannton 

5  Will  de  Felton  &  John  de  Cannton 
8  Will  de  Ridell,  of  Swinbum  Cas- 
tle, knti  during  pleasure 

16  Dominus  Joh  de  Fenwyck 

17  Dominus  Gilbertus  Borou^don 
No  records  of  the  two  following  years. 


Kino  Edward  III.  25th  Jan.  1326. 

1  Joh  de  Instila  and  Joh  d^  Fenwiok 

2  Joh  de  Lillebume 

No  records  of  the  7th* 

8  Roeer  Manduit 

9  Hob  Dardins 

12  William  Fekon,  West  Matfieo^Snt. 

13  Rob  Darrcys 

14  William  Felton 

15  Gilbert  Buighdown^  knt. 

16  William  Felton 

18  Robert  Bertram  amd  Robot  dd 

Fehwicke 
20  Robert  Raymea»  of  Bolam 
22  John  Clifford 

25  Joh  Couphmdj  of  Coupland,  knt. 
31  Alan  deStrother,  of  Kirk  Newton 
33  Henry  de  Strother 
35  Joh  Heronn 


Anno  Regni,  , 

36  Rog  de  Widrington,  of  Widring- 

ton  Castle^  knt. 

37  Rich  de  Horsloy,  of  Long  Horsley 

38  Hen  de  Strother 
43  Richde  Horseley 

46  Robert  Umfravil 

47  Thomas  Suritis^  of  North  Gosforth— 

Will  de  Erringtoa^  query  } 

48  WiU  Delaval 

49  Bettrant  Monboucher 

50  Thomas  de  Ilderton^  of  Ilderton>  knl* 

51  Robert  Umfraville 


Kino  Riobabd  II.  218t  Junbj  1377* 

1  Bertram  Monboncher 

2  Thos.  Snrtees,  of  North  Gosforth 

3  Bertram  Monboucher 

6  Adorn,  de  AthoU^  ]>ominas  de  Jea- 
mond^  knt. 

6  Rob  de  Clifford 

7  Johan  Heron 

8  Henry  de  P^rcy  de  Alnwick  Com. 

Northumb. 
12  Rad  de  Eure 

14  Joh  de  Felton 

15  Henry  de  Percy 

22  Joh  de  Fenwicke  de  Fenwicke  Tower 


Kino  Hsnrt  IV.  29th  Sbp.  1399. 

1  Henry  de  Percy  fil  Com.  Northumb. 

2  Gerard  Heron  M.  and  Rob  UmfiraviU 

3  Joh  Milford,  M.  of  Moleston 

4  Joh  Clavering  M.  of  Callaley 
6  Rob  Umfravm  M. 

.  7  Rob  Lisle,  Mil. 

8  Rob  Herbotel,  of  Harbottle 

9  Thomas  Grey^  of  Heton>  knt.     ' 

10  Robert  Tempest 

11  Joh   Widdringtoii>  of  Widdrington 

Castle,  knt. 

12  Joh  Bertram 

Kino  Hbnrt  V.  20th  Mabcb^  141% 

1  John  Maneres,  of  Etal 

2  Edward  Hastily*  M. 

3  Robert  Lisle,  ofFeltoib  knt. 
4.  John  Bertram 

5  Robert  Qele 

6  Edward  Hastings,  West  ^atfen,  knt 

7  William  £hne£n 

8  Thomas  Surtis,  of  North  Gosforth 


Kino  Hrnrt  VI.  SIst  Auo.  1422. 
1  John  Bertram  M« 


•  A.  D.  1290,  18  Bdwaid  L  Jmoify  Biduod  Kiioal»  Ughdioifi;  WiUiam  de  WcKy  (VescjO*  Tbonuw  ds  NoraianYUIe,  John  de  Ljthsi^ 
lB9ine)»  on  an  inquot 


VOL.  II. — (42) 


6  I 


494 


SHERIFFS  OF  NORTHUMBERLAND. 


Anno  Regni 

2  John  Middletoii 

3  John  Bertram  M. 

4  John  Widdrington,  of  Widdring* 

ton  Gastle>  Imt. 

5  William  Lambton 

6  Henry  Fenwick  Arm. 

7  William  Camabjr  Ar.  of  Halton 

Tower 

8  John  Woderington 
d  John  Bertram 

10  Roger  Wodrington,  of  Widdring- 

ton  Castle^  knt. 

11  John  Midleton 

12  Matthew  Whitfield,  of  Whitfield 

Hall,  knt. 

13  John  Bertram  M. 

14  R<«er  Woderington 

15  Wmiam  Enre  Mil,  Kirkley,  knt. 

16  Roger  Ogle,  MH,  Ogle  Castle,  knt. 

17  John  Bertram 

18  Robert  HerboteU  M. 

19  John  Heron,  of  Ford  Castle,  knt. 

21  Roger  Woderington 

22  John  Heron 

23  Robert  Claxston 

24  William  Haringe 

25  Thomas  Wellden 

26  Bertram  Herbotelle 

27  Thomas  Nerill  M. 
26  Ro  de  Woderington 

29  Roger  Thornton,  of  Nether  Wit- 

ton  Castle,  esq. 

30  John  Heron. 

31  Robert  Mitford 

32  John  Bnroester 

33  Robert  Manners,  Ar.  of  Etal 

34  Rad.  Orey,  Mil.  of  Heton,  knt. 

35  John  Heron,  Mil. 
96  Roger  Thornton 

37  Wmiam  Bertram 

38  Rad.  Grey,  MiL 

Kino  Edward  IV.  4th  Mamcb, 

1460. 
1:  John  Middleton,  MO,  Belsay  Castle 
2  Oeoige  Lumley,  Mfl,  of  Immley 
Castle,  Com*  Dunelm,  knt. 

4  Robert  Manres,  Mil,  of  Etal 

5  Gerard  Woderington,  of  Widder- 

ington  Castle 

6  Wilfiam  Bowes,  Mil,  of  Streatlam 

Castle,  Com.  Dunelm. 

7  John  NeviU,  Mil 

8  George  Lumley,  Mil 

12  John  Woderington,  of  Widdering- 

ton  Castle 
15  Hen  Com  North 

No  record  of  the  22d. 


King  Edw.  V.  9tr  March,  1483,  & 
Kmo  Rich.  III.  22d  July,  1483. 

1  Hen  Com  North 

2  Hen  Com  North  Rad.  Harbotue 

Sub.  Y. 
j3  Rob  Maneret  M. 


Anno  Regnu 

Kim  Hhnbt  VU.  92d  Av^  1485. 

1  Hen  Com  North 
No  reoords  of  the  Sth,  6th,  7th,  &  8th. 

9  Roger  Penwidc,  of  Fenwick  Tower 
No  records  of  the  16th  and  11th. 

12  Robert  Grey  de  Horton  Castle,knt. 

13  George  Tailboys  Mil. 

No  reooids  of  the  14th,  15th,  and  16th. 
17  Edw.  Raddiff  M.  of  Cartington 

No  record  of  the  Idth. 
19  Rad  Euro  Mil.  of  Kirkley 

No  record  of  the  20th.      . 
21  Thomas  Bderton  Mil.  of  Ilderton 

No  record  of  the  22d. 
23  Nkdi.  Ridley  Arm.  of  Willemotes- 
wicK,  un. 

No  record  of  the  24th. 

Kino  Hbnrt  VIII.  22d  Afb.  1509. 

1  Nich.  Ridley  Arm. 

No  records  of  the  4th,  5th,  and  6tb. 

7  Rad.  Fenwick  Ar.  of  Stanton,  knt. 

No  records  of  the  8th  and  9th. 
19  Chr.  Thirkil  Ar. 

11  George  Skelton  At. 

12  Chr.  Dacre  Mil. 

13  William  BUeker  Ar. 

-  No  records  of  the  14th  and  15tb. 

16  William  Elleker  Ar. 

17  William  Heron  Mil.  of  Ford  Castle 

18  WiUiam  Euro  MiL  of  Kirkley 

19  CuthbertRatcliffeAr.ofCartingtmi 
The  records  of  the  20th,  21st,  22d,  23d, 

24th,  25th,  26th,  27th,  28th,  29th, 
30th,  and  31st,  are  wanting. 

32  John  Woderii^gten 

33  Leo  (qn.  Rennald?)  Camaby  M. 

of  Halton  Tower 

34  JohndeLayaleM.ofDelaTalCostle 

35  Thomas  Hilton  M. 

36  JiAok  Collinffirood,  Eslington,  knt. 

37  Thomas  Hilton  M. 

38  John  Horsdey  Ar. 

Knre  Edwabd  VI.  28^  Jak.  1546. 

1  Joh  de  Lavale  M. 

2  Thomas  Hilton  Mil 
8,  John  Forster  M. 

Iliis  year  enacted  Sheriffs  dMold  be 
accountable  in  the  Szdiequer. 

4  JiAxk  Gray  M. 

5  Rob.  CoUmgwood,  Eelinfft«n,  knt. 

6  John  Witherii^iton,  q.  Tno.  Grey 

QtTBSN  Maay,  6tr  Juns,  1553. 
1  Joh  de  Lavale  M. 

KiKO  Philiy  anb  Qumum  Mabt, 

15tr  July,  1554. 

No  records  of  the  1st,  2d,  and  8d. 

4  and  5  Robert  Ellerker 

5  and  6  George  Ratdiffe 

Q0.  Elizabeth,  17th  Not.  165& 
1  John  Witherington 


Anno  Regni. 

2  Alb.  Featlie(stoa,of  FeathersUm  Ct0» 

tie,  knt. 

3  Robert  Lawaon  Ann.  of  Rock 

4  Hen.  Percy  MiL 

5  Rad.  Gr^  MiL 

6  Thomas  Forster  Ar.  of  Etheratoit 

7  vTho.  de  Lavale  Ar. 

8  Qeom  Heron  Ar. 

0  Cuthbert  Camaby  M.  Halton  Tower 

10  Cnthbert  Cdlingwood,  M.  Esslington 

11  Robert  Raymes  Ar.  of  Bdbm 

12  Nicboks  Ridley  Ar. 

13  Joh  de  Lavale  M.  Geo.  Heron.  M.  of 

Chipchace  Castle 

14  Thomas  Forster  Ar. 

15  Cuthbert  Camaby  M.  Halton  Tower 

16  Thomas  Grey  MiL  of  Heton 

17  Rob  de  Lavale  M. 

18  Rob  Midletmi  Ar. 

19  Francis  Rnssel  M. 

20  William  Fenwick  M.  of  Wallington 

21  Henry  Witherington,  of  Widdring* 

ton  Castle,  knt. 

22  Cuthbert  Collingwood,  of  Eslington 

23  John  Heron  Ar. 

24  Rad  Grey  Ar. 

26  Rob  de  Lavale  Ar. 

26  Jam  Ogle  Ar. 

27  Rich  Radkv  Ar. 

28  1M»  Clavenng,  of  Callaley 

29  Henry  Anderson  Ar. 

31  WiUiam  Fenwick  Ar. 

32  Alex.  Featherstonhaugh  Ar.  of  Fea« 

therston  Castle 

33  Rad  Grey  Ar. 

34  Rob  de  Lavale  Ar. 

35  Rad  Grey  Ar. 

36  The  Ifoadlbrd  Ar. 
38  Creo  Musehampe  Ar. 
38  Edward  Grey  Ar. 

41  Thomas  Middleton  Ar. 

42  Geo  Musdiamp  Ar.  of  Baimore 

43  Edward  Talbot  Ar. 

44  Nidiolas  Forster  Ar.  of  Bambroogh 

Abbey,  knt. 

45  William  Sdby,  jun.  Ar. 

KiKo  Jahss  I.  24th  Mabch,  1603. 

1  William  Selbv,jun.Ar.  of  Biddleston 

2  Rad  de  Lavale  Ar. 

3  Henry  Widdrington 

4  William  SelbyMiL 

5  Gecvee  Selby  Mil. 

6  Rad  de  Lavale  Ar. 

7  Edward  Talbot  Ar. 

8  Job  de  Lavale  Ar. 

9  Ralph  Grev  Mil. 

10  Claudius  Forster  Ar.  of  Bambrou^ 

Abbev 

11  Rad  Selby  Mil. 

12  John  Clavering  M. 

13  Henry  Anderson  M. 

14  William  Sdby  M.— Sir  John  Fen- 

wick  occurs  1616 

15  RobenHnad]ing,of  N.GoBfordi,knt. 


SHERIFFS  OF  NORTHUMBEKLAND, 


49S 


Anno  Regni. 

16  Thomas  Sfiddleton  Ar. 

17  John  Fenwick  M.  of  Wallington 

18  Matthew  Fonter  Ar^  of  Etherston 

19  Rob  de  La^de  M. 

30  William  Muschamp,  of  Bannore 

21  John  Claverinff  M. 

22  Joh  deLavale  Itf. 

No  record  of  the  last  year. 

Kino  Chablbs  I.  27th  Mab.  1685. 

1  Cathbert  Heron  Ar.  of  Gh^Kdiase 

Castle 

2  Francis  Brandling  Ar. 

3  Thomas  ^Swinburne  M.  of  Edling- 

ham^  knt* 

5  Thomas  Carr>  of  Ediot 

6  Robert  Brandling  Ar.  of  North 

Gosfbrth^  knt. 

7  Nicholas  Townky  Ar. 


Anno  Regnu 

8  Nich^  Tempest  M. 

9  Thomas  Middieton  R. 

The  reeord  of  the  IMi  year  iwnting. 

11  William  Gamaby,  of  Halton  Tow- 

er^ knt. 

12  William  Witherinffton,  of  Wid- 

drington  Gastle>  knt. 

13  Robert  Bewick  Ar. 

Fnller's  list  of  Sherifi  for  Northiim- 

berland  ends  here. 
21  John  Fenwick,  bart. 
The  records  of  the  3  following  wanting. 

Kino  Chablbs  II.  SOtr  Jan.  164a 
No  records  of  the  first  5  years. 

6  Robert  Middieton,  esq.  <tf  Bebay 

Castle 

7  John  Ogle,  esq. 

No  reooras  ef  toe  aest  11  years. 


Anno  Regnu 

19  Williahi  Middteton,  bart.  of  Bdsay 
Castle 
No  records  of  the  6  following  years.t 

26  John  Forster,  esq. 

27  Martin  Fenwick,  esq. 

28  William  Widdrington,  esq. 

No  records  of  the  3  following  years.^ 

32  Mark  MUbank 

33  Sir  Edward  Blackett,  bart 

34  FVands  Bowes,  esq. 

35  Edmond  Crayster,  of  Crayster,  esq. 
37  James  Howard,  of  Overacres,  ieaq. 

Ki»io  Jambs  II.  6th  Fbb.  1681. 
1  and  2  James  Howa^,  esq. 

3  Mark  Milbank,  bart. 

4  Richard  Neile,  esq,  knt. 

6  Rkhaid  NeUe,  &  William  Blaolcett» 
bart. 


Lut  of  Sheriffs  wad  Under-sheriffs  einee  1088. 


A.D. 

1689 

1600 

1691 

1692 

1693 

1694 

1695 

1696 

1697 
1698 
1699 
1700 
1701 


.1702 
1703 
1704 
1705 
I7O6 

1707 
I7O8 

1709 
1710 
1711 


1712 
1713 
1714 


.*• 


•  t* 


•  kk 


Kino  Williamt  and  Qubbn  Mabt,  ISvh 
Anno  R^g!^  ^^  Sheriffs. 

1  Sir  William  Blackett,  of  Wallington,  bart. 

2  Sir  John  Heron,  of  Chipchase,  bart. 

3  Joteph  Carr,  of  Coxlodge,  esq.  ^ 

4  John  Bladcett,  of  Wylmn,  esq. 

5  John  Bacon,  of  Staward,  esq. 

6  John  Rogers,  of  East  Denton,  esq. 

7  Robert  &wick,  of  Close  House,  esq* 

8  Robert  Sfaaftoe,  of  Benwell,  esq. 

9  Robert  Mitfbrd,  of  Mitibrd,  esq. 

10  Edward  CoUinffWood,  of  Byker,  esq. 

11  Ralph  Semrfield,  of  Eachwjck,  esq. 

12  William  Wilkinson,  of  Black  Callerton,  esq. 

13  John  Grey  of  Howick,  esq. 


..• 


*•* 


■•» 


FaB.1689. 

Under  Sheriffs. 
Mr.  WilUam  Oreen 
«—  Robert  Fenwick 

—  William  Carr 

—  William  TmmUe 

—  John  Ord 

—  Thomas  Ord 
— -  Ralph  FetherstoB 
■—  John  Humble 
— -  WiUfam  Ghreen 

—  Daniel  CoUingwood 
-—  Ralph  Fetherston 

—  WiUiam  Carr 

—  Thomas  Davidstm 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 

7 

8 


Qubbn  Ann^  8ra  Mabch,  1702. 
William  &bwn,  of  Bolton,  esq.     v.. 
Thomas  Forster,  of  Etherston,  esq.  - 
Sir  JamM  dayering,  bart. 
John  Clennell,  of  iSbnm,  esq. 
Gabriel  Hall,  of  Catdengh,  esq.    ... 
Henry  Ogle,  of  Eelingham,  esq. 
Robert  Lawson,  of  Cramlington,  esq. 
William  Carr,  of  Eshot,  esq. 


k«. 


.a. 


•  •  • 


... 


... 


•  •  . 


«  •  • 


•  •• 


... 


«  ■• 


10    Oeo^e 


Hoffsiey, 


Mr.  John  HnmUe 
.-WmiamCarr 

—  Thomas  Ord 
-—Lancelot  Allgood 
»-  John  Aynsley 

i—  Farrow  Armstrong 

—  Mark  Browell 
— •  Aynsley  Donldn 

—  Cathbert  Robinson 


11 
12 
13 


withiB  the  year,  and  was  succeeded  by 
Sir  John  Middieton,  of  Belsay  Castle,  bart. 
Henry  Rawlin^  of  Newton,  esq. 
William  Fenwick,  of  ByweU,  esq. 
Mark  Strother,  of  Fowberry,  esq.     ^ 


I 


« •  • 


■  •« 


.  •  < 


-—  John  A3rn8ley 
— .  Thomas  Potts 

—  George  Green 

—  William  Rutter 


1715 
I7I6 


1 
2 


M(.  Robert  Loadman 
^  Thomas  Potts 


Kino  Gbobob  L  1st  Avoust,  1714. 
John  Johnson,  of  Bebside,  esq. 
John  Rogers,  of  East  Denton,  esq. 

*  Sir  Thomas  Swinburne  served  two  Teuv,  ai  Bobert  Brsndfing  refhsed,  and  fled  to  Sootlaad,  whence  he  was  brongfat  and^  imprisoiied  at  Dnrham 
for  Ibs  contempt :  thence  eMa{ring,  die  buhop  was  reprimanded,  and  the  jaokr  lost  his  place.— JSpeonnafi.  Cair,  who  soooeeded  Swinburne,  had  beea 
outlawed,  and  impHsooed  in  the  castle  ai  Newcastle,  fbr  non-papncnt  of  taies  reeemd :  he  bribed  the  gaoler  and  eso^ed;  after  dean  dl  aoooanlsf 
and  is  sheriff  the  year  fiiOo«ing»—Jia.  & 

t  Fnuwif  Adyaon,  of  Ofiq^baiB» «%.  aboitt  this  tiiiia.-.NSipe»riN0s.  t  Balph  Senifdd,  of  Eacfawick»  caq.  aboot  this  Skmt^^Jkk 


*os 


SHERIFFS  OF  NORTHUMBERLAND. 


A.D. 

1717 
I7I8 

1719 
1730 
1721 
1722 
1723 
1724 
1725 
1726 
1727 


1798 
1729 
1730 
1731 

1732 
1733 
1734 
1735 
1736 

1737 
1738 

1739 


1740 
1741 
1742 
1743 
1744 
1745 
1746 

1747 
1748 

1749 
1750 


1752 
1753 
1754 
1755 

me 

1757 
1758 
1759 
1760 


1761 
1762 
1763 
1764 
1765 
1766 

1767 

1768 
1769 
1770 
1771 
1772 

1778 


AftHO  Regm.  Hi^k  Shtriff*. 

^  Balph  JenaiaoB,  of  Wolangton;  eaq. 

4  RoMTt  Shafto,  of  Benwellj  esd.     .... 

6  William  Cotesvoith,  of  "Btomhauit,  «iq.    . 

6  Mattkew  WMte,  of  Blagdou,  eaq. 

7-  Edward  Delaral,  of  Soath  Diasington,  eaq. 

8  William  Charlton,  of  Healeyaide>  esq. 

9  Robert  Mitfinrd,  <xf  Mitford,  eaq. 

10  Jolm  Coteawordi,  of  Hermitage,  eaq. 

11  Alexander  CoUiiigwaod,  of  Lttde  Ryle,  eaq. 

12  Robert  Bewick,  m  Cloae  Houae,  esq. 

13  Lnlce  Clennell,  of  dennell,  eaq.    ... 


f  •• 


Under  Sheriffs. 
Mr.  James  Waiker 

—  JohaOrd 
— •  John  Ayrejr 

— -  George  Caubertnii 
•'-^  Richard  Gneve 

—  John  Aynaley 

— -  Robert  JLoodman 
•—  £dward  Coteswortii 
•—  Richard  Grieve 
-^  Mark  Browell 

—  Thomas  Potto 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 

7 

8 

9 

10 

11 

12 


13 
14 
15 
16 


King  Gbobob  IL  11th  Junb>  1737- 
John  Fenwicky  of  Bjrwell,  esQ. 
Matthew  Whitfield^  of  Whitaeld^  esa. 
Francis  Bhika  DelaTal^  of  Seaton  Delaval^  esq. 
Thomas  Watson^  of  Swinhoe,  esq. 
Walter  Blackett^  of  Wallington>  esq. 
John. Reed,  of  jBellingham,  esq.     ...  ... 

John  Ogle,  of  Ellin^ham,' esq. 
Henry  Ellison,  of  &oom  House,  esq. 
Henry  Grey,  of  Howick,  esq.        ...  ... 

Henry  Ogle,  of  Gawsey  ParL,  esq. 
James  Hargrave,  of  Shawdon,  esq. 
William  Erfington,  of  Wahiifik  Grange,  eaq.  vh*  died,l 

and  was  suc(^eded  by  >—  Jeha  Ord 

John  Blackett,  of  Wylam,  esq.      ...  ...       '     •••     j 

George  Shafto  Delaval,  of  BavingtoD,  esq.  ...        -^  William  Lowes 

John  Strother  Kerr,  of  Fowberry,  esq ...        Do:  by  Robeit  Lowea 

Anthony  Isaacson,  of  Fenton,  esq.  ...  ...        Do.  by  Thomas  Lowea 

C^iaa.  Lwraine,  esq — That  y  w  succeeded  his  father  as  a  bart.  Mr.  William  Aynsley 


Mr.  John  Oid 

—  William  Wharton 
— ^.Richazd  Grieve 
— <  Bdward  Gallon  ' 
— •  John  Steele 

«•  Johii  Aynsley 
— •  Richard  Ghrieve 

—  Thomas  Baker 
-^  Richard  Ghrieve 
Do.  by  Mr.  Forster 
Mr.  William  Whartoa 


17  James  Carr,  of  Black  Heddon,  esq. 

18  William  Bacon,  of  Staward,  esq. 

19  Lancelot  Allgood,  of  Hexham,  esq. 

20  William  Ord,  of  Fenham,  esq. 

21  Nicholas  Brown,  of  Bolton,  esq.     ... 

22  G^wen  Aynsley,  of  Little  Harle,  esq. 

23  William  Carr,  of  Etal,  esq. 

1751    24^  William  Bigge,  of  Little  Benton,  esq. 

William  FenwicS,  of  B3rwell,  esq. 
Robert  Fenwiok,  of  Lemmington,  esq. 
Robert  ShafU,  of  Ben  well,  esq.     ... 
John  Swiabum,  of  Newcastle,  eaq. 


.« • 


*•* 


25 
96 

27 
28 

29 
30 
31 
32 
33 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 

7 

8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 


*■• 


«.. 


V 


«—  Edward  Steward 

«•  John  Ord 

— -  Robert  Ilderton 

—  Joim  Ord 

^  Richard  Grfeve 
— *  William  Aynsley 
•^  €oL  Forster 

{-r-  Tliomas  Davidbon 
for  Wffi.  Lowea 

—  John  Ord. 

—  William  Gibson 
~  Wifiiam  Ratter 

—  £.  Ckdc  liteward 


Matthew  White,  of  Blagdon,  esq.  Uist  year  ereated  a  barooet  —  Thomas  Daridsoa 
Sir  Edward  Blackett,  of  Matfen,  bart. 
William  Wilkinson,  of  Clennell,  esq. 
Abraham  Dixon,  of  Belford,  esq. 
Robert  Bewick,  of  Close  House,  esq. 


•«« 


Edward  Roberta 
•-«  Nat.  Fenwick' 
i.*-  Col.  Forster 
~  William  Dodd 


*•« 


^*. 


Mv*  William  Gibson 
—  Col.  Forster 
— William  Riitter,  jmu 
-^  William  Gibson 
-^  C(d.  Forster 
Qo.  by  James  Grey 


Kino  Gbobob  UI.  25th  Ootobbb,  1760. 
Alexander  Collingwood,  of  Unthank,  eaq.     ... 

Ralph  Bates,  of  Ilallowell,  esq. 
John  William  Bacon,  of  Staward,  esq* 
Christt^her  Reed,  of  Chipchase,  esq. 
Matthew  Forster,  of  Bolton,  esq. 
Henry  Collingwood,  of  Cornhill,  esq. 

Hilton  Lawson,  of  Chirton,  esq. — ^Died  that  year,  but  i^o\|^ff  q^i^  Forster 
other  loosen  ...  ...  ...  ...     J 

Bryan  BuHell,  of  Broom  Park,  esq.  « . .  ...        Do.  by  Jamea  Grey 

Michael  Pearson,  of — Matfen,  esq.  ...  .„        Mr.  William  Hunter 

John  Simpson*  of  Horsley,  esq.      ...  ...  ...        •—  William  Dodd 

Thomas  Charles  Bigge,  of  Little  Benton,  esq.  ...        — -  Th6mas  Davidson 

Francis  Blake,  of  Crawley,  esq.      ...  ...  ...        —  Col.  Forster 

William  Lowes,  of  Ridley  HaU,  esq.  —  RaJ^hSpavk 


SHERIFFS  OF  NORTHUMBERLAND. 


497 


A.D. 

Ah 

1774 

14 

1776 

16 

1776 

16 

1777 

17 

1778 

18 

1779 

19 

1780 

.20 

1781 

21 

1782 

22 

17«S 

23 

1784 

24 

1786 

26 

1786 

26 

1^ 

27 
28 

1789 

29 

1790 

30 

1T91 

31 

1792 

32 

1793 

33 

1794 

34 

1796 

35 

1796 

36 

1797 

37 

1798 

38 

1799 

39 

1800 

40 

1801 

41 

1802 

42 

1808 

43 

1804 

44 

1805 

45 

1809 

46 

1807 

47 

1806 

48 

1800 

49 

1810 

50 

1811 

61 

1812 

62 

1813 

63 

1814 

64 

1815 

55 

1816 

56 

1817 

57 

1818 

68 

}819 

W 

1820 

1 

1821 

2 

1822 

3 

1823 

4 

1824 

6 

}m 

0 

TOL.  II, 


Anno  Regni.  High  Sheriffs. 

Sir  William  Lorraine^  ofKirkhane,  bart.     ... 

Walter  Treyelyan^  of  Nethervpitton,  esq. 

John  Askew^  of  PaUinBbum^  esq. 

William  Ord,  of  Fenham,  esq. 

Thomas  Carr^  of  Eshott^  esq. 

Daniel  Craster^  of  Graater,  esq. 

Andrew  Robinson  Bowei^^  of  Benwell,  esq* 

Charles  Brandling,  of  Gosforth  House,  esq. 

Calverley  Bewick,  of  Close  House,  esq. 

William  Hargraye,  of  Shawdon,  esq. 

Sir  Francis  Blake,  of  Fowberry,  bart. 

Sir  Henry  George  Liddell,  of  Eslington,  bart. 

James  Allgood,  of  Nunwick,  esq.  L.  L.  D. 

Edward  Collingwood,  of  Chirton,  esq. 

Davidson  Richard  Orieve,  of  Swarland,  esq. 

Robert  Lisle,  of  Acton,  esq. 

John  Lowes,  of  Ridley  Hall,  esq. 

John  Wood,  of  Beadnell,  esq. 

Ralph  William  Orey,  of  Backworth,  esq.,     ... 

Henry  Collingwood,  of  Lilbum,  esq. 

Charlies  John  Clavering,  of  Bitdhfield,  esq. 

Cuthbert  Shafto,  of  Bavinffton,  esq.  kiuffhifc 

Ad.  Mansfield  Lawson  de  Cardonnel,  ot  Chirton,  esq. 

Matthew  Bell,  of  Wolsington,  esq. 

Adam  Askew,  of  Ellington,  esq. 

.Sir  J.  £.  Swinbnm,  of  Capheaton,  bart- 

George  Adam  Askew,  of  Pallinsbum  House,  esq. 

Sir  Charles  Miles  Lambert  Monck,  of  Belsay  Castle, 

Charles  William  Bigge,  of  Benton  House,  esq. 

Shafto  Craster,  of  Qraster,  esq.    ....  .,. 

Sir  Thomas  Henry  Liddell,  of  Eslington,  bart. 
John  Hunter,  of  the  Hermitage,  esq. 
William  Linskill,  of  Tynemouth  Lodge,  esq. 
Sir  William  Blackett,  of  Matfeii,  bart. 
Cuthbert  Ellison,  of  Broom  House,  esq. 
William  Sadliere  Bruere,  of  Bewidk,  esq. 
John  Reed,  of  Chipchase  Castle,  esq. 
William  Burrell,  of  Broom  Park,  esq. 
Ralph  Bates,  of  Milbum  Hall,  esq* 
John  Carr,  of  Hedgeley,  esq. 
Sir  Charles  Lorraine,  of  BJrkhairle,  bart. 
George  Baker,  of  Stanton,  esq. 
Matthew  Bell,  of  Woolsington^  ^* 
Sir  T.  J.  Clavering,  of  Harewood  SheeUb  bart* 
Robert  Lancelot  .^ilgood,  of  Nunwick,  esq. 
Wil)ian^  Ord^  of  Nunnykirk,  esq. 

Ring  Georgb  IV.  29th  Januabt,  1820, 
William  Clark,  of  Benton,  esq. 

Addison  John  Cresswdl  Baker,  of  Woodhome  Demesne,  esq. 
Edmond  Craster,  of  Pteston>  esq. 
Prideaux  J.  Selby,  of  Twizell  Ijouse,  esq. 
Edward  CoUingwood >  of  Dissington,  esq. 
Anthony  Gregson^  of  Bowsdon,  esq. 


bart. 


•t 


*  ♦ 


Under  Sheriffs. 
Mr.  Ralph  Heron 

—  William  Gibson 
-—  Thomas  Adams 
— i  William  Hunter 

—  Thomas  Adams 
— ^  William  Gibson 

—  John  Wright 

— -  William  Hunter 
— -  Richard  Wilkinson 
— *  Thomas  Davidson 
— *  Anthony  Lambert 
— -  Charles  Wren 
•—  Ralph  Heron 

—  Thomas  Davidson 
— <  Thomas  Kerr 

— <  Ralph  Heron 
— •  Thomas  Davidson 
— >  Anthony  Lambert 
— -  Nathamel  Chiyton 
«—  Richard  Wilkinson 

—  Charles  Wren 
— i  Allsjood  Hunter 

—  Walter  Heron 

—  Robert  Walters 
— <  Nathaniel  Clayton 
-—  Thomas  Daviason 
*—  Nathaniel  Clayton 
^—  Percival  Fenwick 
«—  Thomas  Davidson 

—  Percival  Fenwick 
-^  Chris.  Fenwigk 
— .  Percival  Fenwick 

—  Chris.  FeQwi<^  . 

—  Percival  Fenwick 
^^  Nathaniel  Claytoii 
— -  Chris.  Fenwick 
*—  Percival  Fenwick 
— -  Thomas  Davidson 

—  P.  6.  Ellison 
-T  R.  Walters 

—t  Armorer  Donkin 
^—  Richard  Kirton 
^—  John  Clayton 
-^  P.  G.  Emson 
-»  Chris.  Fenwick 
— -  Henry  Brumell 


Chris.  Fenwick 
Henry  Brumell 
Chiis.  Fenwick 
John  Lambert 
P.  G.  Emson 
John  Leithf  1(4 


/ 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  SHIRE 


FOR 


THE    COUNTY  OF  NORTHUMBERLAND. 


Kino  £i>WAitD  I.  ^soan  his  RiftloN  1272.* 
Anno  Regni. 
26  Dominus  Henf l^tis  de  Djp^chend  and  Dominiu  Joliannefl 

de  OggHell 
29  John  de  Cambhoe  and  Ridiard  de  Hordejf 
SO  Hugo  Grabion  aTid  Johannes  de  Camhoa  MUitus 
31  Ri<£ard  de  HoM^f  and  Philip  de  Ley 
33  John  de  Caknbho^  and  Richard  de  Horsley 
35  John  de  V'allibus  And  Richard  de  Horsley 

King  ISdivarp  II.  1307* 
1  John  de  la  Val  and  Richard  de  Horslej 

3  Johannes  de  "AuYe  and  Johannes  de  Dudden  MU 

4  Wisthard  de  Charrous  and  Rogems  Mandiuts  Mil 

6  Dominus  Walter  de  Borringdon  and  Dominus  Rob.  de 
Clifford  Mil 

6  Dicunt  noA  curant  mlttere 

7  Adam  de  Swinburne  and  Rogerus  Mandite 

8  Nulli  electo  ratione  Belli 

10  Rich,  de  dorsley  and  John  de  la  Val 

15  Rob.  de  Rarnes  and  Johannes  de  Yerdham  Mil 

19  Will.  RydeU  aiid  Michael  de  Pressen 

Kino  Edward  III.  1326. 
1  Nulli  elect!  ratione  Belli 

1  Johannes  de  Lilliburne  and  Johannes  de  Menneville  Mil 

2  Eustace  de  Burnaby  and  Will.  Breton^  par.  ^t  6  days 
2  Johannes  de  Boroughdon  and  Mich,  de  neston  Mil 

4  Rogerus  Manduit  and  Will,  de  Tynedale 

5  Rogerus  Manduit  and  John  de  Borongdon 
7  Rofferus  Manduit  and  Rob.  Darrays 

9  Rob.  Darrays  and  Johannes  de  Wanton 

11  Will,  de  Emeldon  and  Robert  de  Brivill 

12  Will,  de  Emeldon  and  t>avid  de  Vollores 

13  Will,  de  Emeldon  and  Hugh  de  Setlingstones 

14  Will,  de  Felton  and  Robertus  de  Maners 

15  Henricus  de  Haverinston  and  Will,  de  Pressen 
17  Johannes  de  Yerdhelland  Mich.de  Pressen 

20  Alanus  de  Heppestoles  end  Edmundus  de  Demen 

21  Rofferus  de  Widrinston  and  Will  de  Heppestoties 

22  RoK  de  Reymes  and  Rob.  Wendiie 

24  Rob.  Bertram  and  Rog.  de  Bodenngtbn 

26  Will,  de  Felton  (only  one  knight  by  ihe  writs) 

27  WiU.  de  Felten  Mil 

31  Hen.  de  Haverinston  and  Ricns  de  Horseley 

33  Johannes  de  Cambhouwe  and  Ricus  de  Horseley 

34  Ricus  de  Horseley  and  Rob.  Wenduit 
34  Tho.  Surteys  and- Roger  Woderington 


Anno  Regni. 

36  Tho.  Surteys  and  Roger  de  Woderington 

38  Adomarus  de  AthoU 

39  Adom.  de  Atholl  uid  Hen.  de  Haveriogton 

46  Tho.  Surteys  and  Johannes  de  Midfbrd 

47  Will  de  Vale  and  Bertram  Monboucher 
4^  Rob.  de  Umfraville  and  Will  Heselnag 

50  Bertram  Monboucher  and  Johannes  de  Mitford 


ItiNO  RlCHABD  II.  1377* 

1  Will,  ie  la  Vail  and  WiU.  Haielrigg 

2  Joiiannes  de  Fenwick  and  Nich.  Kaymes 

3  Will,  de  la  Vail  and  Walter  Swinhow 

4  ]Rob.  Clifford  and  WiR.  HearcHi 

5  Adomarus  D'Athol  and  Rad-  de  Eure 

6  Tho.  Uderton  and  WilL  de  la  VaU 

7  David  Holgreve  and  John  de  Miteford 

7  Thom.  de  Moderby  and  Rob*  de  Esthydwinde 
,  8  Joh.  de  Lilburne  and  Thom.  de  Moderby 

10  Bertram  Monboucher  and  Rob.  Elmeriiig 

11  Tho«  UmfranviU  and  Joh.  de  Mitford 
13.  Tho.  de  Umfranvill  and  Joh.  de  Mitford 
15  G^rardus  Heron  and  Joh.  de  Mitford 

17  Gerardus  Heron  and  Joh*  Miteford 

18  Will,  de  Swinbum  and  Sampson  Harding 

20  Tho.  Grey  and  Joh.  de  Miteford 

21  G^erarduB  Heron  and  Robert  Lisle 


Kino  Hsnby  IV.  1399. 
1  Tho.  Grey  and  Sampson  Harding 
3  Grerardns  Heron  ana  Johannes  Musard 

5  Joh.  de  Woderington  and  Sampson  Harding 

6  Rob.  Lisle  and  Will.  Camaby 

8  Rob.  Lisle  and  John  de  Clavering 

9  Edmund  Hastings  and  Robert  Harbottle 

KiKo  Hbnby  V.  1412. 

1  Joh.  Bertram  vad  Joh.  de  Mitford 

2  John  Woderington  and  Sampson  Harding  Mil 

3  Rob.  de  Ogle  and  William  Mitford 
6  Robert  Lisle  and  John  Middletoa 
8  Robert  Ogle  and  Nicholas  Turpin 

8  Edward  Hastings  and  Robert  Hirbotyll 

9  Robert  C^le  and  William  Mitford 

Kino  Hbnby  VI.  1422.  ,..   .   . 

1  John  Bertram  and  William  Elmedon  Md.  gladus  cafi 

2  Thom.  Haldon  and  Thom.  Ilderton 


people  were  engaged  in  the  defence  of  the  Marches ;  in  the  lat  Kdward  III.  because  the  oountj  was  ao  trnporenshed  dj  the  soots,  uw  TXhiTb  the 
be  had  wherewith  to  pay  the  expensea  of  sending  members  to  the  parliament  held  at  Lincoln ;  and  in  the  34«h,  there  were  no  ^"'^^^fjili 
county  besides  Walter  Tyndalot  who  was  sick  and  incapable  to  attend ;  wherefore  two  others  were  returned,  thoi^  no  knights,  by  ffo^  9"* 
swords.— «/o»ma2r  rf  ihe  Home  qf  Commomt*    BeaUom^t  Chroru  Begitter,  voL  L  p,  440. 


t  Speaiman's  Ma 


KNIGHTS  OF  THE  aHIRE,  ^ 


4S9 


Anno  RegnL 
3  Robert  da  Ogle  and  Thonau  ndeMwi  Miles 

6  Wm.  Elmedon  and  WiUiahn  Strother 

7  John  Bermon  and  John  Garttngton 

13  Robert  Ogle  Mil  and  WiU.  Bertnm  Am 
20  Rob.  de  (%le  Mil  and  Job.  Henm  Arm 
25  Jek.  Herooi  Arm  and  Joh.  Cartington  Ann 

27  Radus  Orey  Arm.  fil  &  heres  Rici  Grey  Mil.  and  Joh. 

.  Heron  de  Fexa 

28  WiU.  Bertram  MiL  and  Rob.  Mitfbrd 

29  Will.  Bertram  and  Job.  Ogle  Miles 
88  Thomas  Wiltden  and  Rob.  Maners 


King  Eowabp  IV.  1400. 

6  Georffins  Lomley  and  Rob.  Folbenry  Mil.  giadiia  cineti 
12  Job.  Middleton  Miles  and  Job.  Caitinglon  Arm. 

Kino  Edwabd  VI. 
1  John  Widdrinftton,  knt.' 

7  John  Gray  and  Cutiibert  Horseky 

QuBBN  Maby^  1553. 
1  Thomas  Grey,  knt.  of  Horton  Castle,  &  Cnthbert  Horsley 
1  John  Swinbome,  knt.  of  Capheaton>  and  Robert  Hor- 
sley, knt. 

Philip  and  Mabt,  1S54. 

1  &  2  John  Ghray,  knt.  and  Cnth.  Horsley,  esq.  of  Long- 

horsley 

2  &  3  G^rge  Wharton,  knt.  and  TlioSMs  Waiten>-esq« 

4  &  5  Thomas  Wharton,  knt.  and  Robert  Ellekor,  knt. 

QuAK  %Li%AiiB7a>  1558. 
1  Thomas  Wharton,  knt. 

5  Jdhn  Vaoghan,  esq.  and  Robert  La^mMAi 
IS  Hendry  Pierey  and  William  Hilton,  knts. 

14  Frands  Rnssell,  knt.*  and  Thomas  Leighton,  esq. 
27  Francis  Lord  Russell  and  Edward  Tallrat,  esq. 
18  lIlotoaB  Qrej,  knt.  and  Edward  Talbot,  esq. 

31  Wafiam  Carre  and  Roliert  Widdiington,  esq. 
35  William  Read,  knt.  and  Robert  Widdrington,  esq. 
39  Robert  Carre,  knt.  and  Rc4>ert  Widdrington,  esq. 
43  Robert  Carre,  knt.  and  WiUiam  Selbye,  jnn.  esq. 

Kino  Jaitbs  1. 1882. 
1  Ralph  Grey  and  Henry  Widdrington,  knts. 

15  George  Sefbyet  and  Henry  Widdrington,  knts. 

18  William  Gr^,  hart,  of  Wark  Castle,  and  Henry  Wid^ 

drington,  lent,  of  Widdrington  Castle 
21  John  Fenwick,  knt.  and  Francis  BrandHng,  knt.  of 

1*^ orth  Gkisibrth 

King  CHABiiBs  1. 1825. 
1  John  Fenwick,  knt.  and  Francis  ft'andling,  esq. 
12  John  Fenwick,  knt.  and  J<An  Delaval,  knt. 


Anno  Regnu 

13  John  Tenwidi>  knt  and  Williani  Camaby,  knt.  ef  Hal* 

ton  Tower 
15  John  Fenwick,  knt.  and  hart,  and  William  Widdring* 

ton,  knt. 
1 8  John  FenwH^,  hart.  (expeUed  the  honse  22d  Jttu  1640), 

and  Henry  Percy  (expelled  9th  Dec  1841) 
William  Widdrington  and  'WjUiam  Fenwick,  ^esqrs.  in 

the  rooms  of  tl^  last  ekcted  kni^ts 

Olivbb  Gbomwxll. 
1  (1«63)  Henry  Ogle 
3  Sept.  1854,  Henry  Ogle  of  Eglingham  aad  William 
Fenwick  of  Wallington 

Robert  Fenwick,  of  Bedlington,  esq.| 
17Sep.  1858,  Robert  Fenwick  &  WiRkm  Fenwick, esqrs. 
Sir  Thmnas  Widdrington,  of  Cheesebum  Grange 

KiCHARD  CbOMWBLL. 

27  Jan.  1658,  Will.  Fenwiok,bttrt.  and  Ralph  Dehvali,  esq. 

The  Convention  Parliament, 
25  Apr.  1880,  Lord  Mansfield  and  Jelm  Fenwick,  esq. 

Kino  Chabjles  II.  1853. 
IS  Lord  Mansfield  and  John.  Fenwick,  esq. 
31  Ralph  Delayal  and  Sir  John  Fenwick,  bart. 

31  Ralph  Delaval  and  Sir  John  Fenwidc,  Inrt. 

32  Ralph  Dekval,  esq.  and  Sir  John  Fenwick,  bart. 

Kino  Jambs  II.  1885. 

1  Johft  Feiiwiek,  bart.  and  William  Ogle,  esq. 

The  Convention  Parliament. 
22  Jan.  1888,  Wpam  Forster  &  Philip  Bickerstafi^esqrs. 

Kino  WiLi.<Att  and  Qob^n  Mart,  1888. 

2  William  Forster  and  Philip  Bickerstaff,  esqrs. 

Kino  William  III.  1894. 
7  William  Ponter  and  Philip  Bickerstaff,  esqrs. 
10  William  Forster,  esq.  and  Edward  Blackett,  bart. 
12  Francis  Blake  and  William  Lorraine,  esqrs. 
12  Francis  Blake,  knt.  and  Bertram  Stote,  esq.|| 

QimBN  Ann,  1702. 
4  Thoinas  Forster,  esq.  and  John  Delaval,  bart. 
7  Iliottias  Forster,  jon.  esq.  and  Algernon  Earl  Hertford 
Earl  Hertford  made  a  colonel  in  the  army,  and  a  new 
writ  ordered  15th  Nor.  1700,  and  re-elected. 
9  Thomaift  Forster,  juCn.  esq.  and  AlgeMen  Earl  Hertford} 
12  Thomab  Forster  and  Algernon  Eatl  Hertford 

Kino  Giborob  1. 1714. 
1  Algernon  E.  Hertford  and  Thoinas  Forster,  jon.  esq. 
Thomas  Forster  expelled  for  b^ng  a  rebel,  10th  Jan. 
I7I8 ;  a  new  writ  ordered,  when  Francis  Blake  De- 
laval, of  Seaton  Delaval,  esq.  was  dected.ir 


*  Up<m  tbe  death  of  the  «ld^  son  of  the  Earl  of  Bedfind,  Janony  20. 1550,  Sb  FnureU  RuMefl,  K.  ^.  hia  next  brother,  beeama  eldest  aon;  and 
a  question  aroee  whether  he  was  capable  of  oontmaing  knifffat  of  the  ihiTe*  which  waa  reMlved  in  the  affiimatiTe.  This  was  ^tjh-tt  instance  of  a  peer^ 
eldest  son  sitting  in  the  House  of  Commons.  In  1573,  the  Question  was  again  agitated,  John  Lord  RuaseO  (member  for  Bridport)  having  beoome 
ddeat  aon  of  the  Bad  of  Bedford,  by  the  death  of  Ma  brodier  Prands.    It  waa  again  resdTed  that  he  ahoold  keep  his  seat  -- JintriMrlr  if  the  Haute* 

t  Sir  George  Sdby  (sheriff  of  Ae  bishopric  of  Durfafem)  waa  ^otad  inoapable  to  fit,  and  s  new  writ  ordena.«»«iAMnHkt 

X  Thne  wtemben  were  Tetnnied  to  this  parlSamcBt,  lysesbiy  to  a  writ  ftom  the  Lord  Protector. 

I]  Bertram  Stote  occurs  in  the  Javipuh  of  tha  House»  as  a  petitioiier  (in  1702)  i^ainst  William  Lorraine*  who  waa  dedaied  not  duly  elected.  . 

§  Earl  Hertford  was  made  governor  of  Tynemouth  Fort;  and  a  new  writ  being  ordered,  Feb.  17,  1711,  he  waa  re-dected.  Mr.  Ogle  waa  a  peti- 
tioner, but  withdrew  his  pedtiop. 

^  Oley  Dougbiy  esq.  was  a  petitioDer,  without  cAect,  against  Delaval. 


>500 


MEMBERS  OF  PARLIAMENT  FOR  MORPETH. 


Anno  Regni. 

7  Akenum  E.  Hertford^  and  Ha*  Jennison,  esq.* 
William  Middletoa,  bart. 

Kino  Okobgb  II.  1737- 
1  William  Middleton^  bart.  and  Ralph  Jennic»n>  esq. 

7  WUliam  Middleton^  bart.  and  Ralph  Jenniaon,  eaq.f 
14  Wm  Middleton^  bait,  and  John  Fenwick,  esq. 

31  Wm  Middleton,  bart.  and  John  Fenwick^  esq. 

John  Fenwick  djin^  a  new  writ  ordered  1 1th  Jan.  17'tt> 
when  Lancelot  ^3lpood>  esq.  was  elected.^ 
S8  Wm  Middleton  and  Henry  Grey'  of  Howick^  harts. 
Sir  Wm  Middleton  dying  28th  Sept.  1757^^  George  Shaf- 
toe  Delaval,  of  Bavington^  was  elected  in  his  room 

Kino  Gbgrob  III.  17dO. 
1  George  Shalloe  Delaval^  esq.  and  Henry  Grey,  bart. 

8  George  Shaltoe  Delayal^  esq.  and  Edward  Blackett, 

bart. 
14  Lwd  )Ugemon  Percy  and   Sir  WUliam  Middleton^ 
bart. 
Poll  began  on  the  13th^  and  ended  SSd  Oct.  1774* 


No.  polled. 

-  -    1^ 

-  -  .1099 

-  -    1083 
762 


Anno  Regnu 

CmUUdates. 

Lord  Algenion  Perej 

Sir  Wm  Middleton  - 

Sir  J.  Hnascr^  Delayal 

Wm  FenwicK,  esq.   - 
30  Lord  Algernon  Percy  and  Sir  William  Middleton 
24        Ditto  Ditto 

In  1786,  Charles  Grey,  esq.  snoceeded  Lord  Algernon  Perqr 
80  Sir  William  Middleton  and  Charles  Grey,  esq. 
36  Ditto  Ditto 

43  Charles  Grey,  esq.  and  Thomas  Ridiard  Beaunont,  esq. 
43  Hon.  Charles  Grey  tl  and  Thomas  Richard  Beaumont,  esq. 

47  Viscount  (€^y)  Howidk  and  T.  R.  Beaumont 

48  Right  Hon.  Earl  Percyf  and  T.  R.  Beaumont 

53  Sir  C.  M.  L.  Monck  and  Thomas  Wentworth  Beau- 
mont, esq. 
59  Sir  C.  M.  L.  Monck,  bart.  and  T.  W.  Beaumont,  esq. 

Kmo  Gbobob  IV.  1830. 
1  Charles  John  Brandling,  esq.  and  Thomaa  Wentworth 
Beaumont,  esq. 


Members  of  ParUamentJbr  the  JBoraugh  ofMarpetk. 


Morpeth  did  not  send  any  Members  to^Parliament  till  the  1st  year  of  Queen  Mary. 


Anno 

1553  John  Watson,  gent,  and  Wm  Warde,  gent. 

1554  Thoa.  Beaten  gent,  and  Wm  Warde,  gent- 

Kino  Philip  and  Qubsn  Maby. 

1554  Henry  Percy,  cent,  and  Robert  Warde,  gent. 

1555  Cuthbert  Horsley,  gent,  and  Thomas  Bates,  gent. 

1557  Robert  Whetely,  gent,  and  Thomaa  Bates,  gCQt 

'      QUBBN  EliSABBTH. 

1558  Thomas  Bates,  gent. 

1503  William  Warde,  gent,  and  Arthur  Welshe,  gent. 
1571  Francis  Gawdy,  es^.  and  Nicholas  Mynn,  esq. 
1573  G^rge  Bowes,  knight,  and  Richard  Wroth,  gen^ 

1585  William  Carey,  esq.  and  G^rge  Gifford,  esq. 

1586  Robert  Carey,  esq.  and  Anthony  Felton,  esq* 
1588  Robert  Carew,  esq.  and  H^iry  Nowell,  esq. 
1593  £dm.  Boyer,  esq.  and  Francis  Tindal,  gent. 
1597  Robert  Printell,  esq.  and  Thomas  Carleton,  esq> 
1601  George  Sayil,  esq.  and  John  Brown,  esq. 


■         !■     M 


King  Jambs  I. 
1603  Ch.  Perkins,  knight,  and  John  Hare,  esq. 
1614  Ch.  Perkinsi  knight 


esq.  and  Johii  Robson  de  Morpeth, 


Anno 

1630  Robert 
derk 

Robson  being  a  dergyman,  a  new  writ  was  ordefed.ir 
1633  William  Carnal^,  Imight,  and  Thomas  Reynold,  esq. 


Kino  Chablbs  I. 
1635  Anthony  Herbert,  knight,  and  Thomas  Reynell,  esq. 
1635  Thomas  Reynell,  knight,  and  John  Banks,  esq. 
1638  Ditto  Ditto 

1640  Philip  Mainwaring,knt.  and  Thomaa  Witherii^a,esq» 
1640  John  Fenwick,  esq.  and  WilUam  Camabr,  knigfat 
Camaby  expelled  36th  August,  164^ 
John  Fiennes»  esq.  and  G^ige  Fenwick,  esq. 
Fenwick  died  15th  Marah,  1656. 
No  returns  for  Mgipeth  dnxingOliyer  Cromwell's  usurpatisn. 

RiCBABD  CbOMWBI.1^ 

1658  Robert  Delayal,  esq.  and  Robert  Mitftrd,  esq. 

The  Convention  ParUameM^ 

1660  £dw.  Lord  Moqieth  and  George  Downi^g»  knight 

Kino  Charlbs  IL 

1661  £dw.  Lord  Morpetl^  and  George  Dowiung,  knight 


*  Earl  Hertford  wm  called  up  to  the  Houie  of  Peers,  ai  Lord  Percy,  upon  the  death  of  hia  mother ;  when  a  new  writ  fpw  ordered,  Jan.  t5,   17t3« 
Wmiam  Wrigfatson,  esq.  was  elected,  but  petitioned  against,  and  dedaied  not  duly  eketed.    Ra.  JenniMm,  esq.  was  dected  in  his  loeiik 

-f*  Jennison  was  made  Master  of  his  Migesty's  Buok.hoonds ;  and  a  new  writ  being  ordered,  S5th  June«  1737,  he  was  ro^dacte^ 

X  Cbailes  Lord  Oasolslon,  son  of  the  Ead  of  TankerviUe,  was  dected,  but  waved  his  return  pn  the  petitbn  of  Mr.  Allgoed. 

I  The  Hon.  C.  Grey  was  twice  re-elected,  on  being  appointed  Phnt  LoiU  of  the  Adnnndty,  PeK  1806,  and  Secretary  of  Slate  ^  same  year. 

§  Barl  Percy  was  called  up  to  the  House  of  Peers ;  and  a  new  writ  being  ordered,  Sir  Charles  MUes  Lambert  Monck,  Qt  Belsay  Castle,  hart  was 
elected  April,  1819. 


%  The  town  would  have  been  lined  on  this  occasion,  but  the  electors  pleaded  their  ignorance  and  poverty.— -Jovrwili  qfihe  Btmte* 


MEMBERS  OF  PARLIAMENT  FOR  MORPETH. 


501 


Anno 

1678  Bdw.  L(Rfd  Merpetb  and  Qwrge  Dowmng,  bart. 

1679  C^eorge  Downing^  htart,  and  Dan.  CoUingwood^  esq. 

KiKG  Jambs  II. 
1685  Will.  Pickering,  knight,  and  John  Oglcthorp. 

The  Canventwn  Parliament. 

1688  Roger  Fenwick,  esq.  and  Charles  Lord  Morpeth. 

KiNQ  William  and  Quebn  Mary. 

1689  Roger  Fenwick,  esq.  and  Charles  Lord  Morpeth. 


1695 
1698 
1700 
1701 


I7O6 
1706 

1710 
1713 


1714 


Kino  William  III. 
Sir  Hen.  Bellasyse,  knight,  and  George  Newland.* 
Sir  Hen.  Bellasyse,  knight,  and  the  Hon.  Phil.  Howard. 
Sir  John  Delaval  and  Eman.  Howe. 
Sir  John  Delairal  and  Eman.  Howe. 


1722 


1727 


17»* 


1741 


1747 
1754 


QuBBN  Ann. 
Sir  Richard  Sandford,  bart.  and  Edm.  Maine,  esq. 
Sir  Rjchavd  Sandford,  bart.  and. Sir  John  Beimet, 

kniffht,  and  serjeant-at-law.  • 
Sir  Ridiard  San^rd,  bart,  and  Ch.  Vis.  Castleopmer 
Sir  John  Grermayne,  bart.  and  Oley  Doug^,  esq. 

Kino  Georob  I. 

Charles  Vise  Castlecomber. 

OW  Douglas,  *  esq.  was  a  petitioner  with  Thomas 
Renda,  esq.  in  the  1st  par.,  of  king  George  I.  bnt 
he  withdrawing  his  petition,  Lora  Vise.  Castle- 
comber made  his  election  for  Rappon,  and  anew 
writ  ordered  March  96,  1717*  worge  Carpenter, 
esq.  a  colonel  in  the  Guards,  was  elected. 

C^rge  Carpenter,  esq.  and  Henry  Lord  Morpeth.    - 

George  Carpenter,  esq.  and  Henry  Lord  Mdrpetb.    '- 

Kino  Gborob  II. 

C^rge  Carpenter,  esq.  and  Henry  Lord  Morpeth. 

Carpenter,  Lord  Carpenteri  hj  death  of  his  father, 
10th  Feb.  1731j  of  Homme,  m  the  county  of  Here- 
ford. Sir  Thomas  Robinson,,  bart.  of  Kookby,  iu 
the  county  of  York,  in  his  place>  a  comet  in  Wade's 
r^ment.. 

Sir  Henry  Liddeil,  bart'.  and  Henry  Loord  Morpeth--. 
Earl  of  CarUsle  by  <the  dastii  of  his  father,  1st 
May,  1738. 

A  new  writ  ordered  dth  May,  1738.  Hen.  Fumesse^ 
of  Gkmnersby  House,  elected. 

Sir  Henry  Liddeil,  bart.  and  Robert  Ord,  esq. 

Sir  Henry  Liddeil  was  created  Baron  of  Rayensworth, 
fi9th  June,'  1747*  and  was  one  of  the  committee 
chosen  by*bdllot  to  enqnire  into  the  conduct  of  Ro- 
bert  Earl  of  Orfbrd,  for  10  years  past. 

James  Vise.  Limerick  and  Robert  Ord,  esq.  * 

Thomas  Duncomb,  esq.  and  Robert  Ord,  esq. 

Ord  'was  made'  CSnef  Baron  of  the  Exchequer  in 
Scotland.  A  new  writ  ordered  Nov.  23,  1755,  and 
Sir  M.  Fetherstonhaugh^  bart.  elected. 


Kino  Gbobob  III.        ^ 
1701  Thomas  Duncomb,  esq.  and  John  Stewart  Visa  Gair- 

lies,  eldest  son  to  the  Earl  of  Ckdloway. 
I7O8  Peter  Beckford,  esq.  and  Sir  Matt.  White  Ridley,  bart. 


Anno 

Francis  Eyre,  esq.  petitioned;  but  the  committee 
found  the  sitting  members  duly  elected^  March  3, 
1709. 
1774  Francis  Eyre,  esq.  and  Peter  Debne,  esq. 

The  Hon.  William  Bjrron,  only  son  of  Lord  Byron, 
and  Thomas  Charles  Bi«e,  esq.  petitioned.  The ' 
committee  found  Mr.  Dehne  duly  elected,  Mr. 
Bigge  not  duly  elected,  Mr.  Eyre  not  duly  elected, 
the  Hon.  W.  Byron  duly  elected,  and  ought  to 
have  been  returned;  bnt  left  Mr.  Eyre  at  liberty 
to  petition  within  14  days  if  he  thought  proper, 
Jan.  27, 1775.  Mr.  Eyre  petitioned,  but  afterwards 
requested  leave  to  withdraw  it,  which  was  granted. 

Lord  B.  died,  and  the  Speaker  issued  his  warrant  to 
the  clerk  of  the  crown  for  a  new  writ,  July  14, 
1776,  when  Gilbert  Elliott,  esq.  (eldest  son  of  the 
Right  Hon.  Sir  Gilbert  Elliott,  bart.  to  whose  title 
he  succeeded  Jan.  14,  1777)  ^^  elected;  made 
steward  of  the  three  Cistern  Hundred^  in  the 
county  of  Bucks,  and  a  new  writ  ordered  Feb.  1777 
(Elliott  being  re-choaen  for  Roxburghshire) ;  John 
William  Egerton,  esq.  a  captain  of  dragoons^,  and 
ddest  son  of  the  .bishop  of  Durham,  was  elected. 
1980  Peter  Delme,  esq.  and  Anthony  Storer,  esq. 

Storer  was  made  a  Commissioner  of  Trade  and  Plan- 
tations, and  a  new  writ  ordered  June  3,  1781 ;  he 
was  re-<e]ected,  and  made  secretary  to  his  majesty's 
embassy  at  the  court  of  Versailles  in  1783. 
1784  Peter  Delme,  esq.  and  Sir  James  Erskine,  bart. 

Sir  James  ErsMne  was  a  nur^or  of  dragoons :  he  was 
made  director  of  the  court  of  chancery  in  Scotland, 
and  a  new  writ  ordered  Feb.  14,  178o  ;  he  was  rc^ 
'elected:  in  July,  1780,  he  took  the  name  of  St. 
Chur.  Peter  Delme,  esq.  brother-in-law  to  the 
Earl  of  Carlisle,  'died;  and  the  Speaker  issued  his 
warrant  to  the  clerk  of  the  crown  to  make  out  ft 
n^w  writ,  August  22,  1789,  when  Thomas  Gregg, 
esq.  was  elected. 
1790  Sir  James  Erskine  and  Counsellor  Ore^. 

Sir  James  St.  Clair  Erskine,  bart.  was  first  made 
lieutenant-colonel  of  dragoons,  afterwards  adjutant- 
general  of  the  forces  at  Toulon,  and  in  May,  1792, 
aid-de-camp  to  the  king.  Thomas  Gre^,  esq.  was 
made  steward  of  the  three  Chiltem  Hundreds  in 
the  county  of  Bucks,  and  a  new  writ  issued  Dec. 
30,  1794,  when  George  Viscount  Morpeth,  eldfest 
son  of  the  Earl  of  Carlisle,  was  elected. 
)796  &  1801  Viscount  Morpeth  and  Wm  Huskisson,  esq. 

Huskisson  was  ilhder  secretary  in  the  office  of  the 
Right  Hon.  Henry  Dundas,'one  of  the  secretaries 
of  state. 
1802  Viscount  Morpeth  and  William  Ord,  esq. 

Lord  Morpeth,  Mr.  Ord,  and  Mr.  Delme,  were  can- 
didates :  at  the  dose  of  the  poll,  the  numbers  were^ 
For  Lord  Morpeth,      -    -     129 
William  Ord,  esq.      -    115 
—  Delme,  esq.      -    ^      97 

The  greater  part  of  Ords  were  plumpers,  who  opposed 
the  CarUsle  interest  on  this  occasion,  they  generally 
looking  on  Morpeth  as  a  close  borough,  ana  return- 
ing such  members  as  they  chose.  Lord  Morpeth 
was  made  a  member  of  the  East  India  Qoard  of 


.   *  It  wu  renlyed,  Maidi  9,  1695,  tittt  the  nght  of  election  is  only  in  the  iMiUift  and  ftee  buTgesiet.    Henry  Lamley  petitioned  «gainat  the  TCians 
of  Bdhi^rw* 


VOL.  II. 


6   L 


£0S 


MEMBERS  OF  PARLIAMENT  FOR  BERWICK 


Anno 

Controol^  and  a  new  wiit  iagned  Fdi.  iO>  1806, 
when  he  was  re-elected- 

1806  Hon.  William  Howard  and  William  Ord,  etq. 

1807  Hon.  William  Howard  and  WiUiam  Ofd,  eM|. 
180B  Hon.  Wimam  Howind  and  WiUiam  Ord>  cnq* 


Anno 

1813  Hon.  William  Howard  and  Wittkm  Ord, 

181^  Hon.  WiUiam  Howard  and  Wilfiam  Ord,  t^. 


1820  Hob.  Wi 


KtKe  GsMva  IV. 
Howard  and  WiUiam  Ord,  ei^. 


Members  of  Parliament 


Parliament^  1707. 


March  9, 1696,  the  right  ef  eleedon  is  stated  in  the  report  to  be  in  the  freemen. 


Anno 

1707  Samuel  Ogle  and  Jonathan  Hnti^inaen,  eaqrs. 

I7O6  The  same. 

1710  William  Kerr  and  Jonathan  Hntdmnon,  eaqrs. 

Mr.  Hntdiinson  died;  a  new  writ  ordered  Dec  8, 
171  ly  when  Richard  Wambden,  esq.  was  appointed. 

1713  William  Ord  and  Ridiard  Wamfaden,  esqrs. 

1715  Qtej  Neville  and  John  Barrington,  Mqra. 

Nenlle  was  one  ef  the  cemmissionerB  rariiating  the 
debts  dne  to  the  army  ;  and  Barrington  was  created 
ViMomnt  Baorrington,  in  the  Imif^hKn  of  Ireland, 
during  this  parliunent. 

179s  Qffej^  Neville  and  Warrj  Gref ,  esors. 

Neville  died;  a  new  writ  oraerea  April  99,  17S3, 
when  Williau  Kerr,  eeq.  cabnel  of  dngoens,  and 
groom  ef  the  bedUdunnber  t»  the  prinee,  was  ap- 
pointed. 

1727  Josepb  Sabine  and  George  Lidddl,  eaqrs. 

Sabine  was  Beotenant-g^eral  of  Ids  majeatjr's  forces, 
geremor  of  Berwick  and  of  Holy  Ishmd,  and  eoL 
ef  bis  majestf's  Royal  7th  or  Wekh  FoaOiers. 

1784  Hnch  Lord  Polworth  and  Oeoive  Liddeli,  esq. 

LonI  Polwordi  suoeeeded  his  fiitiier  aa  Earl  of  March- 
mont;  a  new  writ  ordered  Mardi  6,  1740;  and 
LidddU  dying,  a  new  writ  was  also  ordered  in  his 
room  at  the  same  time,  when  the  fteenen  ap« 
pointed 
Viseonnt  Barrington,  and  ThoaMtt  Watsea,  esq. 

1741  The  same. 

Lord  B.  was  made  a  Lard  ef  the  Adnuralty  during 
this  parliament,  and  a  new  wrk  ordered  Feb.  20, 
1746,  when  he  was  re-elected. 

1747  The  same. 

1754  Thomas  Watson  and  John  Delsral,  eaqrs* 

1762  Thomas  Watson  and  John  Crawfnd,  eaors. 

Crawford  was  colonel  of  a  reciment  or  foot,  and  a 
major-general  at  BeUeisle  and  in  Portanl ;  he  died, 
and  a  new  writ  was  ordered  Jan.  10,  1766.  Wat- 
son was  made  steward  ef  the  nuuier  of  Sbippon  in 
Berkshire,  and  a  new  writ  being  ordered  Dec.  17^ 
1765,  Wffliam  Lord  Viseonnt  Lidbome  (of  Ireland, 
Lord  Lieutenant  and  Gnatoa  Rotnlomm  of  Cardi- 
ganshire)  and  Sir  John  Hnssey  Delaipil  were  ap- 
pointed. 

1768  Robert  Paris  Taylor,  esq.   and  Sir  Joim  Hnssey 
Delaval,  hart. 

1774  The  Hen.  John  Vanghan  and  Jacob  Wilkinson,  esq. 
Vaughan  was  brother  to  the  Earl  of  Lisborne  and  a 
lieutenant-colonel,  and  during  the  parliament  was 
made  colonel  of  a  regiment  of  foot  and  a  major- 
general,  next  made  governor  of  Fort  William,  and 


Anno 

in  I78O  made  govomor  of  Berwick  upon  Tweed. 
Wilkinson  was  a  merchant  in  London. 
I78O  Hon.  John  Vaugimi  and  Sir  John  Hnssey  Delaval. 

Sir  John  was  created  Lord  Dehrval  in  1788- 
1784  Hob.  John  Vnnghaa  and  John  Husaey  Lord  Belavii. 
Lord  D.  being  created  Baron-  ef  Ddatal»  %  new  writ 
was  issued  Au^.  7>  1786,  when  Sir  Gilbert  EDiotf, 
hart,  was  appomtied. 
1790  Hon.  John  Vaughan  and  Hon.  Charles  Carpenter. 
Carpenter  was  brother  to  the  Earl  of  Tyroonnel,  and 
a  captain  in  the  navy.     Vavq^an  id^raa  auide  a 
Knieht  of  the  Bath  in  Aug.  17S«,  oamntander-ia« 
dn^  at  the  Leeward  Isluids  in  17^:  he  died  at 
MartisieD  in  June,  1795,  and  %  new  writ  was  issued 
August  18,  179^,  when  CoL  John  Cattender,  of 
Westerton,  was  appeinited. 
1796  John  Callander,  esq.  and  George  Earl  of  Tyroonnel. 
1801  Snr  John  Callender,  hart.  ftGewge  Earl  of  TyrconneL 
18(tt  John  Foidyoe  and  Thomaa  Hall,  esqn. 

Fordyce  was  Surveyor-general  of  the  Crown  Lands. 
The  most  gresa  oommtiim  was  committed  at  this 
election.  A  warm  pou  ensoed;  at  the  doee^  the 
numbers  were,  for 

Colonel  HaU,       -    .    -    511 
Jdbn  Fevdyeo»  esq.  •    «    482 
Sir  John  CaUender,       •    SM 
Colonel  Ord,  .    .    .    .      iS5 
Sir  John  CaUmder  and  DbiM  Old,  esq.  p^ttaned 
i^ainst  the  rctam,  and  the  cemmittee  lennd  it  was 
a  void  election,  and  that  the  petitions  wete  neither 
imolous  nor  vexatioos.    A  new  writ  waa  ordered 
March  7>  180B,  when 
Frandn  SkweU  aad  Alesaader  Alhn^  esqrs.  Wtio 
appointed. 

1806  Sir  John  Callender,  hart,  and  Alexander  Tower,  esq. 

1807  Sir  Alexander  M.  Lndchart,  hart,  and  Alezandor 

Allan,  esq. 

1808  Sir  Alexander  M.  Lodchart,  hart,  and  Ahrander 

Allan,  esq. 
1812  Alexander  AUan,  esf.  and  H.  H.  St  Fadi,  esq. 

At  thiaidection  Alhui  had  412  votesy  St  Paul  a87> 
and  J.  P.  Selbf,  eoq.  17& 

1819  Sir  F.  Blake,  hart,  and  H.  H.  St.  Paul,  esq. 

1820  Sir  F.  Bkke,  hart,  and  H.  H.  St.  Paul,  en. 
Henry  Heneage  St  Paul  died  Nor.  1,  IhM,  whet 

Lord  Ossukon  wna  elected  in  hia  room.  In  oonse- 
qnence  of  the  death  of  Ua  Esther,  the  Bori  of  Tu^ 
kerville,  in  Jan.  1833,  Lord  Ossulton  was  removed 
to  the  Upper  HoDoe ;  and  a  new  writ  being  iaaDod, 
J.  P.  Bmsford  waa  elected  without  opposMea* 


A  LIST  OF  THE 

LIVINGS,   INCUMBENTS,  ANB  PATRONS, 

In  the  Archdeaconry  and  the  five  Deaneries  of  Nmihwmbwhmd. 


NBWCA8TLB   DBANBBY. 

timuutle.    St*  NidiolasV  Ck — John  Smithy  M.  A.  vicar; 

Henry  Deer  Griffith^   B.  A.  lecturer;  J(^  Bamett, 

clevk>  curate.    Bisliop  of  Carlisle,  proprietor  and  patron. 
All  Samts'j  Ch. — Edward  Moiaea^  M.  A.  morning  lecturer; 

Robert  Green^  M.  A.  curate. 
St.  JoWs^  Ch.-.-Jolin  Parkia,  clerks  curate ;  Robert  Wil- 

gon,  B.  A.  lecturer. 
St.  Andrew's^  Ch^-Henry  Deer  Oriiith^  B.  A.  eorate; 

Edward  Moiaes^  M.  A.  lecturer. 
St.  Aune'aj  Ck.*.-«M9aea  MaanerB*  M.  A.  lecturer^    Tke 

Corporation^  patron. 
Gasforih,  Ch.  to  St.  Niohebus^  Newcastle^.— Jokn  Walker, 

M*  A.  curate. 
PotUeland,  C. — John  Ligktfoot,  M.  A.  vicar;  Johu  I\ir- 

neia,  elerk^  eurate.    Morton  CoUegOy  Oxted^  ftapri^tm 

and  patron. 
N^vhurug  O. — Jaiam  fichmMidstoii,  vicar.    Biahop  of  Car*- 

lisle,  proprietor  and  patron. 
Xoa|r  BeHt0n,  C — John  Clap,  M.  A^  vicar.    Baliol  CoUagQ, 

Oxford,  proprietor  and  patron. 
CramUn^m>  Ch.  to  St.  Niofaolaa,  Newcaatle^— Biduord 

Rifiey,  M.  A.  curate.    Sir  UatAeiaF  WUte  Rsdloy,  hart. 

and  C.  Lawson,  esq.  patrons. 
Tynemoutks  C< — Geor^  Dixoia^  vioar.    Patroaa— Edwurd 

Husae^  Deiaval,  esq.  2  turns;  and  kis  Grace  the  Duke 

of  Northumberland,  1. 
Meddan  on  ike  WM^  &— Thomaa  AUaaon^  clerk,  vicas. 

The  Kine,  patron. 
Earsdom,  Ch*  to  TyAemoutlw— Heiury  Warkman^  derk»  d^ 

rate.    The  proprietors  of  lands,  patrons. 
WtdUend,  €k«-^Robert  Blackett^  imk,  curate.    Dean  and 

Chapter  of  Durham,  patron. 

COBBRIDOB   DBANBRT. 

Simonbum,  C— David  Evans,  M.  A.  rector.  The  Gover- 
nors of  C^reenwich  Hospital,  patrons. 

BeUingkamj  Ch.  to  Simonburn.— Jdhn  Davis,  dcrk,  rector* 
The  Gkivemors  of  Ghreenwich  Hospital,  patrons. 

FaUtone,  Ch.  to  Simonbum. — Gearffe  fikirdon,  derk,  rec- 
tor.   The  Governors  of  Greenwi(£  Hospital,  patrons. 

Greysiead,  Ch.  to  Simonbum.— George  Reynell,  derk, 
rector.    The  Giovemors  of  Oreenwidi  Hosmtal,  patrons. 

Thomeyburni,  Cb.  to  Simonbum. — ^William  Elliott,  dark, 
rectOT.    The  Governors  of  Greenwich  Hospital^  patrons^ 

Stamfordkam,  C. — Edward  South  Thurlow,  M.  A.  vicar. 
The  King,  patron. 

Whitfield,  C.P— Thomas  H.  Scott,  M.  A.  rector.  William 
Ord,  esq.  M.  P.  for  Morpeth,  patron. 

Kirkhaugn,  C, — Benjamin  Jackson,  derk,  rector.  Miss 
Wilkinson,  patron. 

Knaresdak,  U. — Robert  Brewster,  rector.  The  King, 
patron. 

Halttvhuile,  C.-.-Nathaniel  John  Hollingsworth,   M.  A. 


vicar.    Bishop  of  Durham,  patron. 

son,  derk,  vicar.    Col.  and  Mrs.  Beaumont,  patrons. 


V. 


,  pal 
Neu 


Corbridge,  witk  HattoUs  C^-^Geoase  Wflson,  M.  A^  Tiow» 
The  Dean  and  Chapter  of  Carlisle,  patron. 


Jtoon,_  with  GarrugM,  C..*.^Beigamin  Jackson,  derk,  vi^af. 

i,  Kni]  " 

er  ok  uuiaun^w 
Bifwell  St.  Andrew,  C— Henry  Johnson,  derk,  vicar.    T. 


Sir  James  Crudjlmight,  and  others^  1756* 

..'^enry  J< 
Duan  and  Chapter  of  Durham 


S^iU  SL  Peter,  C 


Johnson,  dark,  vicar.    Thp 
tron* 


W.  Beaumonty  ea^.  patron. 
CkoUertoH,  C^— -Christopher  Bird,  derk,  vicar.     Hunnaa 

Richard  ^eaumant,  «s%.  and  Dim  his  wife,  patrons. 
Birtlof,  Ch.  to  Chollerton. — N^  liowther,  dmc,  aorate. 

Duke  o(  Nartbumberlandy  patron. 
Slaley,  Ch.-.-Henry  Johnson,  dark,  curate^    Thottaa  W. 

BeauBont,.  08%  patran* 
Ovingham,  C3i.— ^ames  Birkitt,  derk,  curate*    Tr  C.  B^e, 

eaq.  impropriator  and  patron. 
Shotiey,  C. — ^Michael  Maughan,  derk,  curata<^     Bis&qp 

Crewe's  trustees,  patrona* 
Blanchland,  C. — ^Richard  Wallis,  B.  A.  curate.    Bishop 

Crowe's  trustees,  patrons. 
Whittmkskdi,  Ck.  to  Bywell  St.  Peter'a_Michael  Itfaugftan^ 

isbri^  onrate.^   DaanandClmptarof  Darbanupatrom 


Warden,  with  Haydon  and  Newburgh,  C.^--Jdm  Thomp* 


Berwick  upon  Tweed,  C. — Josepk  Barnes^  flfi^  vicar. 

Dean  and  Chapter  of  Duriian,  patnm. 
F^d,  C^^ThofOBfiiE  Knight,  dene,,  raotor.     Marquis  of 

Waterford,  patron. 
ChdUon,  C.-4oseph  Cook,  M.  A.  vicar.    Duke  of  Nortb- 

umberland,  patron. 
IMdin^l^Um,  Ck.  to  Chatton^-^William  Augustus  Cana^ 

M.  A.  curate.     Duke  of  Northumberland,  patron. 
Kirhnewtm,  C.---A.  Tbs««a,  L.  L.  D.  mar.    Haixa  «f 

William  Lowes,  esq.  patrons. 
Wooler,  C. — ^William  Haigh,'M.  A.  vicar.    Bishop  of  Dur- 
ham, patron. 
Norham,  C— Joseph  Watkins,  M.  A.  vicar.    Dean  and 

Ch^ter  of  Durham,- patron. 
Branxtan,  C.-— D'Arcy  Haggitt,  M.  A.  vicar.    Dean  and 

Chapter  of  Durham,  patron. 
ComhM,  Ch.  to  Norham. — D*Arcy  |Ifi£gitt,  M.  A.  cufii^tu; 

Dean  and  Chapter  of  Durham,  patron.  ^        , 

Boly  Island,  C— Ijmcelot  Wilson,  clerk,  corale.    Hea^^&^Jl^. 

and  ChMCer  of  DiStiam,  patronT^ 
Bambrougn,  C. — ^Andrew  Sharp,  curala.     Lord  Crewe's 

tnisteesi  patrons. 
BeadneU,  Ch. — Mfchad  Maughan,   deric,  curate.      Th^ 

curate  of  Bambrough,  patron. 
Lucker,  Ch. — Andrew  Boult,  derk,  curate.     The  curate  of 

Bambrough,  patron. 
Tweedmouin  and  Ancrqft,  Ch.  to  Holy  Island. — ^Andrew 

Boult,  derk,  curate.     Dean  and  Chapter  of  Durham, 

patron. 
Carham,  C. — ^William  Compton,  M.  A.  curate.    A.  Comp* 

ton,  esq.  patron. 
Lowick  and  Kyloe,  Ch. — ^Robert  Fenwick,  M.  A.  curate. 

Dean  and  Copter  of  Durham,  patron. 


504  LIST  OF  LIVINGS,  &c. 

Belford,  C. — John  James,  derk,  ciurate.    WiUiam  Clarke^    EMngham,  C-^H.  B.  Tristram^  M.  A.  yicar.     Biahop  of 
esq.  Benton  Honae^  patron.  vurham^  patroit 

AI«NWICK'  DSANBBT.  ^   UORPET^  DBANBBY. 

Hofvick,  C^-Reynold  Gideon  Bowyer^  L.  L.  B.  arcihdeaocMi    Haribum,  with  Nelherwittan,  C« — Thomas  DaTiaon,  M.  A. 
of  the  archdeaconry  of  Northumberland^  with  the  rectory        vicar.     Bishop  of  Durham^  patron. 


of  Howick  to  the  same  appropriated^  _  Morpeih,  C^-Frederick  Ekina,  M.  A.  rector.     Earl  of 

-C.  G.  V.  Vei 

sie^patron. 
Alntvick,  C. — ^William  Ptoctor,  clerk,  porate.    Bishop  of       peth,  patron. 


Rothhury,  C. — C.  G.  V.  Vernon,  D.  D.  rector.     Bishop  of        Carlisle,  patron. 

Carlisle,  patron.  ^  Ulgham,  Ch. — Ralph  Errington,  curate.     Rector  of  Mor- 


Durham,  patron.  Baikal,  with  Shiptvash,  C. — Edward  Otter,  M.  A.  rector. 

JVkUtingkam,  C — Edmund  Law,  Sf .  A*  yicar.    Dean  and  The  King,  patron. 

Chapter  of  Carlisle,  patrons.  Hebhurn,  Ch.  to  Bothal. — Thomas  Shute,  M.  A.  curate. 

Ilderton,  with  Alnkam,  C. — John  Johnson,  rector  of  Uder-  EUdon,  C. — Thomas  Singleton,  derk,  rector.      Duke  of 

ton,  and  vicar  of  Alnham.     Duke  of  Northumberland,  Northumberland,  patron. 

patron.  Bymess,  Ch. — John  riewetson,  clerk,  curate.     The  rector 

Euingkam,  C. — Charles  Perigal,  M.  A.  ticar.    Dean  and  of  Elsdpn,  patron. 

Chapter  of  Durham,  patrons.  Wkalton,  C.>— ^R.  B.  Hunter,  rector.    Trustees  of  Ralph 

LonghouglUon,  C^-Wuliam  Proctor,  M.  A.  vicar.    Duke  Bate8>  esq.  deceased,  patrons. 

of  Northumberland,  patron.                                            ^  Bolant,  C<— -8ept.  S.  Me^gison,  vicar.    The  King,  patron. 

ChiUingkam,  C. — ^Anthony  Thomas,  L.  L.  D.  vicar*    Bi<«  Woodkam,wit}kNewbiggtnjC. — Benjamin  Kennicott,M.  A. 

'    shop  of  Durham,  patron.                              ~  vicar.    Biahopof  Durham,  patron. 

WarkvHnih,  C. — Thomas  C.  Wincom,  vicar.     Bishop  of  Kirkharle,  C. — Thomas  Redman,  derk,  vicar.     Sir  Charles 

Carlisle,  patron.  Loraine,  patron. 

Ingram,  C.— Lancelot  Ion,  M.  A.  rector.    Robert  Ogle,  KirkheaUm,  Ch. — ^Humphrey   Brown,   curate.      Vicar  of 

'    esq.  patron.  Kirkharle,  patron. 

EmbUton,  C ^G.  D.  Grimes,  vicar.     Merton  College,  Ox-  Kirkwheknngkm,  C^-John  Hodgson,  derk,  vicarw     Bishop 

*  ford,  patron.  of  Durham^  patron. 

Bock,  with  Bennington,  Chapels  to  EmU[et<m.-^Richard  Stanninghon,  C.-^Timothy  Myers,  vicar.     Bishop  of  Dur* 

*  Wittciii,  clerk,  curate.     Vicar  of  Embleton,  patron.  ham,  patrcm^ 

Felton,  C.-«-William  Bell  Moises,  M.  A.  vicar.     The  King,  Longhor^Uv,  C. — Robert  Green,  vicar.     The  King,  mtroa. 

patron.  Mifford,  C-— Edward  Nicholson,  L.  L.  B.  vicar.    Bishop 

Frumlington^  Ch.  to  Felton. — ^William  Lishman,  curate.  of  Durham,  patron. 

*  Vicar  of  Fdton,  patron.  Widdringion,  Ch. — Henry  Johnson,  derk,  curate. 
Brinkbum,  Ch. — ^Richard  Witton,  derk,  curate.  Horton,  Ch. — Robert  Messenger,  derk,  curate.     The  vicar 
Lesbury,  C. — ^William  Proctor,  derk,  vicar.     The  King,  of  Woodhom,  patron. 

patron.  Cor^enside,  C— Mattison  Harrison,  B.  A.  vicar.  *  Frands 

Edlingkam,  C-^^ames  Manisty,  B.  D.  vicar.     The  Dean  Tweddell,  esq.  patron. 

and  Chapter  of  Durham,  patrons.  Bedlington,  C. — Henry  Coates,  M.  A.  vicar.     Dean  and 

Shiibotiie,  C Joseph  Cook,   M.  A.   vicar.    ,  The   King,  Chapter  of  Durham,  patron. 

patron.  Meldon,  C. — James  RAme>  M.  A.  rector.    Dean  and  Chap> 

Auenton  and  Hallystone,  C— -Thomas  Bland,  derXi  vicav.  ter  of  Durham,  patroa« 

Biahop  of  Durham^  patron. 


A  List  of  the  Clergymen  in  Hexhamshire^ 

Hexham,  Ch.— «John  Gibson,  curate.      Thomas  Richard  esq.  and  Diana  his  wife,  patrons. 

Beauinbnt,  esq.  and  Diana  his  wife,  patrons.    The  lee-    Ninebanks,  Ch Richardson,  curate.     T.  R.  Bea»- 

tureship  in  the  gift  of  the  Company  of  Mercers,  London.  '    mont,  esq.  and  Diana  his  wife,  patrons. 

Heihatnsnire,  Ch. — "        Brown,  curate.  St  John  Lee  and  JBtii^e/(/,^-'Charles  Lee,  B.  A.  vicsr. 

Attenheads,  Ch.-<-.T.  Westmoreland,  curate,    T.  R.  Beau*  T.  R.  Beaumont,  esq.  and  Diana  his  wife,  patrons, 

mont,  esq.  and  Diana  his  wife,  patronS'  Thockrinston — Robert  Affledc,  curate.     The  prebendary 

4Uendalef  U— Christopher  Bird,  vicar.    T«  R*  Beaumont^  thereof  ip  York  Cathedral. 


PROTESTANT  DISSENTERS 

IN  NORTHUMBERLAND. 


Presbyterians  in  Commum 

Berwick  Higli  Meeting  -        James  Reid  Brown 

Ditto  Low  Ditto      .        »        . 


Tweedmouth 

Spital     . 

Etal       - 

Lowick 

Crookham 

Wooler 

Belford 

Warrenford     - 

Olanton 

Bxanton 

Hart)ottle 

Alnwick 

Widdrington 


—  Cran 

—  Lowrie 

William  Whitehonae 
David  Atkine 
Israel  Craig 
Thomas  Hall 
James  Mitchell 
Marcus  Dods 

A.  Hutcheson 
James  Kirton 
Newton  Blythe 
James  Pateraon 
William  Ooldie 
Daiiiel  Hunter 


with  the  Church  qf  Scotland. 

Stamfbrdham  .        .        • 

Lonff  Framlington 
Batnngton       -  •      •        •        ^ 
Birdhope  Craig        .        .        - 
Thriston  -        -        -        - 

Falstone  .... 

Wark 

Hexham  .        .        .        - 

Hartley  -        .        -        - 

Newcastle,  Wall  Knoll    - 

• Silver  Street 

'■  ■  Groat  Market 


North  Shields 


-  High  Bridge 
Blackett  Street 


James  Bryce 
G.  Richardson 
Alex.  Trotter,  M.  A. 
Thomas  Hq)e 
Alexander  Hoy 
J.  S.  Gray 
John  Slate 
James  Richardson 
William  Leitch 
A.  Robson 
W.  B.  Smith,  M.  A. 
David  M'Indoe 
Robert  Fergus 
John  Smellie 
Charles  Thomson 


Presbyterians  in  Communion  with  the  several  Classes  of  Scotch  Dissenters. 


Berwick 

Ditto       -     ^    -r 

Norham      "*  - 

Wooler 

Bel&rd 

North  Sunderland 

Alnwick 

Blyth     - 

North  Shields 


UNITED  BECEBSION* 

-  *  -  Robert  Bulmer 
..  -  -  William  Youncr 
.  .  .  Thomas  Younl 
.        -        .  James  Robertson 

-  -        -  John  Thompson 

w  Georee  Dictson 

-  «        -  David  Paterson 

-  •        «  Vacant 

m      '  m        m  Thomas  Gilmour 


Wallsend        .        .        •        . 
BeUin^am     -        .        «        . 
North  Middleton     - 
Newcastle,  Clavering  Place 

Close      - 

■  Carliol  Street 

BELIEF. 

Berwick  .        .        .        . 

Wooler  -        .        •        . 

Newcastle,  Cftstle  Garth 


Morpeth 

Haltwhistle 

Thomeyford 


Presbyterians  not  in  Communion  vnth  the  Scots  Church. 


-        -        -        George  Atkin 
...--.  Stephenson 
...        James  Ferguson 

INDEPENDENTS. 

Alnwick  ....  Joseph  Rate 

Horsley  .        .        •        .  C.  Holffate 

Blyth     .....  W.  Robertson 

Hexham         -        *        •        -  W.  Cole&x 

Newcastle,  Postern  -        -  Ralph  Davison 

■  Westgate  Street     -  Richard  Gibb 

North  Shields         r        -        r  W- H.  Stowell 


Aldstone         .        .        .        • 

UNITARIANS. 

Newcastle,  Hanover  Square 
Alnwick  .... 

North  Shields  ... 

BAFTJ9T8. 

Newcastle,  Tuthill  Stairs 
— —  New  Court 
North  Shields  ... 

Serwick  •        ^        -        • 


Robert  Niel 
Alexander  Brown 
Walter  Bell 
James  Pringle 
William  Syme 
J.Smith&A.D.Gillon 

Robert  Hall 
William  Gilmore 
Robert  Arthur 


Jonathan  Harper 

William  Turner 
J.  S.  Hyndman 


Richard  Penally 
George  Sample 
James  WilliamsoQ 
i^Kirkwoo4 


ROMAN  CATHOLIC  CHAPELS 

IN   NORTHUMBERLAND,   NEWCASTLE   UPON  TYNE,  AND,  NORTH  DURHAM. 

■ 

[The  Right  Rev.  ThemM  Smith,  Bubop  of  Boliiift,  and  Vicar  Apostolic  of  the  Northern  District*  Readence  Durham.    Right  Rev.  Dr.  Penswick,  Coad- 
jutor.   The  Northern  District  indudes  Northumberland*  Cumberland,  Westmoreland,  Durham,  Yorkshire*  Cheshire,  Lancashire,  and  Isle  of  Man.] 


Newcfistle  upon  Tyne 

North  Shields 
Morpeth 
LonghoTsley 
Felton  Park 
Alnwick - 
Callaley 
Thropton 
Witton  Shields^  nearl 
Netherwitton  J 

VOL.  IL 


{Rev.  James  Worswick^Vicar* 
general  for  Nostiiumberland. 
Rev.  Thomas  Gillow.. 
Rev.  Henry  Lawson. 
Rev.  John  Sharrock. 
Rev.  John  Rohinson. 
Rev.  James  Beaumont. 
Rev.  Mr.  Macartney. 
Rev.  Thomas  Stout* 

Ditto. 


Biddleston       -        -        Rev.  James  Albot. 
Ellingham       -        -        Rev.  William  Birdsall. 
Hexham  •        «        Rev.  Matthew  Sharp. 

Ditto       •  <      -        *        Rev.  Jasper  Leadbitter% 
Bellhighai9  &  Hesleyside  Rev.  George  Turner. 


Swinburne  Castle 
Corbridge 

Cheesebum  Orange  « 
Berwick  upon  Tweed 
Haggerstone    Castle^  1 


ifTorth  Durham 


Rev.  James  Hig^nson* 

Ditto. 

Rev.  Thomas  Cock* 

Vacant. 

Rev.  Michael  Tidymaa. 


6  M 


LIST  OF  COUNTY  BRIDGES 

IN  THE   SOUTH  DIVISION  OF   THE   COUNTY   OF   NORTHUMBEELAND^ 
Under  the  Superiniendance  of  Gibson  Kyle,  Bridge  Surveyor,  March  1, 1904* 


Bxi^ge. 
Allendale  Town 
Allensford 
Allen  MiU 
Barrasted 
BlanoUand 
Bum  MiU 
Brnnton 
BellaBis 
Benton 


Biyer  or  Water  it  cnwNt. 

Rivulet  East  Allen 

Derwent 

Rivulet  East  Allen 

Barraaford  Bora 

Derwent 

Hammer  Mill  Bom   Slaley 

Brunton  Bum  Gkwforth 

Blyth 

Benton  Bum 


In  what  Pariih  litittte. 

Allendale 

Shotley,  ^  to  Northumb. 

Allenoale 

Chollerton 

i  toNorthumb.  the  other  to  Durh. 


DireetioD  of  the  Roftd. 
From  Hexham  W.  to  Allendale  Town 

S.  to  West  Auckland 

W.  to  Allendale  Town 

Bellingham  S.  £.  to  Hexham 

Blanchland  to 


Chollerton  WalkMillErring 
ChoUerford  North  Tyne 


Corbridge 

Coldcoats 

Dilston 

Erring 

Eals 

Featherstone 

Oofton  Bum 

Haydon 

Hexham 

Hartford 

Hallowell 

Hartburn 

Linnels 

Meldon 

Nun^dc 

Newbiggin 

Newbum 

Ousebum 

Ogle 

Ponteland 

Ridley  Hall 

Simonbum 

Shotley 

Stamfordham 

Smallbum 

Stannington 

BeffhiU 

Salters 

Sandyford  Stone 

Shilvington 

Six  Mile 

Three  Mile 

Wark 

Whitfield  Bum 

Whitfield 

W< 


South  Tyne 

Coldooata  Bum 

Devil's  Water 

River  Erring 

South  Tyne 

Ditto 

Oofton  Bum 

South  Tyne 

Ditto 

Blyth 

Hallowell  Bum 

Hartburn  Bum 

Devil's  Water 

Wansbeck    . 

Nunwick  Bum 

Newbiggin  Bum 

Newbum  Bum 

Ouseburn 

Blyth 

Pont 

South  Tyne 

Simonbum  Bum 

Derwent 

Pont 

Smallbum 

Blyth 

S^hillBum 

Three  Mile  Bum 

SandyfordStone&irnAll  Saints 


Stannington 

Long  Benton 

ChoUerton  and  St.  John  Lee 

Simonbum  ■ 

Corbridge 

PontdUutd 

Corbridge 

St.  John  Lee  and  Chollerton 

Knaresdale 

Haltwhistle 

Simonbum 

Warden 

Hexham 

Horton^  ^  to  Northumb. 

Earsdon 

Hartburn 

Hexham  and  Corbridge 

Meldon 

Simonbum 

Hexham 

Newbum 

All  Saints 

Whalton 

Ponteland 

Haltwhistle 

Simonbum^ 

Shotley^  4  to  Northumb. 

Stamfordham 

Ponteland 

Stannington 

Earsdon 

Louff  Benton  &  South  Goefiirth 


Blyth 

Six  Mile  Bum 

Three  Mile  Bum 

Wark  Bum 

Whitfield  Bum 

Alien 

Woolsington  Bum 


Whalton 

Loiu^  Benton 

Gostorth 

Simonbum 

Allendale 

Whitfield 

Newborn 


■  E.  to  Newcastle  upon  Tyne 

Mason  Dinniuffton  to . 

Berwick  Hill  N.  to  Morpeth 

Long  Benton  S.  to  Newcastle  upon  Tyne 

Alnwick  S.  to  Hexham 

Newcastle  upon  Tyne  to  Carlisle 

Hexham  E.  to  Newcastle  upon  Tyne 

Ponteland  N.  to  Morpeth 

Hexham  E.  to  Newcastle  upon  Tyne 

Bellinffham  E.  to  -— «— — ^_«— .«. 

Haltwhistle  W.  to  Aldstone 


Bellingham  to  Hexham 
Hexham  W.  to  Haltwhistle 
N.  to  Alnwick 


Morpeth  S.  to  North  Shields 

North  Shields  N.  to  Morpeth 

Morpeth  W.  to  Cambo 

Hexnam  to  Slaley 

Netherwitton  S.  to  Newcastle  upon  Tyne 

Bellingham  to  Hexham 

Hexham  to  Newbiggin 

Newbum  E.  to  Newcastle  upon  Tyne 

Heaton  to  ■ 

Netherwitton  S.  to  ' 

Elsdon  E.  to 


Ridley  to  Hexham 
Simonbum  to  -«-» 
Durham  N.  to 


Bywell  to  Morpeth 
Ponteland  K.  to 


Morpeth  S.  to  Newcastle  upon  Tyne 

S^hill  N.  to  Morpeth 

SeatonDelavalS-toNewcastleuponTyne 

Long  Benton  S.  to  i 

Ponteland  N.  to  Morpeth 

Morpeth  S.  to  Newcastle  upon  Tyne 

Bellingham  to  Hexham 
Haltwhistle  to  Allendale  Town 
Aldstone  to  Hexham 
fiSsdon  £.  tQ  Newcastle  upon  Tyne 


LIST  OF  COUNTY  BRIDGES 


IN  THE   NORTH   DIVISION   OF   THE   COUNTY   OF   NORTHUMBERLAND, 
Under  the  Superintendance  qJ  Robert  Hoik  Bridge  Surveyor,  March  I,  1824. 


Bridge. 

Alnwick 

Akeld 

Battle 

Bolton 

Bewick 

Bockenfield 

Breamish 

Beaumont 

Chatton 

Cawledffe 

Caus^Fark 

Cove  Bom 

Ddddington . 

Ellington 

XSliahaw 

Fowberry 

Felton 

Ford 

HawkUll 

Jockeysdike 

Lesbury 

Mitford 

Priest 

Reed 

Rothbory 

Slieepwaah 

Thropton 

Warren 

Warrenford 

Warkworth 

Weldon 

Woodbom 

Wooler 

Woodbnm 

Weetwood 


River  or  Water  it 
Aln 

Beamnont 
Battle  Bum 
Aln 
TiU 

Bockenfield  Bum 
Breamish 
Beaumont 
Till 

Cawledge  Bum 
Causey  Fark  Bum 
Ckyfe  ftuu 
TiU 
Line 
R«ed 
TiU 
Coquet 
TiU 
Aln 

Jockeysdike  Bum 
Aln 

Mitford  Bum 
Hingyleaf  Bum 
Reed 
Coquet 
Wansbeek 
Thropton  Bum 
Warren 
Ditto 
Coquet 
Ditto 
Reed 

Wooler  Water 
Reed 

rai 


In  what  Pttish  idliiate. 
Alnwick 
Kirknewton 
Edlin^ani 
liong  Edlingham 
Edbngham 
Felton 
Edlingham 
Kirknewton 
Chattcm  •     • 

Alnwick 
Bothal 

WilJttinfeh&pft&LonggdItlighiiW 
'Doddi^on       c 
Woodhom 
RUsdon 
Chatton 
Felton 
Ford 
Alnwiok 
Whittin^haoL  . 
Lesbury 
Mitford 
Hebron 
BelUngham 
Rothbury 

Bothal,  I  to  Noclhumb. 
Rothbury 
Bambroug^ 
Pelford  .  /  ;    , 

Warkworth 
Longhorsley 
Corsenside 
Wooler 
Corsenside 
Chatton 


Direction  of  the  Road. 
From  Alnwick  N.  to  Belford 
Wooler  N.  to  Coldstream 
Alnwick  to  Whittingham 
W.  to  Wo5er 

Morpeth  N.  to  Alnwick 

Wooler 


Wooler  N.  to  Kelso 

N.  £.  to  Belford 


Morpeth  N.  to  Alnwick 


Wof^ei 


IM^PMM^ 


Woder  N.  to  Berwick  np<^  T^^^eed  . 
Woodhom  S.  to  Newcastle  upon  Tyne 
-Corbridge  to  Jedburgh  >  > 
Wooler  to  Belford 
'Morpeth  N.  to  Alnwick 
Belford  to  Coldstream 
'  AMwidk  £.  to  Alemouth 

W.  to  Whittingham 

E.  to  Warkworth 


Morpeth  W.  to  Elsdon 
N.  to  Alhwiick 


B^Hihgh^  to  Mbi'peeh 
Hexhntti  N.  to  Alnwick' 

WarkworthS/ta N^^coitle upon  T^^e 

Rothbury  to  Elsdon 

Bambrough  S.  to  Belford 

Alnwick  N.  to  Belford 

Warkworth  N.  W.  to  Alnwick 

Morpeth  N.  to  Wooler 

Hexham  to  Elsdon 

Morpeth  N.  to  Wooler 

Corbridge  to  Jedburgh 

WeetwmkL  to  Wooler 


<) 


CIVIL  OFFICERS  AND  COURTS 


OOUHTV    or    NORTEnnSBBKLAlfD. 


TTI8  Grace  Hngh  Duke  of  NortliumbeTland,  K.  O.  ia  Lord  LimtenBOt  and  Cuitoa  Ratulnrum  of  tlie  Cbontyof  XhiIi- 
umberluid.     There  are  Forty'three  Deputy  Lientenants- 

From  amongit  tluMe  inclnded  in  tlie  CoDUoiwian  of  tbe  Peace  for  the  County,  Forii)  ate  Acting  Hagirintei. 

For  Thtdale  Ward,  tlie  Jortices  meet  at  the  White  Hart  lun,  Hexham,  the  first  Toeaday  in  the  Month.  Hr.  Job 
Bnddock,  Cleric. 

For  the  EaH  Division  of  Castle  Ward,  the  Josticea  meet  at  the  Oeorge  Tavern,  North  Shields,  every  Tnnda; ;  Im 
Removal  Warrants  ace  granted  on  the  first  and  third  Tuesdays  only.  Mi.  Oem^  Weatherby  and  Mr.  Richtid  B>^, 
Clerks.     - 

For  the  Wetl  Diwwm  qf  CatUe  Ward,  the  Justices  meet  at  the  Nev  Moot  Hall,  on  the  jEr«(  andlAirrfSatiiTdi^iJ 
the  Month.    Mr.  George  Weatherby  and  Mr  T.  J.  Tumbull,  Cterhs. 

For  Coquetdale,  Bamhnmgh,  Glendale,  and  Morpeth  Wards,  the  Justices  meet  at  Morpeth  on  the  first  Wedno^y  "> 
the  Mouth,  and  at  Alnwick  on  a  Saturday.    Mr.  C.  F.  Lindsay,  Clerk. 

'  The  Quarter  Seamuu  are  held  at  the  Moot  Hall,  Newcastle,  at  Mwpeth,  at  Hexham,  and  at  Alnwick,  iiim^- 
Thomas  Clennell,  Ksq.  of  Harbottle  Castle,  Chainnan. 

A  Sheriff's  Court  is  held  at  Atswick,  for  the  Recovery  ^  small  Debts  under  40j.  on  the  third  Thursday  in  the  Hmtlu 
There  are  also  several  Manor  Courts  in  the  County,  for  the  Recovery  of  smaU  Debts. 

There  are  Seven  Hundred  and  Nine  Inns  and  PubUo  Houses  in  the  County  of  NarthumberlaDd. 


INDEX  TO  VOL.  II. 


AcoiDBNT  at  Heaton  Main^  478. 

Aeklington,  122,  Ditto  Park,  123. 

Acomb  East,  353,  Ditto  West,  297> 
Ditto  Hermitage,  ib. 

Akenside,    Pleasures  of  Imagination, 
178,  Family,  376. 

Alione,  Horsley's  opinion  of,  322. 

Allan  William,  77- 

■  James,  Piper,  78* 

Allansford,  357. 

Allendale  parish,  302,  town,  303,  lead- 
works  in,  304,  old  town,  ib. 
^Allenheads,  305. 

AUerwash,  263. 

Allgood  J.  Esq.  241. 

Allgoods  of  Brandon,  18. 

Alnnam  parish,  22,  village,  ib. 

Alnwick,  improvements  at,  484,  inge- 
nious persons  died  at,  485. 

Alston  town,  321,  miners  of,  ib. 

Alwinton  parish,  38,  village,  ib* 

Amble,  12»,  monastry,  ib. 

An^erton  High,  161,  Ditto  Low,  ib. 

Amck,  299,  Granffe,  ib. 
-  Annet's  Ford,  462. 

Antiquities,  Border,  42. 

. British,  6, 16,  16,  21,  26, 

68,  77>  80, 100, 106,  227,  236,  244, 
260,  370. 

Roman,  6, 18,  23,  43,  52, 


88, 89, 104, 108, 123, 208,  214,  238, 
260,  261,  301,  304,  309,  310,  322, 
328,  347,  353,  375,  386,  428. 

Saxon,  .44,  50,  89,  139, 


207,256. 

Apperley,  355. 

Archseologia  iEliana,  15,  36, 146, 159, 
207,  308,  310. 

Arcot,  411. 

Argyle,  Duke  of,  445,  456. 

Armstrong  Mrs.  of  Crookham,  48$. 

Arthur's  Round  Table,  257- 

Ashholm,  318. 

Ashington,  137* 

Astarte,  temple  dedicated  to,  329. 

Athelston,  7* 

Atkinson  Tlioipas,  461. 

Atlee  Mrs.  413. 

Aydon,  345,  Ditto  castle,  ib.  antiqui- 
ties {bund  at,  346. 

Backworth,  415. 

Baker  Mrs.  413, 

Barra,  50. 

Barrasford,  220. 

Bassington,  20. 

Bate  John,  296. 

Bates'i8land,417,woodcock8hothere,ib* 
VOL.  II, 


Battle  of  Hexham  Levels,  292. 

Battle  Hill  House,  463. 

Bavington  Great,  206,  Ditto  Little, 

225,  Ditto  Hall,  ib. 
Baxter  Robert,  320. 
Beacon  Catton,  304. 
Beadnells,  the,  147* 
Beanley,  16. 
Bearl,  349. 

Beaufront,  299,  chief  of,  ib. 
Bebside,  413. 

Beggair's  Ridge,  67- 

Befiasis,  398. 

Bellingham  parish,  247,  school  of,  ib. 

town,  ib.  camps  at,  250,  roads,  Mr. 

Locker's  report,  ib. 
Bellister,  316,  castle,  ib. 
Bells  of  Woolsington,  385. 
Bell's  Close,  383,  409. 
Belsay,  172,  castle,  ib.  Middletons  of, 

ib.  Lamberts  of,  174,   Sir  Charles 

Monck  of,  175. 
Beltineham,  316. 
Benfieldside,  357. 
Benridge,  147- 
Benton  Long  parish,  460,  village,  461, 

Little  ditto,  462,  Little  ditto  house, 

463,  Benton  house,  ib.  Ditto  square, 

ib. 
Benwell,  399,  estate,  ib.  sale  of  ditto, 

404,    tower,    ib.   village,    ib.    John 

Walker's  mansion  at,  405,  lodge,  406, 

grove,  ib.  High  Cross,  ib.  coal-mine 

took  fire  at,  ib. 
Berlin,  122. 

Bertrams  of  Mitford,  139. 
Berwick  upon  Tweed  lighted  with  gas, 

481. 
Bewick  John,  w<H>d  engraver,  369. 
Bewick  Old,  16. 

Bewicks  of  Close  House,  374,  377- 
Bickerton,  80. 

Biddleston,  39,  Selbys  of,  ib. 
Bum  C.  W.  of  Linden,  487. 
BilTPoint,  463. 
Billy  Mill,  460. 

Bingfield,  301,  mineral  spring  at,  ib. 
Bir&ope  Crag,  106. 
Bir|f:enside,  358. 
Bimey  HaU,  391. 

Birtley  chapelry,  224,  village,  ib.  hall,ib. 
Bitchfield,  230. 
Bkcketto  of  Wallington,  166,  of  Wy- 

1am,  372,  491,  of  Matfen,  230. 
Blagdon,  396,  pedigree  of  the  Ridleys 

of,  ib. 
Blanchland,  358,  abbey,  ib.  ndne^  490. 

6  N 


Blenkinsop  Castle,  318. 

Bloody  Acre,  328. 

Bluebeard,  421. 

Blyth  South,  425,  harbour,  ib,  life- 
boat,  426,  review  at,  ib. 

Boat  House,  or  West  Boat,  327,  406, 
491. 

Life,  446. 

Bolam  parish,  I7I,  village,  ib.  antiqui- 
ties at,  ib. 

Bolbeck,  barony  of,  356. 

Bolton,  37. 

Bondage  service,  52,  remarks  on,  53. 

Bones  large  found  at  Corbridge,  330. 

Bothal  parish,  132,  village,  ib.  castle,  133. 

Bower,  the,  254,  Charltons  of,  ib. 

Bowes  Andrew  Robinson,  400. 

Bradford,  177- 

Brandon,  17* 

Brandling  Place,  476. 

Brandlings  of  Gcisforth,  pedigree  of,  470* 

Branton,  18. 

Bremenium,  station  of,  104. 

Brinkley,  388. 

Brokenheugh,  263. 

Broomhau^,  349» 

Broomhope,  224* 

Broomley,  353. 

Broom-park,  36. 

BrQomndge,  8. 

Brotherwick,  122. 

Brown  Rev.  Hugh,  441. 

Dr.  John,  65. 

1 Lancelot,  162. 

Brown  Moor,  261. 

Brunton,  301. 

Brunton  East  and  West,  472. 

Buddie  John,  Esq.  466. 

Bullock  William,  Esq.  144. 

Bulman  Job  James,  mansion-house  of, 
473. 

Burgh  Camp,  80. 

Bums  Khrk,  257. 

Burradon,  416. 

Burrowdon,  42. 

Buston  High  and  Low,  132. 

Busy  Cotti^e,  476. 

Butehmd,  ^. 

Butterlaw,  385. 

Byker,  479,  cottage,  480,  village,  ib. 

Bymess,  106. 

Bywdl  St.  Andrew's  parish,  348,  Ditto 
St.  Peter's  ditto,  349,  village,  350, 
Ditto  and  Bolbeck,  inquisition  of,  ib* 
castle,  351,  custom  at,  352,  propriis« 
tors  of,  ib. 

Caervoran,  309* 


510 


INDEX. 


N 


Cairn,  377- 

CaistroDj  71»  school^  Hall's  will  relat- 
ing to,  56. 

Gale  Cross,  397- 

Callaley  Castle,  27- 

Callerton  Black,  385,  stables,  ib.  High 
and  Low,  391. 

Cambo,  161,  antiquities  at,  162. 

Camps  old,  255,  4di. 

CampviUe,  near  Harbottle,  49. 

■  '     '  '  near  North  Shields,  458. 

Capheaton,  208,  village,  ib.  mansion, 
lb.  antiquities  found  at,  ib.  pedigree 
of  the  Swinburns,  209. 

CardonneUs  of  Chirton,  456. 

Carey  Coates,  225. 

Camabys  of  Haiton  tower,  347* 

Carr,  John,  esq.  387* 

Sir  John,  408. 

-.— -  William,  strong  smith,  427* 

Caorrow,  261. 

Carter  Pell,  107- 

i South  Moor,  390. 

Cartington,  69,  81,  castle>  ib. 

CarviUe^  465,  hall,  ib- 

Castle  Aydon,  345,  Bellister,  316,  fiel- 
say,  172,  Blenkinsop,  318,  Bothal, 
1^,  Bywell,  351,  Callaley,  27,  Cart- 
ington, 61, 89,  Chipchase,  222,  Ed- 
lingham,  33,  Featherston,  316,  Har- 
bottle, 46,  Haughton,  242,  Horton, 
412,.  Hurst,  128,  Kealder,  276, 
Langley,  266,  Mitfbrd,  140,  Mor- 

feth,  180,  Ogle,  393,  Otterbum, 
01,  Prudhoe,  362,  Rothley,  160, 
Seaton  Delaval,  420,  Sewing  Shields, 
262,  Simonburn,  239,  Staward,  316, 
Swinbum,  220,  Tarset,  252,  Thirl- 
wall,  308,  Tynemouth,  432,  Wark- 
worth,  112,  Whitley,  322,  Wid- 
drin«[ton,  129* 

Castle  Banks,  308. 

Castle-hill,  319,  camp  on,  260. 

Castle  Ward,  373,  west  dhrisioa,  374, 
east  ditto,  410. 

Catchbum,  202>  hospital,  ib* 

Catchersid^^  207. 

Caterane's  Hole,  15. 

Catton  Beacon,  304. 

Causeway,  309. 

Causey  Fark,  150,  Ogles  of,  ib* 

Caves,  15, 68,  I7I,  219,  240,  251,  262, 
293,  310,  322,  345,  438. 

Chain  Bridge  across  the  Tweed,  482. 

Chalybeate  spring,  328. 

Chapel  Hill,  310. 

Charity  haU,  42. 

Charleldn  Rev.  Charles,  440. 

Charlton  James^  253. 

— ^ Lionel,  251. 

Charltons  of  The  Bower,  254. 

— ofHesleyside,251,8eatof>252. 

Cheesebum  Orange,  23h 
■   ■  house,  369. 

Chesters  Blake,  458. 

■-"   ■    ■■  Walwick,  261. 


Chesters  Little,  309. 

Cheviot,  poem,  164. 

Chew-green,  camp  at,  108. 

Chibbom,  131. 

Chipchase  castle,  222,  Reeds  of,  223. 

Chirdon,  254. 

Chirton,  456,  CardonneUs  of,  ib.  west, 
457>  hall,  ib.  east,  ib. 

Chivington  chapelry,  124. 

Chollerford  bridge,  242. 

Chollerton  parish,  219,  village,  220. 

Cilumum  tne,  261.- 

Clarewood,  348. 

Clarke  Rev.  Robert,  490. 

Claverings,  pedigree  of,  26. 

Clennell,  39. 

■  Percival,  48. 

Luke,  188. 

Clifton,  398. 

Clinch,  21. 

Close  house,  377>  Bewicks  of,  ib. 

Coaldeugh,  305. 

Cockle  Park  tower,  149. 

Cockley,  302,  tower,  ib. 

Codling  John,  205. 

Coldcoats,  west,  iniddle,  east,  and 
south,  391. 

Coldwell,  398. 

Coldwells,  207. 

Colling  Ann,  358. 

CoUii^wood  Dr.  Thoinas,  17- 

Sir  Cuthb.  of  Eslington,  26. 

Collingwoods  of  Brandcm,  17j  of  Chir- 
ton, 456,  of  Pissin^rton,  384,  of  Lil- 
bum,  15,  of  Ryle,  26. 

Collwefl,  221. 

Condercum  the,  405. 

Cook  Anthony,  mathematidaa^  356. 

Coquet  and  tne  Alwine,  poem  of,  38. 
mouth  of,  112. 

Island,  121. 

Coquetdale  Ward,  north  division,  5, 
west  ditto,  38,  south  ditto,  84. 

Cor,  ^ant,  333. 

Corbndge  parish,  324,  village,  325, 
streets,  ib.  inhabitants,  ib.  crdfe, 
326,  church,  ib.  meeting-houses,  ib. 
tower,  ib.  bridge,  327»  cattle  market, 
propriety  of  establishing  at,  331. 

Corchester,  Roman  station  at,  328. 

Comwood,  318. 

Corridge,  161. 

Corsenside  parish,  213. 

Coughran  Oeorge,  memoir  of,  72* 

— — ^  John,  74. 

Cout  of  Kealder,  276. 

Coward  Robert,  124. 

Cowpen,  413,  square,  414,  inill,  ib. 
quay,  ib. 

Coxloage,  473. 

Crag  hall,  470. 

Cragff,  the  Written,  301. 

Cranuington  parochial  chapelry,  410, 
village,  411. 

Crawlevj  supposed  the  Akuna  Amnis, 
18. 


Cresswell,  126,  £Banily  of,  ib. 

Crofton,  414. 

Croogden,  207. 

Crooked  Oak,  358. 

Cross  Fell,  321. 

Crow  hall,  412. 

Crozier  Margaret,  murder  of,  90. 

Cullercoats,  459,  sharks  caught  at,  ib. 

Cushet  hall,  spirit  at,  457- 

Dacre,  Lord,  accusation  against,  48. 

Daci^ed  of  Morpeth,  pedigree  of,  199. 

Dalton,  384. 

Dares,  la^  shoal  of,  328. 

Damodk  Craig,  219. 

Darris  hall,  391. 

Davidson  Mr.  415. 

Dead  Water,  257. 

Deanham,  171- 

Dean  houses,  470. 

row,  267. 

Debdon,  78,  wells,  79* 

Delaval  Seaton,  418,  castle,  420,  cha* 
pel,  ib.  mausoleum,  ib. 
■       Edward  Hussey,  423. 

George,  422. 

r  Sir  Fraticis  Blake,  ib. 

Sir  Ralph,  384. 

Delavals,  pedigree  of  the,  490. 

— — -  of  Dissington,  ^33. 

Denton  east,  386,  West,  987* 

Dent's  hole,  480. 
■   mires,  471. 

Derwent  lead-mines,  S59. 

Derwentwater  James,  third  €«A  ttf, 
333,  beheaded  on  Tower-hill,  9S6, 
estates  forfeited,  340,  pdrtilit  of,  490* 

Devil's  Water,  dam  uctoBs,  344,  aeene- 
ry  of,  345. 

Dewar  Mr.  of  Jesmdnd,  ^6. 

Dewly  Law,  375,  burn,  388. 

Dilston,  331,  Ratdift  of,  952,  aeoiery 
near  to,  345.      ^ 

i>innington,  388. 

Dissington  north  and  south,  883,  Col- 
lingwoods of,  384. 

DitcU»fim  6iUt  and  west,  S8. 

Division  east,  398. 

Dobson  John,  architect,  191^  498. 

Doctor's  Folly,  69. 

Dodd,  J.  L.  247. 

— —  Simon,  esq.  249. 

Dotland,  297. 

Drake  Stone,  49. 

Druidic  temple,  6,  observations  on,  ib. 

'■  monuments,  remarks  on,  228* 

Druridge,  13li  bay,  ib. 

Duddoes,  398. 

Dues  hill,  49. 

Dukeshagg,  369. 

Dunbar,  earls  of,  16. 

Dutens  Rev.  Louis,  87- 

Eachwick,  375,  antiquities  fiiund  at,  376. 

Earsdon,  M.  W.  150,  fbrest,  ib. 

rlsh,  C.  W.  414,  village,  ib. 
ofr  ib. 
Ebche&ter,  354.      . 


INDEX. 


511 


Edlingham  parish^  33^  village^  lb.  cas* 

tle^  Sb.  witdi  of^  ib. 
£^imdbyer8>  358. 
Edward  III.  camps  of,  245. 
Eglinghatn  immh^  11>  Tillage^  ib. 
£knd  haU,  38a 
Blishaw,  109,  etymon  of,  ib. 
Ellington,  127- 
Elliott  WiUiam,  458. 
Elliaon  Rev.  Cnthbert,  405. 

■■    ■       Nathaniel,  206. 
Elsdon  parish,  84,  town,  WJ,  rectorf- 

boase,  ib.  lor^hip  of^  88,  antiquities 

at,  ib.  additional  account  of,  4e5. 
Elswick,  407,  hall.  ib.  low,  468,  eot- 

tase,  410. 
Eltringham,  309. 

Enchanted  Warriors,  oare  of  Ae,  208. 
Eslington,  26. 
Espei^elds,  358. 

Espley,  147,  low  hafi,  ib.  MitfvHrds  of,  ib. 
Ethd's  Chair,  King,  9^. 
Euros,  lords  of  Kirldev,  380. 
Explofion  at  Wallsend  colliery,  466. 
Extraordinary  shoal  of  dares,  3fi8. 
Fair  Cross,  16. 
Fairhaugh„  44. 
Fairlamb  Mr.  396. 
Fairy  Stone,  story  of  the,  269. 
FaUowfield,  301. 
Fallowlees,  81,  lough,  ib. 
Falstone  parish,  954,  hamlet,  ib. 
Pamham,  42. 
Famlaws,  163. 
Fftwdon,  Ingram  parish,  91. 

hi^  ana  low,  473>  square,  ib* 


m^m^immm 


Fawns, 
Faws,  74. 
Fawside,  305. 

Featherstone  castle,  316, 6miily  of,  817* 
Fenham,  409,  hall,  410. 
Fenmther,  150. 

Fen  wick  village,  231,  tower,  ib.  Feff- 
wicks  of,  ib. 

■  I  Rev.  Ambrose,  999. 

"  ii     ■  Edward,  of  Kirkwbelp* 

ington,  ib. 

■  11        ■  I  ■ of  Stamford- 

ham,  ib. 

Fenwicks  of  Eaehwick,  876,  of  Ears- 
don,  414.  of  Fenwick  tower,  231,  of 
Lemington,  36,  of  Stanton,  153,  of 
Wallir^^ton,  164. 

Finlay  Rowland,  245. 

Fishl)orne  Richard,  274. 

Fishermen's  perilous  situation  at  Hytii, 
427. 

Fishing  boats  lost  at  Newbiggin,  128. 

Florists' haU, -372. 

Flotterton,  71. 

Font  of  St.  John  Lee  church,  297* 

Football  match,  258. 

Forest  of  Lowes,  311. 

hall,  462. 

Forster  General,  334. 


Forsters  of  Blanchland,  369. 

Fotherly  high,  354. 

Fourstones,  262. 

Freed  Stool,  287- 

Frenchman's  Row,  375. 

GaUow  hiU,  172. 

Gardiner  Ralph,  457* 

Garretsheels,  Ji03. 

Gersonsfield,  102. 

Ghost  of  Lark-hall,  49. 

Gibson  Eleanor,  459. 

■  George,  esq.  249. 

John,  327. 

Thomas,  184. 

Gilpin  Bernard,  memoir  of,  61 « 

Gilslaad  Spa,  308. 

Gingkr's  hole,  438. 

Gipsies,  102. 

Glanton,  24. 

Glenwhelt,  309. 

Glost^hiU,  123. 

Gloucester  lodge,  409^ 

Goldspink  haU,  47a 

Goliehtleys  of  Alston,  321. 

Gos&rth  parish,  46B,  south,  ib.  dbnreh, 
ib.  case  of  the  repairs  of  chapel,  409, 
north, 470,  BraiMBingsof,ib.  house, ib. 

Grace,  pilgrimage  of,  ^3. 

Greathead  Mr.  466. 

Greenhead,  d5a 

Greenliffhton,  16S. 

Gkreenside,  91. 

Greenwich  hospital,  accounts  of,  841, 
reports  of  the  secretary  of,  407- 

"Greystead  parish,  254,  village,  ib. 

Greystocks  of  Morpeth,  pedigree  of,  197- 

Grose's  ^axvej  of  Frudnee  oaatle,  368. 

Gunnerton,  ^32. 

Haddrick's  mill,  469. 

Hailes  on  the  Life-boat,  446. 

Hall  John,  esq.  101. 

Hallington,  301,  Mains,  302. 

Halliwell,  416. 

Halls  of  Alston,  321. 

Halton  tower,  347* 

— — ^  Chestens,  ib. 

Halt  whistle  parish,  386,  town,d07,  in« 
habitants,  ib.  bridge  at,  491. 

Hanooisk  Umphrie,  388. 

*Haiidyside  G«ieral,  50. 

Harbottle,  46,  casUe,  ib.  family  of,  49. 

Harding  John,  of  Beadnell,  488. 

Hardridmg,  318. 

Hare  Cairn,  106. 

Harehaugh,  106. 

Hareshaw  common,  249,  linn,  251, 
grotto,  ib. 

Hargrove  William,  esq.  24. 

Harie  Little,  Aynsleys  of,  905,  tower, 
206,  west>  ib. 

Harlow  hill,  371. 

Hamham,  176,  Babingtons  of,  ib.  ety- 
mon of,  ib. 

Harpertown,  318. 

Hartbum  parish,  157,  Tillage,  ib. 
Grange,  158. 


Hartford  west,  412,  hous^  413,  east,  lb. 

Hartington,  168. 

Hartley,  416. 

Hartside,  21. 

Harwood,  163. 

Haswell  Rev.  William,  441. 

Haugh  Level,  305. 

Haughton  castle,  242. 

Hauxley,  124. 

Hawick,  212. 

Hawkhope  hill,  255,  antiquities  found 

at,  ib. 
Hawkwell,  231. 

Haydon  bridge,  263,  new  road  at,  ib. 
Heald  the,  WJ. 
Healy,  79. 
Hearty  Cleugh,  305. 
Heoton,  476,  Bmirnc^s  aeoooat  of,  ib. 

chapel,  477^  ball,  478,  main,  acd* 

dent  at,  ib. 
Hebron  chapelry,  148,    village,   149, 

Shaw,  ib. 
Hedfiely,  16. 
Heddon  Black,  230. 
on  the  Wall  parish,  374,  Bew« 

ides  of,  ib.  village,  ib.  coins  found  at, 

375. 

east  and  west,  376. 


Hedley,  366. 

Black,  358. 

Wood  Side,  369. 

Rev.  Anthony,  15,  20,  309. 

Heighley  west  and  east,  147* 

Heley,  353. 

HeniT  Vin.  294. 

Hensnaw,  310. 

Hepple,  73,  tower,  75,  Old  Ditto,  ib- 

Hepscott,  202. 

Herle  John,  211. 

Heron  Giles,  243. 

Sir  Cuthbert,  349. 

Herons  of  Chipchase,  222. 

Heselriggs  of  Eslington,  97* 

Heslehead  John,  111. 

Hesley  Hurst,  81. 

Heslevside,  251,  Charltons  of,  ib.  seat 
of  dilfto,  252. 

Hetchester,  camp  at,  77* 

Heugh,  231. 

Hexham  parish,  207,  benefactions  fo 
the  poor  of,  908,  town,  270,  streets, 
ib.  trade,  271,  fairs,.  272,  markets,  ib. 
free  grommar-s<^ool,  ib.  subseription 
school,  273,  church,  ib.  leotur^hip, 
274,  chapels,  275,  abbey  diurch,  io. 
ditto  belis,  281,  nuisances  against 
ditto,  282,  tower,  ib.  seal,  ib.  r^ali^ 
of,  283,  act  for  annexing  it  to  ^^MrUi- 
umberland,  284,  inhabitants,  ib.  John 
of,  285,  history  of,  ib.  register,  290, 
Levels,  battle  of,  292,  riot  at,  294, 
bridge,  9B^,  towndiip,  ib. 

High  Church,  202. 

Higham  Dykes,  390. 

Hiffhlaws,  161. 

H<3g8on  Rev.  Hugh,  11. 


\ 


512 


INDEX. 


HoUi^IiiU^  81. 

Holy  Well  at  Jesmond^  474* 

Holystone  parish^  45^  yillt^^  ib.  priory 
at,  ib. 

Homer's  Lane^  261. 

Horsley,  371- 

John,  321. 

Rev.  John,  184,  200. 

Horsleys,  family  of,  152. 

Horton  Grange,  388. 

■<  ■  paro(£ial  chapelry,  412,  village, 
ib.  castle,  ib.  Low,  ib. 

Hospital  of  Alwinton,  39,  Bolton,  37> 
'  Catchbum,  262,  Jesmond,  474. 

Hospitals  of  Hexham,  294. 

Hotbank  common,  311. 

Houghton,  377- 

Housesteads,  310,  Roman  station  at,  ib* 

Howden  east^  467. 

■  pans,  ib.  colliery,  468. 

Humshaugh,  242. 

Hunstanworth  chapel,  358. 

Hurst,  128,  castle,  ib. 

Jack's  Leap,  345. 

Jesmond,  473,  hospital,  474,  chapel,  ib. 
holy  well,  ib.  house,  ib.  dean,  mira- 
culous escape  at,  475,  lodge,  ib.  west, 
476,  place,  ib. 

nderton  parish,  5,  village,  ib.  £unily 
of,  ib. 

Inborough^  the  term,  16. 

Incident  at  Mug  hill,  250. 

Ligo,  230. 

Ineram  parish,  20,  village,  ib. 

Lmumation,  impropriety  of  sudden,  416. 

John  of  Hexham,  285.  ^ 

•*-—  Tynemouth,  433. 

Jorin  Dr.  James,  298. 

Ivanhoe,  romance  of,  219. 

Kealder  castle,  276,  foot-ball  match  at, 
258,  Cout  of,  276. 

Kearsley,  23a 

well,  305. 

Keemer  lough,  12. 

Kennel  park,  257. 

Kenton,  472. 

Kettlewell  Thomas,  451. 

Kidland  lordship,  82,  increased  value 
of,  84. 

Killingworth,  462,  cottage,  ib. 

King  Ethel's  Chair,  262. 

Kingswood,  316. 

King's  Meadows,  409. 

Kirk-hall,  75>  ruins  of  chapel  at,  76* 

Kirk  Harle  parish,  210,  town,  ib.  pedi- 
gree of  the  Loraines  of  211. 

Haugh  parish,  320,  town,  321. 

—  Heaton,  213. 

Kirkley,  389,  Eures  of,  389,  Odes  of,  ib. 

Kirkwhelpington  parish,  203,  longevity 
in,  204,  vifiage,  ib. 

Kifaresdale  parish,  310,  hall,  ib.  monu- 
mental indecorum  at,  320. 

Knox  Rev.  Walter,  449. 

Kyle  Gibson,  188. 

Lady's  Land,  391. 


Lady's  Well,  45^ 
Lamberts  of  Belsav  castle,  174* 
Lambley  parish,  318. 
Langley  caatle,  266. 

mills,  304. 

Lark-hall  ghost,  42. 
Laval  Marquis  de,  421. 
Lawson  George,  123. 

Rev.  Wilfrid,  465. 

Lead-mines  Derwent,  359. 
Leadbitter  Rev.  Jasper,  275* 
Leam,  219. 
Learchild,  37. 
Lee  Robert,  205., 

Thomas,  321. 

Lemington,  seat  of  the  Fenwicks,  36. 
C.  W.  .382,  glass  comjoaay 

at,  ib.  iron  works  at,  i&  house,  10. 
Leybum  Thomas,  452. 
Life-boat  at  Blyth,  426. 
Lilburn  west,  12,  tower,  15,  east>  ib. 

'  '■  Colonel  John,  12. 
■  Rob^,  14. 

Linbrigg,  44. 

Linden,  Mr.  Bigge's  seat  at,  ib. 
Linhope,  21. 

Linmouth,  127,  whale  caught  at,  ib. 
Linton,  131, 
Lipwood,  262. 

Lisle,  derivation  of  the  name,  228. 
Locker's  Edward  Hawke  report  on  the 

roads  to  Bellingham,  250. 
Lomax  Rev.'  John,  448. 
Longevity  at  Kirkwhelpington,  204. 
Longhorsley,  151,  village,  ib.  tower,  ib. 

common,  152. 
Longhurst,  137* 
Longshaws,  152. 
Longwitton,   159,  hall,  ib.   Thurston 

wells  at,  ib. 
Loraines,  pedigree  of,  211. 
Lorbottle,  33. 
Lough,  Keemer,  12,  FaUowlees,  81, 

Sheldon,  348. 
Lowery  Margaret,  407i 
Lowes,  forest  of,  311,  family  of,  312. 
Lowick,  dissenters  at,  483. 
Lvnn  W.  348. 

M^Adam's  estimate  of  roads,  251. 
Maiden  Way  the,  322,  Mr.  Pegg's  con- 
jecture on  the  name,  ib. 
Marshall  George,  427- 
Martin  Will,  natural  philosopher,  466. 
Matfcn  east  and  west,  227,  ^^h  ib. 

British  antiquities  at,  ib.  remarks  on 

ditto,  228. 
Matunus,  89. 
Mear-dikes,  276. 
Meldon  parish,  393,  park,  ib.  Meg  cf, 

202. 
Melkridge,  310. 
Memmerkirk,  83. 
Merleys,  femily  of,  193. 
Mickley,  368. 
Middle  Ord,  camp  at,  481. 
Middleton  north  and  south,  9,  haU,  11. 


Middleton  north  and  8oiitli,.Hartimni 

parish,  161. 
Middletons  of  Belsay  castle,  pedieree 

of,  172. 
Milbum,  391,  house,  ib.  Grange,  ib. 
Millfield  hill,  urn  found  at^  43. 
Millhope  hill,  83. 
Mineral  springs,  12,  79,  153, 159,  246, 

257,  301,  306,  320,  323,  416. 
Miners,  321. 

Minster  Acres,  354,  SilvertopB  of,  ib. 
Miracle,  432. 
Miracoloos  escape,  475. 
Mitford  parish,  l3iB,  village,  ib.  tower, 

1S9>  castle,  140,  history  of,  141,  p^ 

digree  of  the  &mily  of,  143. 
■  John,  145. 

William,  146. 


Mitfords  of  £spW,  147- 

Mithras,  cave  of  310. 

Molesdon,  148. 

Monastry  of  Ambl^  123. 

Monck  Sir  Charles  Miles  Lambert  ITS* 

Monkridg^  102. 

Monkseaton,  459. 

Monk's  stone,  ib.  tradition  of,  460l 

Montague  Edward,  386. 

■  Elizabeth,  ib. 

■  Lady  Wortley,  ib. 
Moor  Old,  138. 

Moralee,  267- 

Morpeth  Ward,  east  division,  109,  weit 
ditto,  138,  parish,  177^  town,  i7& 
castle,  180,  market,  ib.  jail,  185,  al- 
teration of  the  post-read  at,  189, 
constitution  of  the  boroufh  of,  192> 
Merleys  of,  193,  Greystodcs  of,  197, 
Dacres,  fiBmnily  of  the,  199,  oomfflog, 
202,  new  institution  at,  487* 

Morrison  Dr.  Robert,  185, 

Morwick,  122. 

Moss-troopers,  306. 

Mote  hiU,  88. 

., Law,  302. 

Mounce's  Know,  257* 

Mug  hiU,  249. 

.Muggleswick    chapel,    385,    Edwaid 
Ward  buried  at,  ib. 

.Murton,  460,  house,  ib. 

Nafferton,  371. 

Napoleon  and  Mr.  Silvertop,  354. 

Nesbit,  231. 

Nethertoo,  41. 

Netherwitton  chapelry,  155,  Thorntons 
of,  ib. 

Newbiggin  parochial  chapehy,  128. 
near  the  sea,  ib* 

Grunridge,  296. 

Newbum  par.385,  hoaae,  xb. 
Shotley  parish,  360,  Ords 


^      I 


of,  ib. 

Newbrough,  262,  lodge,  ib. 

Newbum  parish,  377^  village*  378, 
ditionary  tale  told  at,  ij^  battle  be- 
tween the  Scots  and  English  at,  37^,, 
haU,  382. 


INIWEX. 


519 


Newcastle  Marquis  of,  137* 
Newhanij  383. 
Newland8>  354 

Newminster^  200>  abbey,  201* 

Newsham,  424. 

Newton,  353,  hall,  ib. 

"■  park^  145. 

*  under  Wood,  146. 

Newtown,  79. 

Nixon  David,  247* 

North  Shielcb,  see  Shields* 

Norwood,  132. 

Nunnykiilc,  156,  hall  at,  ib. 

Niuuriding,  146. 

Niinwick  ball,  241. 

O^le  castle,  393,  lordriup^  rnxney  ef> 
ib.^ 

Captain,  or  Sir  Chal^mer^  SW.' 

Earl  of,  136i 

Lord  of  Harbottle,  47. 

Odes  of  Bothal,  132,  135,  of  eansejr 
Park,  laO,  of  EgliBghftm,  12,  of 
Ogle,  892. 

Ord,  Mr.  of  Gaunbo,  157- 

Ordesof  MovpetbaBd  Nttmryldilt,  466. 

Ovdley^297- 

Ords  of  Newbiggin,  360}  of  Whitfield, 
323i 

Otterbom,  90,  battle  at>  ibw  old  htSkA 
of  ditto,  91,  castle,  lOL 

Ottercops,  102. 

Ouslej,  157* 

Ouston,  231. 

Out-borough,  a  term,  meaning  of,  lift 

Ovlngham  pfvish,  361,  yilli^,  ib^  want 
of  a  bridse  at,  362. 

Ovinstoa,  §70^ 

Paramse,  406. 

Park  £nd>  241. 

PMton  Rev.  Robert,  101,  8S7. 

Pauperhaugh,  79. 

Pearl  Fell276. 

Peel  Staward  doi  316. 

Peels,  214. 

Pe^ioe,  35(3. 

Pegg  Mr.  322. 

Pegsworth,  137. 

Percy  Dr.  poem,  117- 

Percy's  Cross,  16. 

Petrifying  well,  259. 

PhiUips  Dorothy,  467: 

Philadelphia,  460. 

Pigdon,  147* 

Pi%rimage  of  Grace,  29^f 

Plen  MeUer,  318. 

Plessey,   399i  ^p«ats  ib.   Cheeks,  ih« 

New-hovses,  ib. 
Ponteland  parish^  387>  vilk^^  ibk 
Population,  remarks  on,  12& 
Portgate,  300. 
Pow-burni  20,  442. 
Prendwick,  23. 
Preston,  468. 

Preatwick,  388,  lodge,  itu  Carr,  ik 
Priest's  Seat,  296. 
Pringle  James,  451. 

TOL.  II. 


Priory  at  Hexham,  282^  at  Holysfone, 
45,  at  Tynemouth,  429. 

Prooolita,  261. 

Prudhqe  castle,  3&^,  Grose's  survey  of, 
3d3,  Umfranvillesof,  365,  villi^,  368. 

Pyes  of  Morpeth,  394. 

Quarry  bridge,  190. 

Queen's  cave,  293; 

Rae  Chester  camp,  207* 

Rail-road,  492. 

Raine  Rev.  James,  393. 

Ramsay  John,  459. 

468. 

Ramshope,  107- 

Ratcliffe  Charles,  340. 

family  of,  332. 

Rattenrew,  103. 

Raven's-hugh,  246. 

Ray  lordship,  205. 

Reaveley,  20. 

Rebellion  in  1715,  SS4. 

Redesdale,  85^  inhabitants  o^  80,  Ro- 
bin of,  2ia 

Redeswire  the,  107* 

R(9dheaid  Gawen,  the  freebooter,  79^ 

Reed  Archy,  246. 

—  Ralph,  ib. 

Robert  of  Widdrington,  12^. 

Reeds  of  Chipchase,  223|,  of  Tvm^h- 
end,  103. 

Reedsmouth,  223. 

Reformation  of  Henry  VIH.  296. 

Richardson  Joseph,  285. 

— — — ^  Matthew,  393; 

Mrs.  457. 

Wilfiam,  of  Shields,  449. 

Richley  John,  326. 

Riddle    Edward,    mathematidaii    at 
Greenwich,  214. 

Riddles  of  Swinbum  castle,  221. 

Riding,  etymon  of,  146. 

seat  of  Thomas  Dodd,  esq.  301. 
property  of  C.  Bacon,  esq.  349. 


^— IT 


Ridley>  311,  hall,  ib.  old;  353,  new,  ib. 

..— Dr.  Gloster,  315. 

*  Dr.  Nicholas,  312, 

M  James,  316. 

■  lisncelot,  D.  D.  314. 

Sir  Matthew  White,  397- 

—  Sir  Thomas,  knt.  LL.  D.  815, 
Ridleys  of  Bll^don,  pedigree  of,  399, 

of  Heaton,  477. 
Riot  at  Hexham,  294. 
Riplbgton,  393. 
Ri^n^am,  214,  Roman  antiquities  at, 

ib.  Kobin  of,  216. 
Ritchel  Geoi^,  280 
Riton  Colt  park,  157* 
Rlvergreen,  391 1 
Robin  Sheep's  cave,  478. 
Robbon  James,  69. 

^-^ p-  WiUiam,  of  Cambo,  163; 

Rochester,  104. 

Roddam,  7,  family  of,  ib.  Admiral^  me^ 

moir  of,  8. 
Roman  Wail,  in^;mentat  Denton;  386. 

6  O 


<  t  ;j  I  a :  t  It  w  I : 


I,  213* 


Rooke  Mr.  448. 

Rose's  Bower,  246.  holy  well  at,  ib. 
Rosedon,  6. 

Rothbury  parish,  50,  forest,  ib.  town, 

56,    etymon  of^    ib.    manor  of,   ib. 

^  church,  58,  rectory,  account  of,  60, 

common,  64,  inhabitants,  ib.  Old,  68« 

Rotheram  Rev.  John,  263. 

'  Thomas,  ib. 
■'  William,  ib. 

Rothley,   159,  castle,   160,  park,  ib, 

ponds,  161. 
Roxburghshire,  257- 
Roxby  Mr.  poem  by,  103. 
Ruff  hiU,  154. 
Ruftide,  35a 
Rumney  Bernard,  65. 
Rushworth  John,  379. 
Rutchester,  371. 
Rutherford  Will,  mal 
Ryal,  230. 
Rye  hill,  81. 

Ryle  Great  and  Little,  26. 
Sadler  John,  150. 
Saltwick,  398. 
Sanderson:  of  Ford,  482; 
Sandhoe,  299. 
Saugh  house,  163. 
Saxon  name,  46. 
Schawhope,  267« 
Sootchwood,  407. 
Scot's  Gap,  160. 
Scott  Dr.  James,  237*. 
Screenwood,  23. 
Scrog^  house,  464 
Scurr  Rev.  T.  272. 
Seaton  Bum  house,  462. 
'  Delaval,  418,  castle,  420,  cEa« 

pel,  ib.  437,  mausoleum,  420,  pedi« 

gree  of  the  Delavala  of,  ib.  cottage, 

424,  lodge,  ib. 

North,  128. 

Sluice,  417»  harbour  at,  ib. 


Segedi 

Seehill,  416,  tower,  ib. 

Selbys,  pedigree  of,  39. 

Sepulchral  remains,  remarks  on,  SS; 

Sewing  Shields,  S62,  castle,  ib. 

Shaftoe  ei&t,  170,  west,  171* 

Mr.  400. 

ShaAks  John,  of  Risin^am,  21S« 

Sharp  Dr.  Thomas,  6a 

—  Mary,  416.- 
■       Rev.  Df.  of  Hartbum,  reat'of,  159; 

Sharperton,  42.' 

Shaw  John,  999. 

Shawdcn,  24. 

Sheepwash,  137* 

Sheldon  Lough,  348. 

Shields  North,  440,  antiquities  fbwoA 
at,  442,  456,  streets,  444,  lifeboat, 
446,  chapels,  448,  dissenting  minis* 
ters  of,  ib.  library,  449,  dispensary, 
451,  royal  jubilee  school,  ib.  school  of 
industry,  ib.  trade,  458,  seamen  of, 
454,  water,  455/  bridge,  ib,  beoefii 


514 


INDEX. 


societies^  ib.  cham  bridge  projected 

at,  492. 
Shilvington,  202. 
Shipley,  20. 

8hippen  William,  esq.  475. 
Shipwreck  of  the  Catherine  at  Coquet 

Island,  121. 
Shitlineton  Hig^  and  Low,  246. 
Shorn  Gate,  305. 
Shortflat  tower,  175. 
Shot  tower,  406. 
Shotley  parish,  356,  Tillage,  357>  hall, 

ib.  bridge,  ib. 
Shotton,  399,  Edge,  ib. 
«  Rev.  John,  59. 

Silvertop  Mr.  conversation  with  Napo- 
leon, 354. 
Silvertops  of  Minster  Acres,  354. 
Simonbum  parish,  233,  rectory  of,  234, 

▼illac^,  135,  castle,  239. 
Simonside,  80. 
Sipton,  305. 

Skeleton  extraordinary,  330. 
Skeletons  dug  up  at  Shields,  445. 
Slaggyford,  320. 
Shd^  parish,  355,  village,  ib. 
Sledehoe,  207- 
Slyme-foot,  83. 
Smalesbum,  254. 
Smart  John,  esq.  18^  21,  70. 
Smith  Edward,  50. 
Smu^ler's  hole,  410. 
Snitter,  70. 
Snowden  Robert,  76. 
SnowhoDe,  medicinal  spring  at,  320. 
Sparke  Mrs.  405. 
Spearman  John,  160.  > 
■  Ralph,  antiquarian,  376. 

Robert,  458. 

Spearmans  of  Preston,  376. 

Spital  the,  295. 

'  Ovingham  parish,  371* 

Spittje  hill  house,  144. 

St.  Anthony's  478. 

St.  John  Lee  parish,  297^  churchy  ib. 

improvements  at,  ib. 
St.  John's  parish,  399. 
St.  Mary's  well,  416. 
St.  Oswald,  300,  chapel  at,  ib.  antiqui- 
ties at,  ib. 
St.  Oswin's,  432. 
St.  Peter's,  478. 
Stafford  Margaret,  399. 
Stagshaw  Ba!nk,  ^ir  i^t,  300. 

■  ■  Close  house,  ib. 
Stamfordham  parish,  225,  town,  226, 
*        vicars  of,  ib.  market  cross  at,  ib. 
Stanhope  park,  camps  at,  245. 
Stanners,  antiquities  found  at,  200. 
Stannington  parish,  394,  village,  395. 
Stanton,  153,  Fenwicks  of,  ib. 
Staward,  267* 
—— ^ —  de  Peel,  316. 
Stelling,  353. 
Stobswood,  132. 
Stocksfield  hall,  349. 


Stonecroft,  262. 

Stote's  hall,  475,  the  Stotes  of^  ib. 

Strathmore,  countess  of,  400. 

Sturton  Grange,  122. 

Styford,  349. 

Sugley,  382. 

Sunny-rig,  257* 

Surtees  l^omas,  331. 

Surtees'  History  of  Durham,  340,  369, 

458. 
Sweethope,  125. 

Swinbum  village,  220,  Little,  ib-  cas- 
tle, ib.  Riddks  of,  221. 

: Edward,  esq.  362. 

Henry,  200. 

of  York,  210. 

Swinbumes,  pedigree  of,  209  ^mansion 

of,  208. 
Talbot's  Land,  253. 
Tarset  hall,  252,  west,  253. 
Taylor  Henry,  453. 
Tecket,  waterfall  at,  240. 
Thirlwall,  308,  castle,  ib. 
Thockrington,  224,  hamlet,  ib. 
Thomlinson  Rev.  John,  monument,  59, 
benefactions,  ib.  remarks  on  the  rec- 
tory of  Rothbury,  60. 
Thomborough,  348. 
Thomaybum  parish^  i53,  hamlet,  ib. 
Thorngrafton,  311. 
Thornton,  158. 
Three  Mite  bridge,  471^  stone  pillar  at, 

472. 
Threepwood,  264. 
Thriston  wells,  159. 
Throddey,  383,  Fell,  ib. 
Throphill,  146. 
Thropton,  69. 
Thrum  the,  67- 

Tindale  Ward,  203,  north-east  division, 
ib.  north-west  ditto,  233,  west  ditto, 
30d,  east  ditto,  324.  • 
— —  Adam  de,  318. 

William,  or  Tyndale,  332. 

Titlington,  20. 
Todbum,  153. 
Tod  Law,  106. 
Togston,  124. 
Tone,  224. 
Tonridge,  161. 
Tosson  Oreat,  80,  Little,  81. 
Tower  Benwell,  404,  Cockle  Park,  149, 
Cockley,  302,  Corbridge,  326,  Craw- 
ley,  18,  Elsdon,  87,  Fenwick,  231, 
Halton,  347,   Harle,  206,  Heppie, 
75,     Hexham,    282,    Lilburn,    15, 
Longhorsley,     151,     Mitford,    139, 
Rutchester,  371.  Seghill,  416,  Short- 
flat,  175,  Welton,  371,  Whitton,  68, 
81. 
Tradition  of  Monk  Stone,  460. 
Tranwell,  202. 

Trevelyan,  W.  C.  of  Wallington,  157- 
Trevelyans,  family  of,  170. 
Trewick,  177- 
Trewitts  High  and  Low,  70,  house,  ib. 


Trftlington,  148. 

Trotter  Rev.  Robert,  185. 

Troughend,  103,  Reeds  of,  ib. 

Turner  A|in/  455. 

William,  182. 

Turpin's  hill,  377- 

Tutman's  hole,  322. 

Tweddle  John,  memoirs  of,  264. 

Tweedmouth,  481. 

Twizle,  202. 

Tynemouth  parish,  427,  etymon  of,  42S, 
antiquities  at,  ib.  priory  of,  429,  cas- 
tle, 432,  church,  433,  John  of,  ib.' 
light-house,  439,  town,  ib.  baths,  ib. 
barracks,  440,  chutcfa,  ib.  vicars  of, 
ib.  lodge,  455. 

Tyneside  Agricultural  Society,  362. 
;ham  parochial  chapelry,  131,  v£U 
i,  132,  Grange,  ib. 

Umfranville  Gilb^  de,  85. 

Robert  de,  46. 

Umfranvilles,  pedigree  of,  367* 

Unthank,  23,  hall,  ib. 

■  Shotley  parish,  357* 

Uraa,  remarks  on,  43,  fbundat  Glan- 
ton,  25,  Millfield,  43,  Aydon,  346, 
Benwell  405. 

Villiers  ColonelEdward,  437^  439. 

Vindobala,  371. 

Vindolana,  309. 

Walk  mill,  122. 

Walker,  463,  dean,  ib.  Old,  464. 

—  John,  405. 
Wall,  301. 

■  house,  358. 

—  town,  309. 

Wallace  Right  Hon.  Thomai^  317- 
Wallbottle,  383,  dean,  ib. 
Wallington,  163,  hall,  ib.  Fenwicks  of, 

164,    Blacketts,    pedigree  of,   166, 

Trevelyans  of,  170. 
Wallis«Rev.  John,  239. 

Richard,  264. 

Wallridge,  231. 

Wallsend  parish,  464,  village,  ib.  church, 

465,  colliery,  explosion  at,  466. 
Walwick  Grange,  260,  antiquities  at, 

ib. 
— — *—  Cheaters,  261,  antiquities  at, 

ib.  village,  ib. 
Wannie  C^ag,  207* 
Wansbeck,  178,  181. 
Warburton  John,  Mr.  James  Allan's 

account  of,  216. 
Ward  Edward,  358. 
Warden  parish,  258,  Nether,  259,  well 

at,  ib.  High,  260,  British  forts  at,  ib. 

story  tola  by  the  old  people  of,  370. 
'  Wardrew  Spa,  308. 
Wark  parish,  243,  village,  244,  anti- 
quities at,  ib.  camps  at,  245. 
Warkman  Rev.  Henry,  415. 
Warksbum,  246. 
Warkjirorth  parish,   109,    town,   110, 

bridge.  111,  fishery,  112,  castle,  ib. 

I^esent  state  of  ditto,  113,  Leland'g 


INDEX. 


515 


loconnt  of  dittos   116j  hennitage, 

117. 
Warmley  east  and  west^  263. 
Warriorsj  Cave  of  the  endianted^  262. 
Warton,  Jh 
Waterloo  place^  413. 
Watson  Dr.  Oeorge,  68. 
Waverley^  author  of>  326. 
Wealan^  of  Flotterton,  4S6. 
Weddell^  rostic  poet^  399. 
Weetslet,  462. 
Welhope-head,  305. 
Welton,  371,  tower,  ilj. 
West  Boat,  491. 
West  Moor,  462. 
Westgate,  409. 
Wethemstede  John,  433. 
Whale  caught  at  Linmouth,  127* 
Whalton  parish,  392,  village,  ib. 
Whelpington  west,  205. 
Whinetly,  267- 
Whitchester,  T.  W.  308. 

c.  w.  377. 

Whitfield  pariah,  333.  haU,  ib* 


Whitley,  T.  W.  296,  chapel  at,  ib.  cas- 
tle, 322. 

■  C.  W.  458,  park,  ib.  quar« 

ries,  459. 

Whitridge,  161. 

Whittingham  parish,  23,  village,  ib. 

Whittington  Little,  348,  Great,  ib. 

Whittle,  370,  dean,  ib. 

Thomas,  162. 

Whitton,  68,  village,  ib.  tower,  ib.  81, 
dean  lead-mine  at,  79. 

Whorlton,  385,  house,  ib. 

Widdrington  parochial  chapelry,  129, 
village,  ib.  castle,  ib.  £uxuly  of,  130. 

Sir  Thomas,  240. 

Wilfrid,  286. 

Wilkinson  William,  450. 

Willimoteswick,  312. 

Willington,  467,  houses  ib.  quay,  ib. 

Wincomblee,  463. 

Wingates,  153,  mineral  spring  at,  ib. 

Winter  William,  murder  committed 
by,  90. 

Witch  of  Edlingham,  33. 


Witch  of  Leeplish,  30. 

Wittonsiuels,  154. 

Wittonstall,  354. 

Wood  haU,  146. 

Woodbum  west,  213,  east,  214,  mathe- 
maticians at,  213. 

Woodcock  shot  at  Bates'  Island,  417* 

Woodhom  parish,  125,  town,  126. 

Woodhouse  Edward,  405. 

Woodlands  in  Northumberland,  85. 

Woodside,90. 

Wolsington  385,  family  of  Bells  of,  ib. 
scenery  at .  ib. 

Wooler,  chapel  at,  ^483. 

Wooperton,  I6. 

WooJdhave  William,  inventor  of  the 
life-boat,  447* 

WreighUl,  71- 

Wri^  A.  B.  271. 

Written  Crag  the,  301. 

Wylam,  371>  locomotive  engines  «t, 
372,  haU,  ib.  Bkcketts  of,  m 

York  New,  460. 


CORRECTIONS^  OMISSIONS,  AND  ADDITIONS  TO  VOI^.  U. 


PH^ 

*f^^L 

20 

17 

S3 

V 

ho 

12 

90 

41 

112 

20 

147 

15 

151 

SO 

152 

26 

156 

12 

157 

5 

177 

12 

206 

36 

212 

S9 

2S1 

1 

no 

21 

256 

6 

258 

10 

Ibr  Ord  ma  OMe. 

Sl4  eUewhexe,  tM  the  fin«)l«  ^  ^winJban. 
T  Barra  read  Barroic. 
for  French  read  Scotdi. 
for  Holy  Island  read  Coquek  Maud, 
for  Old  of  Nunnykirk,  read  Qrd&    Thisaaae  la  pp^  156  aad 

157  reqvnres  the  aanio  oonecti((Kh 
for  north-east  read  sot^th-^sytt* 
Lindon  read  Linden* 

for  second  Miss  Hiclcs  read  fBponjQy  Mus  Hitchini. 
for  Riton  read  Rittiui. 
for  Loraine  read  Monql^ 
for  Lord  Aynsley  read  Lo^  Cha()^.A7iislcy; 
for  Anna  rea4  Isabella.  39!^ 

for  north-west  read  north-cast.  [  46D 

for  Saturday  read  Wednesday, 
for  Pearl  read  PceL  4JK> 

for  C.  M.  Monck,.B|i|.  ir«l^&ir C  Vk  Monck,  Bart  | 


2S; 

2815 

30X 
310 
SU 
31S 

362 
371 
372 
306 


3 for MidiNad touth.    In Boia» for aavA 
15  for  Y^Mtk  tcad  Durham. 
33  for  Tweddle  read  Twedddl  x  also  in  page^31& 
39,  for  Cothbfrta  read  Cuthbertson. 

2  for  wesl  read  east. 

1  for  southern  read  western. 
25.  for  Gonwood  read  Coonwood. 
QOtfo  hfifore**  tfafis  gentleman**  add  **  the  undo  afi^' 

5  for  Bradlegr  nad  Bransby. 
29  for  Sussex  read  Essex,  see  Addenda, 
note,  for  Folkes,  read  Fawkeq. 
85  for  Ralph  Bates  read  J.  Bray;,  and  belMr,  for  *?•  Ht 

J..  T»  Bigge. 
23  for  Auflmst  18  read  April  18. 
Sll  for  ISO!  read  1802. 
33  for  Bleshia  read  Alica 
21  for  Laidhw  read 


11  North  and  South  Middleton  belong  to  the  Earl  of  TankervtUot  and 

Middleton  Hall  to  Greenwich  HospitaL 
88  What  is  said  here  of  the  schools  at  Ninebanki  and  Catshield  refers  to 

Allendale  parish. 
152  Todbum  consists  of  two  formbolds,  one  belonging  to  C.  W.  Bigge, 

Esq.  and  the  other  to  R.  De  Lisle,  Esq.  of  Acton, 
170  In  a  late  work  on  the  English  Baronetage,  Sir  John  Trerelyan  is 

stated  to  be  dead.    This  is  not  the  case. 
179  The  corporation  is  liable  to  the  repairs  of  the  bridge,  having  been 

found  guilty  of  not  repairing  it. 
230  Sir  C.  Monck,  Bart,  is  proprietor  of  part  of  BUM:k  Hedley. 

257  A  correspondent  suggests  that  Crtme'Ckugh  may  have  derived  its 

name  from  the  cranberry,  a  common  plant  in  that  part. 
252  Lee  ffott,  in  Bellingham  parish,  is  the  proper^  of  Robert  Charlton, 
Esq.    There  are  many  remains  of  the  large  iron  manufoctoiy  once 
carried  on  here,  where  also  the  proprietors  made  the  well-known 
tokens  called  Wood*s  Naffpenmes,    See  voL  L  p.  101. 

258  A  row  of  cottages  at  Haydon  Bridge,  belongmg  to  Shaftoe's  charity, 

i»  ooeupied  rent-free  by  poor  peoj^ 


page 

270  A  new  bridge  is  building  by  aubscription  across  the  conflaenee  of  the 
bums  in  GiUigatOi  T.  W.  Beaumont  has  subscEibe&  201.  and 
Greenwich  Hospital  10  guineas.  When  this  erectkm  is  finidied, 
this  street  will  form  the  principal  entrance  from  the  west. 

299  J.  Errington,  Esq.  is  the  sok  benefactor  to  Anick  schooL 

324  The  sdiool  at  Great  Whittington  has  just  been  rebuilt  by  subsaipiioa, 
James  Kirsbp,  Esq.  of  Spital,  who  is  proprietor  of  great  part  of  the 
township,  gives  an  annual  donation  of  5iL  to  the  master. 

359  Blanchland  vUlage  contains  40  houses.  A  school  for  boys  aitd  another 
for  girls  are  supported  by  the  trustees  of  Lord  Crewe.  The  abbey 
church  was  repaired  in  1818,  and  the  towers  of  the  abbey  have 
ceased  to  be  used  as  public  houses.  A  foir  is  held  here  jrearly,  on 
St  Bartholomew's  day, '  for  horses  and  cattle,  but  principally  for 
lambs. 

377  Lieutenant-colond  Bewick  left  no  issue.  He  is  sueoeeded  by  his  ne- 
phew, Calverly  Bewick,  Esq. 

459  A  small  chapel,  which  serves  as  a  school-hcose,  has  been  boih  st 
Cullercoats.  The  scite  was  given  by  his  Grace  the  Doke  of  Nonfa* 
umberland. 


DraECTIONS  FOR  PLACING  THE  PLATES. 


.  VOL.  I. 
Map  -        -        -        -        -        -        ..to  fooe  page  221 

Lindisfiffn  Abbey 316 

Bambrangh  Castia 403 

DunstanbuTgh  Castle    ...-^....        419 

View  of  Ahswick  Castle -448 

Inner  Ward  of  Ditto 451 

4lrinkbum  Prioiy -       -       •       493 


VOL.  IL 

Warkworth  Castle •      loitMep^IlS 

Rothal  Castle 133 

Plan  of  the  County  Gaol,  Ac         ......        188 

Choir  of  Hexham  Church      .*.-..         .276 
Portrait  of  the  Earl  of  Oerwentwater      •        ....        839 

PnidhoeCasde 362 

View  of  Seaton  Delaval 4t8 

Tynemouth  Priory       ••----••        43A 
Ground  Phui  of  Ditto,  &&  ,..»..        43| 


MACKSNZIB  AND  OENT,  PBINTSRB^ 
NSWCA8TLB.